Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio doors experience wear and tear that can lead to lock malfunctions. There are a few basic steps you can take to restore the security of your uPVC door.

Whether it's realigning the lock or cleaning the mechanism that locks these simple fixes will help you make your home more secure.

Clean the Lock

Patio doors are ideal for bringing the outdoors inside and keeping out the elements. However they can pose risky for security when the lock isn't functioning properly. Over time, 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 care, you can ensure your patio door's locks will always work effectively.

To begin with, it's essential to clean your patio door's lock and all its moving parts. This will help get rid of any coatings or dirt that may be preventing your lock from functioning properly. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts on the lock for your patio door with an aqueous cloth. Then, use a scouring cloth or a damp, rough cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the frame and door. Then, wipe the entire lock with dry cloth to get rid of any remaining dampness and let it to air dry before applying it to the next time.

If your patio door is equipped with 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 can be applied easily and will not disintegrate over time. If you're not able to locate an appropriate lubricant You can try using a pencil with an extremely sharp tip. Place the pencil in the lock and move it around a bit to distribute the graphite.

Tracks for sliding glass patio doors repair patio doors require regular maintenance to ensure they're free of dirt, dust and other debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to ice and snow, which could cause them to become stuck or slack which makes it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.

Tracks for sliding patio doors repair doors and rollers can be cleaned by removing weather stripping that is damaged or dirty and cleaning them before installing it. The rollers of patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed down with a nonstick lubricant.

Lubricate the Moving Parts

uPVC French doors, like sliding patios, are operated using 3 to 4, or sometimes, 5 point locking mechanisms. This includes the lock cylinder and handle which is operated by keys. They also require maintenance, specifically lubrication on the moving parts. This can be accomplished with an oil that is thin but not WD40. This should be done at least once per year.

If hinges that are sagging aren't the reason, the door could be skewed and catch or rubbing against the strike plate's hole in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate and then use an abrasive chisel, which will enlarge 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.

Find the diameter of the cylinder using an object 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 center of the cylinder, and the inner dimension runs 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 difficult 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 in a balanced position, and if the hinge screws are tight. In most cases, however, simply moving the strike plate upwards or downwards will fix the problem.

Oftentimes, the problem occurs when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to engage. In this instance, you can widen the opening with an hammer and chisel. Then test the latch so that it does not rub against the jamb frame of the door or get caught the frame.

Before you purchase a replacement lock, you should first determine the mortise type of lock you have. You can do this by looking at the faceplate on the lock and noting if it is round or square. Take a look at each screw hole in the existing lock and note their dimensions. This will help you to find an alternative lock that is exactly the same width and will fit in the hole that you already have.

In addition to identifying the current mortise lock, you'll also need to check it for any bends or scratches that may require repairing. A damaged or bent latch is more likely to break than one that's been utilized often, so make sure to replace the lock with a new, secure version in the event you notice any signs of wear or damage.

Once you've inspected the lock and decided on the type of replacement you'll need, it's time to start working on the actual repair. The old handle and spindle should be removed from the doorway to the patio. Install the new handle. Start by installing the inside handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it into place using the two screws or bolts. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. Once you have completed these steps check the handles to make sure they can be shut and open easily and that the latch engages correctly with the strikeplate.

Check the door's Strike

The door latch and strike plate are the two components of the lock that work together to ensure that the latch locks the door. A misaligned strike plate or door latches can result in the latch not being able to latch the door properly. Fortunately, this issue is usually easy to correct.

First, examine the strike plate's receiving holes to ensure that they are clear of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Loosen the keeper screws holding the strike plate. This will allow it to move horizontally, but not separate it from the frame. Then adjust the strike plate to ensure that its receiving holes align with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate has been adjusted then tighten all screws, and test if the door closes smoothly.

Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to locate for homeowners with sliding patio repair near me doors, but they're crucial to lock and unlock your door. The metal plates are typically located on the top and bottom of the door jamb, where they serve as the door's latch. The door latch slides onto the strike plate, and it creates the seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not installed correctly, it can stop the latch from locking the door securely.

A misalignment of the latch and strike plate is a common reason for the patio lock not to close or stick. This can be confirmed using the "lipstick" test. Rub some lipstick across the edge of the deadbolt and then cover it with masking tape. When you shut the door the lipstick will leave an impression on the tape that will show exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high, you can easily alter the strike plate.

If your sliding patio door locks repair door locks are not working properly they could be a problem in keeping your home secure from intruders. It is imperative to fix this problem as soon as you can. Follow these easy steps to repair your patio door lock and restore it's functionality.