The No. One Question That Everyone Working In Patio Door Lock Repair Needs To Know How To Answer
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, the wear and tear can lead to lock malfunctions. There are fortunately, a number of simple and efficient steps that can help restore your uPVC patio door's security.
These simple fixes will make your home safer no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the mechanism.
Clean the Lock
Although patio doors are a great way to bring the outside in and keep the elements out, they can also be a security risk if your lock isn't working as it should. With 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 make sure that the lock on your patio door always functions properly.
In the beginning, it's crucial to clean your patio door's lock and all of its moving parts. This will help remove any coatings or dirt that could be preventing the lock from working correctly. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a damp cloth. Then apply a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the door frame and frame. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock using a dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness and let it to air dry before making use of it again.
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 oil like WD-40 Multi Use Product. This type of lubricant can be easy to apply and it doesn't dissolve with time. If you're unable find the correct lubricant for your lock, make use of a pencil with a thicker tip. Place the pencil in the lock and jiggle it around a bit to spread the graphite.
Tracks for sliding patio doors require regular maintenance to ensure they're free of dust, dirt, and debris. They are particularly susceptible to snow, ice and other particles, which can cause them get stuck or to bind. This could make it difficult for your patio door to be opened and closed.
The sliding rails of the patio door track and rollers can be cleaned by removing dirty or damaged weather stripping, cleaning them, then reinstalling it. The rollers for 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 using 3 to 4, or sometimes 5 points locking mechanisms. They include the handle and lock cylinder which is operated by keys. These doors also need 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 the cause, the door could be skewed and catch or striking the strike plate hole within the frame. Remove the strike plate and employ a sharp tool expand its mortise. This allows the latch to sit properly in the hole and avoids getting caught or rubbing against the frame.
Take a measurement of the length of the cylinder using the help of a piece of wood or a book that can be inserted 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 measurement runs from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.
Verify 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 out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Verify that the door is balanced, and that the hinge screws are tight. In many instances, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can solve the issue.
The most common issue is when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to engage. In this instance you'll need to expand the hole using the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to ensure that it connects to the strike plate without rubbing against or getting caught on the frame of the door jamb.
patio door repair near me must identify the kind of mortise lock that you have before buying the replacement. You can do this by looking at the faceplate on the lock and determining if it is round or square. Then, take a look at the screw holes on the existing lock and note the size of each. This will help you to locate a replacement lock that is the exact same width and fits into the hole that you already have.
In addition to identifying the current mortise lock you'll also want to inspect it for any bends or scratches that might require repair. A bent or damaged latch is more likely to break than one that's been used much, so be sure to replace the lock with a brand new secure and safe version if you find any signs of wear or damage.
Once you've checked the lock and identified which kind of replacement you require, it's time to start working on the actual repair. Remove the handle and spindle from your patio door, and then insert the new one. Start by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it into by using two bolts or screws. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. Once you've completed these steps then you can test the new handles to make sure they can be opened and closed easily and that the latch is catching correctly with the strike plate.
Check the door's Strike
The door latch and strike plate are two components of the lock that work to ensure the latch secures the door. If these are misaligned and the latch isn't latching the door shut correctly. This is typically simple to fix.
Check the receiving holes of the strike plate to make sure they are free of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Release the screws that hold the strike plate. This allows it to move horizontally, 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 then tighten all screws, and test to see whether the door closes smoothly.
Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to access for homeowners who have sliding patio doors, but they are essential for locking and unlocking your door. The plates made of metal are located at the top and bottom jambs of the door, where they serve as the support for the latch. The door latch is inserted into this strike plate and creates a seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not properly installed, it could prevent the latch from locking the door securely.
One of the most common reasons for an outdoor door lock to become stuck or not close is a misalignment of the latch and the strike plate. The easiest method to check for this is with the "lipstick test." Apply some lipstick on the edge of the deadbolt, and then put masking tape on it. The lipstick will leave an impression when you shut the door. This will indicate exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low it is possible to adjust the strike plate.
The sliding patio door locks protect your home from burglars. If they're not functioning properly, you need to solve the issue fast. Follow these simple steps to repair your patio door lock and restore it's function.