The No. 1 Question That Anyone Working In Patio Door Lock Repair Should Know How To Answer
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors experience wear and tear that can lead to locks that fail. However, there are simple and efficient ways to restore your uPVC patio door's security.
These easy fixes can make your home safer no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the locking mechanism.
Clean the Lock
While patio doors are a great way to let in the outside and keep the elements out but they can also pose an issue for security when your lock isn't functioning as it should. With time, wear and tear, cold and hot weather dirt and debris could cause damage to your patio door's lock and make it difficult to open. With a little maintenance you can ensure that your patio door's locks always perform properly.
In the beginning, it's important to clean your patio door's lock and all its moving parts. This will help get rid of any grime or coatings that might be hindering your lock from functioning correctly. Start by wiping down all 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 any difficult-to-access areas of the door or frame that are ingrained with dirt. Then wipe the lock with a dry cloth to remove any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before you use it.
If your patio door has a pin-tumbler latch, you can lubricate it by applying powdered Graphite to the key. You can also use a Teflon lubricant such as WD-40 Multi Use Product. This type of lubricant is able to be applied quickly and does not dissolve over time. If you're unable to find the right lubricant to use with your lock, make use of a pencil with a larger tip. Insert the pencil in the lock, and shake it to distribute the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear from dust, dirt and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to snow, ice, and other debris, which can cause them block or become stuck. This could make it difficult for your patio door to open and shut.
Clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio doors by removing weather stripping that is dirty or damaged. Clean it, then replace it. The rollers for patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed down with an oil that is nonstick.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC French Doors, similar to sliding patios, are operated using 3 to 4, or sometimes 5 point locking mechanisms. They include the handle and lock cylinder that is operated by keys. They require maintenance and the lubrication of moving parts. This can be done using the use of a thin oil, but never WD40. It is recommended to do it at least once per year.
If the hinges aren't causing the problem, it could be that the door isn't aligned. It may be rubbing against or catching the strike plate's hole in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate and then use an abrasive chisel to increase the size of the mortise that it rests in. This will allow the latch to fit into the hole, and also prevent it from scratching against the frame.
Take a measurement of the length of the cylinder using an object 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 middle of the cylinder, while the inner dimension extends from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.
Check the width of the lock.
If your patio door latch is hard to turn even after cleaning and oiling it's possible that it's not aligned with the strike plate. Check to see if the door is balanced and whether the hinge screws are secure, but in many cases, moving the strike plate up or down can fix the issue.
Most of the time, the issue occurs when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this situation you'll have to increase the hole with either a hammer or chisel, and then test the latch to ensure that it connects to the strike plate in a smooth manner without rubbing against or landing on the door's frame jamb.
Before buying a replacement lock, it is important to determine what kind of mortise lock you have. You can do this by looking at the faceplate on the lock and determining whether it is square or round. Examine each screw hole on the current lock and note the size. This will enable you to find an alternative lock that is exactly the same size and fits into your existing hole.
You'll want to identify the mortise lock and inspect it for bends, scratches or other damage that needs to be repaired. A badly damaged or bent latch is more likely break than one that's been frequently used, so be sure to replace the lock with a brand new one that is secure if you find any signs of damage or wear.
Once you've decided on the kind of lock replacement that you require, it's now time to begin the actual repair. Take the old handle and spindle from your patio door, and then insert the new one. Begin by installing the handle in the interior and aligning it with the spindle and then fixing it by using the two bolts or screws which hold it. Once the handle's interior is installed, you can install the exterior handle and screw it in place as well. Once you have completed these steps, test the handles to make sure that they open and shut easily and that the latch works correctly with the strikeplate.
Check please click the next webpage 's Strike
The door latch and strike plate are two parts of the lock that work to ensure that the latch locks the door. If they are not aligned properly and the latch doesn't latch the door shut properly. This issue is usually simple to solve.
Check the receiving holes of the strike plate to make sure they are clear of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Release the screws that hold the strike plate in place. This allows it to move vertically, but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Then, you can adjust the strike plate to ensure that its receiving holes align with the latch hooks on 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, however they are essential for locking and unlocking your door. These metal plates are located at the top and bottom jambs of the door, where they support its latch. Then, the door latch slides into the strike plate, creating an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not installed correctly, it can hinder the latch from locking the door securely.
One common reason for an outdoor door lock to not close or not close is a misalignment of the latch and the strike plate. This can be confirmed using the "lipstick" test. Apply some lipstick across the edge of the deadbolt and then cover it with masking tape. When you close the door, the lipstick will leave an impression on the tape that will show exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low it is possible to alter the strike plate.
If your sliding patio door locks are not working properly, they can keep your home secure from intruders. You must repair the issue as soon as possible. Follow these steps to fix your patio door lock and restore its function.