Ten Things You Learned In Kindergarden That'll Help You With Patio Door Lock Repair
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio door wear and tear can cause lock malfunctions. There are a few simple steps you can follow to ensure the security of your uPVC door.
These simple fixes will make your home safer regardless of whether you re-align the lock or clean the locking mechanism.
Clean the Lock
Although patio doors are a great option to let in the outside and keep out the elements but they can also pose security risks when your lock isn't functioning as it should. Over time, wear, tear, cold and hot weather, dirt, and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. Fortunately, with a little maintenance you can ensure that your patio door's locks will always work properly.
It's crucial to clean the lock on your patio door and all its moving parts. This will help get rid of any grime or coatings that could be preventing your lock from functioning correctly. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a damp cloth, then employ a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any difficult-to-access parts of the door and frame that are coated with dirt. Then wipe the lock with a dry towel to get rid of any remaining moisture. Let it air dry before you use it.
If you have an outdoor door that has a pin tumbler latch mechanism, you can lubricate the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or applying a lubricant made of Teflon, like WD-40 Multi-Use. This kind of lubricant is easy to apply and it doesn't dissolve with time. If you are unable to locate the right lubricant for your needs You might use a pencil with an extremely thick tip. Insert the pencil in the lock, then shake it around to spread the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also essential to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free of dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks are especially vulnerable to snow and ice which can cause them to be stuck or jammed, making it harder for your patio doors to open and close.
Tracks for sliding patio doors and rollers can be cleaned by removing any damaged or dirty weather stripping and cleaning them before replacing it. Patio door rollers can also be cleaned and sprayed with a nonstick lubricant.
Lubricate the Moving Parts
uPVC French Doors, similar to sliding patios, are operated by using 3 to 4 or occasionally 5 points locking mechanisms. This includes the handle and lock cylinder which is operated by the key. They require maintenance and lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished with an oil that is thin but not WD40. click here to read should be done at least once a year.
If sagging hinges aren't the cause, the door could be misaligned and catching or hitting the strike plate hole in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate and use an abrasive chisel to increase the size of the mortise it rests in. This allows the latch to sit perfectly in the hole, and also prevents rubbing or catching on the frame.
When the cylinder is out of the way, measure its width with the help of a book or piece wood that will fit in the gap of adjustment screw above the lock. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of door to the center of cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw to the end cylinder.
Check the lock's length
If your patio door latch is hard to turn even after oiling and cleaning it could be because it's not aligned properly with the strike plate. Check if your door is in a balanced position, and if the hinge screws are secure. In many cases, however, simply moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can solve the issue.
Most of the time, the issue occurs when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to engage. In this case, enlarge the opening using the hammer and chisel. Then, test the latch to ensure that it doesn't rub against the jamb frame of the door or fall on it.
You should identify the type mortise lock that you have before buying an alternative. This can be done by looking at the end faceplate and determining if it is round or square. Then, take a look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the size of each. This information will help you find a replacement that is the same size and is a perfect fit for your existing hole.
In addition to identifying the current mortise lock, you'll also need to check it for any nicks or bends that may need repairing. A badly damaged or bent latch is more likely to break than one that's been used much, so be sure to replace the lock with a brand new one that is secure when you spot any indications of wear or damage.
After you've determined the type of lock replacement you require, it's now time to start the actual repair. Remove the handle and spindle from the patio door, and then put in the new one. Begin by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it in by using two bolts or screws. Once the interior handle is installed, put in the exterior handle and screw it into place as well. Once you've completed these steps then you can test the new handles to ensure that they can be opened and closed easily and that the latch is catching correctly when you strike the plate.
Check the Strike of the Door.
The door latch and strike plate are the two components of the lock that work to ensure that the latch locks the door. If these parts aren't aligned correctly, the latch won't latch the door properly. This problem is usually very simple to fix.
Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to ensure they are clear of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Remove the screws that hold the strike plate. This will allow it to move vertically, but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Adjust the strike plate to align its receiving holes with the latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted tighten the screws, and test the door to see whether it locks smoothly after the new adjustment.
Door strike plates can be difficult to locate for homeowners with sliding patio doors, but they're essential for locking and unlocking your door. These metal plates are usually located on the top and bottom of the door jamb where they support the door's latch. The door latch slides into the strike plate and forms the seal. If the strike plate is damaged or rusted, or if it is not installed correctly the latch may not lock the door properly.
One of the most common reasons for a patio door lock to not close or not close is a misalignment between the latch and strike plate. The easiest way to check for this is with the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt, and then attach masking tape over it. The lipstick will leave a mark when you shut the door. This will indicate exactly where the latch joins the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high you can easily adjust the strike plate.
If your patio door locks for sliding are not working properly they could be a problem in keeping your home safe from burglars. You need to fix this problem as soon as you can. Follow these easy steps to fix your patio door lock and restore its functionality.