The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Patio Door Lock Repair
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio door wear and tear could cause lock malfunctions. However, there are simple and efficient methods that can restore your uPVC patio door's security.
These quick fixes can make your home safer regardless of whether you re-align the lock or clean the locking mechanism.
Clean the Lock
While patio doors are an excellent way to let the outside in and keep the elements out but they can also pose an issue for security in the event that your lock isn't operating as it should. Over time, wear and tear, cold and hot weather dirt, and other debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little care you can ensure that the lock on your patio door is always working in a proper manner.
It's important to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This helps remove any dirt and coatings that could be preventing the lock from functioning as it should. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts of your patio door's lock with a damp cloth, then employ a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub the hard-to-reach areas of the door and frame that are covered in dirt. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock using dry cloth to get rid of any remaining dampness, and allow it to air dry prior to using it again.
If you have an outdoor door that has pin tumbler latch mechanisms You can grease the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or using a Teflon-based lubricant such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant is easy to apply, and it doesn't dissolve over time. If you're not able to find an appropriate lubricant, you could use a pencil with a thick tip. Put the pencil in the lock, and shake it to distribute the graphite.
Sliding patio door tracks also require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dirt, dust, and debris. These tracks are especially vulnerable to snow and ice which can cause them to be stuck or jammed and make it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.
You can clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio doors by removing weather stripping that is dirty or damaged. Clean it, and then replace it. Patio door rollers can also be cleaned and sprayed down with an oil that is nonstick.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC French Doors, similar to sliding patios, operate using 3 to 4, or sometimes 5 points locking mechanisms. These include the handle and lock cylinder that is operated with keys. These doors also require maintenance, including lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done using an oil that is thin (never WD40) and is recommended to be done at least once per year.
If sagging hinges aren't a cause, the door may be skewed and catch or hitting the strike plate hole in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate and then use an abrasive chisel, which will enlarge the mortise it rests in. This will permit the latch to fit into the hole and stop it from hitting the frame.
Take a measurement of the width of the cylinder with a piece of book or wood that fits into the gap above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the center of the cylinder, and the inner measurement runs from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.
Check the lock's length
If your patio door latch isn't able to turn even after oiling and cleaning it's possible that it's not aligned with the strike plate. Verify that the door is properly balanced and that the hinge screws are tight. In a lot of cases, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards will fix the problem.
Most of the time, the issue occurs when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to engage. In this situation, you need to widen the opening using the hammer and chisel. Then, test the latch to ensure it doesn't rub against the door jamb frame or catch on it.
It is important to identify the type of mortise lock that you have before purchasing a replacement. 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 dimensions of each. This will aid you in finding an alternative lock that is the same width and is a perfect fit for your existing hole.
You'll need to identify the mortise lock and inspect it for scratches, bends, or other damage that need to be fixed. patio door repair near me damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that's frequently used to break. Replace the lock if you notice signs of damage.
After you've examined the lock and identified which kind of replacement you require, it's time to start working on the actual repair. Take the old handle and spindle from your patio door, and then put in the new one. Start by installing the inside handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it into by using two screws or bolts. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. After you've completed the steps, you can test the new handles to ensure they can be opened and closed easily and that the latch catches correctly when you strike the plate.
Make sure you check the Strike of the door.
The door latch and strike plate are two parts of the lock that work together to ensure that the latch is secure the door. If they are not aligned properly, the latch won't latch the door properly. Fortunately, this issue is often easy to fix.
First, inspect the strike plate's receiving holes to ensure they are clear of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Release the screws that hold the strike plate in position. This allows it to move vertically but not separate it from the frame. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its receiving holes with the latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted tighten the screws, and test the door to see if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However they are crucial for locking and unlocking your door. The metal plates are situated at the top and bottom jambs of your door, where they support its latch. Then, the door latch slides into the strike plate, creating a seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or is not properly installed the latch might not properly lock the door.
One of the most common reasons for a patio door lock to not close or not close is a misalignment of the latch and the strike plate. This can be verified using the "lipstick" test. Rub some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt, then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave the mark when you shut the door. This will reveal exactly where the latch joins the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low, you can easily alter the strike plate.
If your patio door locks for sliding aren't functioning properly they can help keep your home secure from intruders. It is imperative to repair the issue as soon as possible. Follow these easy steps to repair your patio door lock and restore it's functionality.