The Biggest Problem With Patio Door Lock Repair, And How To Fix It
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, wear and tear could cause lock malfunctions. There are a few simple steps you can follow to ensure the security of your uPVC door.
If it's resetting the lock or cleaning the mechanism for locking, these quick fixes can help you make your home more secure.
Clean the Lock
While patio doors are a great option to bring the outside in and keep the elements out but they can also pose a security risk when your lock isn't functioning as it should. Over time wear and tear extreme cold and hot weather dirt and debris could affect the lock of your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little care you can ensure that your lock for your patio door always works correctly.
It's important to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This helps to remove any dirt and coatings that could be preventing the lock from functioning in the way it should. Start by wiping all the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a damp cloth. Then apply a scouring pad or a damp, rough cloth to scrub the dirt-infested parts of the door and frame. Then, wipe the entire lock with dry cloths to eliminate any remaining dampness and allow it to air dry before using it again.
If you have an outdoor door that has a pin tumbler latch mechanism it is possible to apply lubrication to the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or applying a lubricant made of Teflon, like WD-40 Multi-Use. This kind of lubricant can be applied easily and does not dissolve over time. If you're unable find the correct lubricant for your lock, apply a pencil that has a more of a thicker tip. Place the pencil in the lock and jiggle it around to distribute the graphite.
Tracks for sliding patio doors require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dirt, dust and other debris. These tracks are particularly vulnerable to snow, ice and other particles, which can cause them block or become stuck. This can make it difficult for your patio door to open and close.
Sliding patio door track rails and rollers can be cleaned by removing dirty or damaged weather stripping, cleaning them, then reinstalling it. The rollers of patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed with an oil that is nonstick.
Lubricate the Moving Parts
uPVC French doors, like sliding patios, are operated with 3 to 4 or sometimes 5 points locking mechanisms. These include the handle and lock cylinder which is operated by keys. They require maintenance and lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done with the use of a thin oil however, never WD40. This should be done every year, at a minimum.
If hinges that are sagging aren't the cause, the door may be misaligned and catching or hitting the strike plate hole in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate and then use a sharp chisel to enlarge the mortise that it rests in. This will allow the latch to fit properly into the hole, and also prevent it from rubbing against the frame.
Take a measurement of the width of the cylinder with the help of a piece of wood or a book 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, while the inner dimension extends from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.
Check the lock's width
If your patio door latch is difficult to turn even after cleaning and oiling it could be because it is not aligned with the strike plate. Examine if the door is balanced and whether the hinge screws are secure however, in many instances, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can correct the issue.
The latch may not be able to engage properly if the strike of the lock is too small. In this instance you'll have to increase the hole with a chisel or hammer and then test the latch to ensure that it is able to engage the strike plate without rubbing against or getting caught on the door's frame jamb.
Before you purchase a replacement lock, first determine the mortise type of lock you have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate on the lock and determining whether it is round or square. Look at each screw hole in the existing lock and note the size. This will help you to locate an alternative lock that is exactly the same width and will fit in the hole you have already.
You'll need to identify the mortise lock, and then examine it for any scratches, bends, or other damage that need to be fixed. A badly damaged or bent latch is more likely to break than one that hasn't been used much, so be sure to replace the lock with a brand new secure and safe version when you spot any indications of damage or wear.
After you've determined the type of lock replacement that you require Now it's time to start the actual repair. Remove the handle and spindle out of your patio door, and then put in the new one. Start by putting in the interior handle and aligning it with the spindle and then fixing it with the two screws or bolts which hold it. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. Once you've completed these steps you can test the new handles to ensure they are able to open and close with ease and that the latch is catching correctly when you strike the plate.
Make sure the door's strike is checked
The strike plate and door latch are two parts that work together to secure the door. A misaligned strike plate or door latch will result in the latch not being able to latch the door in a proper manner. This issue is usually easy to fix.
Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to ensure they are clear of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Remove the screws that hold the strike plate. This allows it to move horizontally, but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Then, adjust the strike plate to ensure that its holes for receiving align with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate has been adjusted tighten all screws and test to see if the door closes smoothly.
Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to access for homeowners with sliding patio doors, however they are essential to lock and unlock your door. The plates made of metal are located at the top and bottom jambs of the door, where they support its latch. The door latch slides into the strike plate to form an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not installed correctly, it may prevent the latch from locking the door securely.
The most common reason for the patio door lock to stick or not close is a misalignment between the latch and strike plate. The easiest way to check for this is to perform the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt and put masking tape on it. patio door repairs near me will leave a mark when you shut the door. This will reveal exactly where the latch connects to 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 aren't functioning properly they can help keep your home secure from intruders. It is imperative to resolve this issue as quickly as possible. By following these easy steps, you'll be able to fix your patio door's lock and regain its functionality within a short time.