Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, the wear and tear can cause lock malfunctions. There are fortunately, a number of simple and effective steps that can help restore your uPVC patio door's security.

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 great for bringing the outdoors inside and keeping out the elements. However, they can be an issue for security when the lock isn't functioning properly. 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 ensure that the lock on your patio door always works correctly.

In the beginning, it's essential to clean the lock on your patio door and all the moving parts. This helps flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that could hinder the lock from working in the way it should. Start by wiping down the moving parts of your patio door's lock using a damp cloth. then employ a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub the hard-to-reach parts of the door and frame that are ingrained with dirt. Then, wipe the lock down using a dry towel to remove any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before using it.

If you have an outdoor door that has pin tumbler latch mechanisms You can lubricate the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or by using a lubricant made of Teflon, such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant can be easy to apply, and doesn't break down as time passes. If you're not able to locate the right lubricant for your needs You might use a pencil with an extremely sharp tip. Place the pencil in the lock and jiggle it around to spread the graphite.

Regular maintenance is also required to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear from dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow, ice, and other debris that could cause them to get stuck or to bind. This could make it difficult for your patio door to open and close.

Clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio door locks repair doors by removing any damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it and replace it. Patio door rollers can also be cleaned and sprayed down with an oil that is non-stick.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC French doors, like sliding patios, are operated by using 3 to 4 or sometimes 5 points locking mechanisms. This includes the lock cylinder and handle that is operated with keys. These doors also need maintenance, including lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done with an oil that is thin (never WD40) and should be done every year.

If the hinges aren't causing the issue, it could be that the door isn't aligned. It may be rubbing or catching against the strike plate's opening in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate and use an abrasive chisel to increase the size of the mortise it sits in. This allows the latch to sit perfectly in the hole and avoids rubbing or catching on the frame.

Once the cylinder is cleared of the way take a measurement of its width using the help of a book or piece wood that fits into the adjustment screw gap above the lock. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of door to the center cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw to the end cylinder.

Check the lock's length

If your patio door latch is hard to turn even after oiling tilt and slide patio door repairs cleaning it's possible that it's not aligned with the strike plate. Examine if the door is balanced and whether the hinge screws are secure, but in many cases shifting the strike plate upwards or downwards can fix the issue.

Oftentimes, the problem occurs when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this situation you'll have to increase the hole using a chisel or hammer tilt and slide patio door repairs near me then test the latch to ensure that it contacts the strike plate without rubbing against or getting caught on the frame of the door jamb.

You should identify the type mortise lock you currently have before buying an alternative. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and observing whether it is square or round. Examine each screw hole on the existing lock and note their dimensions. This will aid you in finding an alternative lock that is the same size and will fit perfectly into the hole that you already have.

You'll want to identify the mortise lock and inspect it for any bends, scratches or other damage that needs to be repaired. A badly damaged or bent latch is more likely break than one that hasn't 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 decided on the kind of lock replacement you need Now it's time to start the actual repair. The old spindle and handle should be removed from the patio door lock repair door. Insert the new handle. Begin by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it into position using two bolts or screws. Once the handle's interior is installed, put in the handle on the outside and screw it in the position as well. Once you have completed these steps, test the handles to make sure they are able to open and close easily and that the latch is in contact properly with the strikeplate.

Check the Strike on the door.

The strike plate and door latch are two parts which work together to secure the door. A misaligned strike plate or door latches can cause the latch to not latch the door correctly. Fortunately, the issue is usually simple to fix.

First, check the strike plate's receiving holes to ensure they are free of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the keeper screws that secure the strike plate in place, allowing it to move vertically, but not separating it from the frame of the door. Then, adjust the strike plate to ensure that its holes for receiving align with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted, tighten the screws and test the door to determine if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment.

Door strike plates can be difficult to access for homeowners with sliding patio doors, but they're essential for locking and unlocking your door. These plates are usually placed on the top and bottom of the door jamb, where they serve as the door's latch. Then, the door latch is able to slide into the strike plate, creating the seal when it is closed. If the strike plate has been damaged or rusted, or if it is not installed correctly the latch may not properly lock the door.

A misalignment between the latch and strike plate is one common cause for the patio lock not to close or stick. This can be verified using the "lipstick" test. Apply some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt. Then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave the mark when you shut the door. This will reveal exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high, you can easily 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 possible. If you follow these steps, you can fix your patio door's lock and get it back to normal in a matter of minutes.