Where Is Patio Door Lock Repair Be 1 Year From Today?
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors undergo wear and tear which can result in lock malfunctions. There are fortunately, a number of simple and effective ways to restore your uPVC patio door's security.
It's about realigning the lock or cleaning the mechanism for locking these simple fixes will increase the security of your home.
Clean the Lock
Although patio doors are an excellent way to let in the outside and keep out the elements however, they can also pose a security risk when your lock isn't functioning as it should. Over sliding patio door lock repair , wear and tear, cold and hot weather dirt, and other debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. Fortunately, with a little maintenance you can make sure that the locks on your patio door always perform effectively.
It is essential to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This will help to remove any dirt or coatings that could be preventing the lock from working effectively. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts of your patio door lock with a damp cloth. Then, use a scouring cloth or rough damp cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the frame and door. You should then wipe down the entire lock with a dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness and allow it to air dry before making use of it again.
If you have an outdoor door that has a pin tumbler latch mechanism, you can apply lubrication to the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or using an lubricant based on Teflon like WD-40 Multi-Use. This type of lubricant is able to be applied quickly and doesn't dissolve over time. If you're not able to locate the right lubricant for your needs you can use a pencil with an extremely thick tip. Put the pencil in the lock, then shake it around to spread the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free from dust, dirt and debris. These tracks are particularly vulnerable to ice, snow, and other debris, which can cause them jam or bind. This can 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 weather stripping that is damaged or dirty and cleaning them before installing it. The rollers for patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed down with an oil that is non-stick.
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 a key. They require maintenance and oiling of the moving parts. This can be done with an oil that is thin however, never WD40. It should be done every year, at a minimum.
If sagging hinges aren't the cause, the door may be misaligned and catching or rubbing against the strike plate hole in the frame. Take off the strike plate and employ a sharp tool enlarge its mortise. This will permit the latch to fit into the hole and prevent it from rubbing against the frame.
Measure the length of the cylinder using a piece of wood or a book that is able to fit into the space above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the middle of the cylinder. the inner dimension extends 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 oiling and cleaning it's possible that it is not aligned with the strike plate. Verify that the door is balanced and if the hinge screws are secure however, in many instances shifting the strike plate up or down can fix the issue.
The latch might not work properly if the strike of the lock is too small. In this case, you'll need to enlarge the hole with the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to ensure that it connects to the strike plate smoothly without rubbing against or getting caught on the door's frame jamb.
Before buying a replacement lock, first determine what kind of mortise lock you have. This can be done by taking a look at the faceplate of the lock and determining if it is square or round. Take a look at each screw hole on the current lock and note their dimensions. This will help you find an alternative lock that is the same width and fits perfectly into your existing hole.
You'll want to identify the mortise lock and inspect it for any bends, scratches or other damage that needs to be fixed. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that's frequently used to break. Replace the lock if it shows signs of damage.
Once you've checked the lock and decided on the type of replacement you'll need then it's time to begin working on the actual repair. Take the old handle and spindle from your patio door, and then install the new one. Start by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it in position using two screws or bolts. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. Once you have completed these steps, test the handles to make sure that they can be shut and open easily and that the latch is in contact properly with the strikeplate.
Check the door's Strike
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 these parts aren't aligned correctly and the latch doesn't latch the door shut properly. Fortunately, the issue is often easy to fix.
First, inspect the holes in the strike plate's receiving to ensure that they are free of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the screws that secure the strike plate in place, allowing it to move vertically but not separating it from the frame of the door. 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 test the door to determine whether it shuts easily with the new adjustment.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However, they are essential for locking and unlocking your door. These metal plates are usually located on the top and bottom of the door jamb, where they support the door's latch. The door latch is placed on the strike plate to form a seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not installed correctly, it may prevent the latch from locking the door securely.
A misalignment of the strike plate and latch is one common cause for a patio lock to not close or remain in place. The most effective way to test for this is with the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick on the edge of the deadbolt and put masking tape on it. When you shut the door, the lipstick will leave an impression on the tape that will show exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high it is possible to alter the strike plate.
If your sliding patio door locks are not working properly they could be a problem in keeping your home safe from burglars. You need to repair the issue as soon as you can. Follow these simple steps to fix your patio door lock and restore its function.