The Most Hilarious Complaints We've Received About Patio Door Lock Repair
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors undergo wear and tear that could cause lock malfunctions. However, there are simple and efficient steps that can help restore your uPVC patio door's security.
These easy fixes can make your home safer, whether you realign the lock or clean the mechanism.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are great for letting the outdoors inside and keeping the elements out. However they can pose risky for security if the lock doesn't work properly. Over time wear and tear, hot and cold weather dirt and debris could take their toll on the lock on your patio door and make it difficult to open. With a little effort you can ensure that your lock for your patio door is always working properly.
To begin with, it's crucial to clean your patio door's lock and all of its moving parts. This will help to remove any dirt or coatings that might be hindering the lock from working correctly. Start by wiping down the moving parts of the lock for your patio door using a damp cloth. then use a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub the hard-to-reach areas of the door or frame that are covered in dirt. Then, wipe the entire lock using a dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness and let it to dry completely before applying it to the next time.
If your patio door uses pin-tumbler latches You can lubricate it by applying powdered graphite to the key. You can also apply a Teflon lubricant such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant can be easy to apply, and it doesn't dissolve over time. If you are unable to find the right lubricant to use with your lock, you can make use of a pencil with a more of a thicker tip. Put the pencil in the lock, and shake it around to distribute the graphite.
The tracks for sliding patio doors 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 could cause them to be stuck or jammed, making it harder for your patio doors to open and close.
The sliding rails of the patio door track and rollers can be cleaned by removing weather stripping that is damaged or dirty and cleaning them before reinstalling it. Patio door rollers can also be cleaned and sprayed 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 point locking mechanisms. These include the handle and lock cylinder that is operated by keys. They also require maintenance, including lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done with a thin oil (never WD40) and should be done every year.
If the hinges aren't causing the problem it could be because the door is misaligned. It may be rubbing against or catching the strike plate's hole in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate and use an abrasive chisel, which will enlarge the mortise it rests in. This allows the latch to fit correctly in the hole and prevents getting caught or rubbing against the frame.
While the cylinder is out of the way and out of the way, measure its width using a book or piece of wood that can fit into the adjustment screw gap above the lock. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the middle of the cylinder, and the inner dimension runs from the center of the adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder.
Check the lock's width
If your patio door latch isn't able to turn even after cleaning and lubricating, it's possible that it's not in alignment with the strike plate hole. Make sure that your door is in a balanced position, and that the hinge screws are tight. In a lot of instances, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can solve the issue.
Oftentimes, the problem occurs when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this instance you'll need to expand the hole using a chisel or hammer and then test the latch to make sure that it connects to the strike plate in a smooth manner without rubbing against or getting caught on the door's frame jamb.
Before you purchase a replacement lock, you should first determine what kind of mortise lock you have. You can do this by looking at the faceplate of the lock and determining whether it is square or round. Examine each screw hole on the current lock and note the size. This will aid you in finding a replacement that is the same width and is a perfect fit for the hole that you already have.
In addition to identifying the mortise lock that is currently in use, you should also examine it for any bends or scratches that may require repairing. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that has frequently used to break. Replace the lock if you notice indications of damage.
Once you've inspected the lock and identified which type of replacement you need, it's time to start working on the actual repair. The old spindle and handle should be removed from the patio door. Introduce the new handle. Start by putting in the handle inside and aligning it with the spindle, and then securing it in place by using the two screws or bolts which hold it. Once the handle's interior is in, install the handle on the outside and screw it into place, too. After you've completed the steps, you can test the new handles to ensure they open and close easily and that the latch catches correctly when you strike the plate.
Make sure the door's strike is checked
The strike plate and door latch are two components which work together to lock the door. If they are not aligned properly and the latch isn't latching the door properly. Fortunately, this problem is usually easy to correct.
Check the holes for receiving of the strike plate to ensure they are free of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the keeper screws that keep the strike plate in place and allow it to move horizontally, but not removing it from the door frame. Then, you can adjust the strike plate so that its holes for receiving are aligned with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted, tighten the screws and then test the door to see if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However balcony door repair are crucial for locking and unlocking your door. These metal plates are located on the top and bottom jambs of the door where they support its latch. Then, the door latch slides into the strike plate to form a seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not installed correctly, it can stop the latch from locking the door securely.
One of the most common reasons for a patio door lock to not close or not close is a misalignment between the latch and the strike plate. The easiest way to check for this is with the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt, 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 it is possible to adjust the strike plate.
Sliding patio door locks help keep your home safe from burglars, and if they're not functioning properly, you need to solve the issue fast. By following these easy steps, you can repair the lock on your patio door and regain its functionality in a matter of minutes.