Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, wear and tear could cause lock malfunctions. There are fortunately, a number of simple and effective methods that can restore your uPVC patio door's security.
These quick fixes will ensure your home is secure, whether you realign the lock or clean the mechanism.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are ideal for letting the outdoors in and keeping the elements out. However they could pose a security threat when the lock isn't functioning properly. Over time wear and tear, cold and hot weather dirt and debris could take their toll on the lock on your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little care you can ensure that your patio door's locks will always function properly.
In the beginning, it's crucial to clean the lock on your patio door and all its moving parts. This will help remove any dirt or coatings that could be preventing your lock from functioning correctly. Begin by wiping all the moving parts of your patio door's lock using a damp cloth. then use a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub the hard-to-reach areas of the door or frame that are coated with dirt. Then wipe the lock using a dry towel to remove any remaining moisture. Let it air dry before you use it.
If you have a patio door that uses a pin tumbler latch mechanism, you can lubricate the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or applying a lubricant made of Teflon, such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant can be easy to apply and it won't disintegrate over time. If you're unable find the correct lubricant for your lock, use a pencil with more of a thicker tip. Place the pencil in the lock and jiggle it around a bit to spread the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also essential to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free from dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to ice and snow which can cause them to be stuck or jammed which makes it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.
Tracks for sliding patio doors and rollers can be cleaned by removing dirty or damaged weather stripping and cleaning them before installing it. The rollers of patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed with an oil that is nonstick.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC french doors, like sliding patio doors, operate by using 3-4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms that include the lock cylinder and handle operated by keys. These doors also need maintenance, including lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done using a thin oil however, never WD40. It is recommended to do it at least once per year.
If the hinges aren't causing the issue it could be because the door isn't aligned. It may be rubbing or catching the hole of the strike plate in the frame. Remove the strike plate, and employ a sharp tool increase the size of the mortise. This will permit the latch to fit into the hole and stop it from rubbing against the frame.
Measure the length of the cylinder using 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. the inner dimension extends from the center of the adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder.
Check the lock's length
If your patio door latch isn't able to turn, even after cleaning and oiling it's possible that it is not aligned with the strike plate. Make sure that your door is properly balanced and that the hinge screws are in good condition. In most instances, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can fix the problem.
The most common issue is when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this situation, you'll need to enlarge the hole using either a hammer or chisel, and then test the latch to ensure that it contacts the strike plate without rubbing against or landing on the frame of the door jamb.
You must identify the kind of mortise lock you currently have before buying an alternative. This can be done by looking at the faceplate of the lock and noting if it is square or round. Examine each screw hole on the current lock and note their dimensions. This information will allow you to locate an alternative lock that is exactly the same width and will fit into the hole that you already have.
In addition to identifying the current mortise lock you should also examine it for any scratches or bends that may need repairing. A badly damaged or bent latch is more prone to break than one that's been utilized often, so make sure to replace the lock with a new, secure version if you find any signs of damage or wear.
After you've examined the lock and determined which type of replacement you need, it's time to start working on the actual repair. Remove the handle and spindle from your patio door, and then install the new one. Start by installing the inside handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it into position using two bolts or screws. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. After you've completed these steps check the handles to make sure they open and shut easily and that the latch engages properly with the strikeplate.
Make sure you check the Strike of the door.
The door latch and strike plate are two components of the lock that work together to ensure the latch secures the door. An incorrectly aligned strike plate and door latches can cause the latch to not latch the door properly. Fortunately, this issue is usually easy to correct.
First, check the strike plate's receiving holes to ensure they are clear of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Remove the screws that hold the strike plate in position. This allows it to move vertically, but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its receiving holes with the latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted, tighten the screws and then test the door to see whether it locks smoothly after the new adjustment.
patio door repair are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However, they are essential to secure and unlock your door. These plates are usually placed on the top and bottom of the door jamb where they support the door's latch. Then, the door latch is placed on the strike plate to create a seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged or rusted, or if it is not properly installed, the latch may not properly lock the door.
A misalignment between the strike plate and latch is the most common reason for the patio lock not to close or remain in place. This can be checked with the "lipstick" test. Apply a little lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt. Then cover it with masking tape. When you close the door the lipstick will leave a mark on the tape, indicating exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low it is possible to adjust the strike plate.
Sliding patio door locks help protect your home from burglars. If they're not functioning correctly, you should solve the issue fast. By following these easy steps, you can fix the lock on your patio door and regain its functionality within a short time.