Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors undergo wear and tear that can result in lock malfunctions. There are fortunately, a number of simple and efficient steps that can help restore your uPVC patio door's security.
These easy fixes will make your home safer no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the mechanism.
Clean the Lock
While patio doors are a great option to bring the outside in and keep the elements out, they can also be a security risk when your lock isn't functioning as it should. As time passes wear and tear extreme cold and hot weather dirt and debris can affect the lock of your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little care you can ensure that the lock on your patio door is always working correctly.
In the beginning, it's important to clean the lock on your patio door and all of its moving parts. This helps flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that could be preventing the lock from working as it should. Start by wiping the moving parts of your patio door lock using an aqueous cloth. Then, use a scouring cloth or rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested parts of the frame and door. Then wipe the lock with a dry cloth to get rid of any moisture. Allow it to air-dry before you use it.
If you have an outdoor door that has a pin tumbler latch mechanism it is possible to grease the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or using a lubricant made of Teflon, like WD-40 Multi-Use. This kind of lubricant can be applied with ease and does not dissolve over time. If you're not able to locate a suitable lubricant You can try using a pencil that has an extremely thick tip. Insert the pencil into the lock and jiggle it around to distribute the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear from dirt, dust and other debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow, ice, and other debris, which could cause them to get stuck or to bind. 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 damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it, and then replace it. Patio door rollers can also be cleaned and sprayed with an oil that is nonstick.
Lubricate the Moving Parts
uPVC french doors, similar to sliding patio doors, work with 3-4 or occasionally 5-point locking mechanisms that include the lock cylinder and handle controlled by a key. They require maintenance and 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 hinges that are sagging aren't the reason, 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 enlarge the mortise. This allows the latch to fit correctly in the hole, and also prevents getting caught or rubbing against the frame.
Measure the width of the cylinder with an object 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, and the inner dimension runs from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.
Check the lock's width
If your patio door latch is difficult to turn, even after cleaning and lubricating, there's a possibility that it is out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Verify that the door is balanced, and that the hinge screws are secure. In a lot of cases, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards will fix the problem.
The latch may not be able to engage properly if the strike of the lock is too small. In this case, enlarge the hole with the hammer and chisel. Then test the latch so that it does not rub against the jamb frame of the door or get caught on it.
You must identify the kind of mortise lock that you are using before you purchase an alternative. This can be done by looking at the faceplate on the lock and noting if it is square or round. Look at each screw hole on the existing lock and note the size. This information will aid you in finding a replacement that is the same width and fits perfectly into the hole you have already.
You'll need to identify the mortise lock, and then examine it for any scratches, bends or other damage that requires to be repaired. A badly damaged or bent latch is more likely break than one that's been used much, so be sure to replace the lock with a new secure and safe version if you find any signs of damage or wear.
Once you've decided on the kind of lock replacement that you require It's time to start 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 into position using two screws or bolts. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. After you've completed these steps Test the handles to ensure that they open and shut easily and that the latch works correctly with the strikeplate.
Check the door's Strike
The door latch and strike plate are two components of the lock that work together to ensure that the latch locks the door. If these are misaligned and the latch doesn't latch the door shut properly. Fortunately, the issue is usually simple to fix.
First, inspect the strike plate's receiving holes to make sure they are free of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then, loosen the keeper screws that hold the strike plate in place and allow it to move vertically, but not removing it from the frame of the door. Then, adjust the strike plate so that its holes for receiving align with the latch hooks on the door latch. After the strike plate is adjusted tighten all screws and check whether the door closes smoothly.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However, they are essential to secure and unlock your door. The metal plates are situated on the top and bottom jambs of your door, where they support its latch. Then, the door latch is placed on the strike plate, creating an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not properly installed, it could hinder the latch from locking the door securely.
One of the most common reasons for an outdoor door lock to stick or not close is a misalignment between the latch and the strike plate. This can be confirmed using the "lipstick" test. Rub some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt and then cover it with masking tape. When you close the door the lipstick will leave an impression on the tape, showing you exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high you can easily alter the strike plate.
Sliding patio door locks help protect your home from intruders, and if they're not functioning correctly, you must repair the issue quickly. Follow patio door repairs near me to repair your patio door lock and restore its functionality.