Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio door wear and tear can cause lock malfunctions. There are a few simple steps you can take to ensure the security of your uPVC door.

It's about realigning the lock or cleaning the mechanism for locking, these quick fixes can increase the security of your home.

Clean the Lock

Patio doors are ideal for letting the outdoors in while keeping the elements out. However they could pose risky for security when the lock isn't functioning correctly. Over time wear and tear, extreme cold and hot weather dirt and debris can cause damage to your patio door's lock and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little effort you can ensure that the lock on your patio door is always working correctly.

It is essential to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This helps to get rid of any grime and coatings that may be preventing the lock from working in the way it should. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts on your patio door lock using a damp cloth. Then you can use a scouring paper or rough damp cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the frame and door. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock with dry cloth to get rid of any remaining dampness and allow it to air dry before applying it to the next time.

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 using a Teflon-based lubricant such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant is able to be applied easily and will not disintegrate over time. If you're unable to locate a suitable lubricant, you can use a pencil with an extremely thick tip. Put the pencil in the lock, and shake it around to spread the graphite.

Sliding patio door tracks also require regular maintenance to keep them free of dirt, dust and other debris. These tracks are particularly vulnerable to snow, ice and other debris, which could cause them to block or become stuck. This can make it difficult for your patio door to open and shut.

The sliding rails of the patio door lock repairs near me door track and rollers can be cleaned by removing dirty or damaged weather stripping, cleaning them, then replacing it. The rollers for glass patio door repair doors can be cleaned and sprayed with an oil that is non-stick.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC French Doors, similar to sliding patios, are operated with 3 to 4 or sometimes 5 points locking mechanisms. They include the lock cylinder and handle that is operated by a key. They require maintenance and lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done using an oil that is thin 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 that the door is misaligned. It could be rubbing or catching the hole of the strike plate in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate, and then use an abrasive chisel to increase the size of the mortise it sits in. This will allow the latch to fit properly into the hole and stop it from hitting the frame.

Once the cylinder is cleared of the way, measure its width with a book or piece of wood patio door repair that fits into the gap between the adjustment screw and 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 until the end of the cylinder.

Verify the width of the lock.

If your patio door latch is hard to turn, even after cleaning and oiling, it's possible that it's not aligned with the strike plate. Check if your door is balanced, and if the hinge screws are tight. In many instances, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards will solve the issue.

The latch may not engage properly if the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this instance, you can widen the opening with the hammer and chisel. Then, test the latch to ensure that it does not rub against the jamb frame of the door or fall the frame.

It is important to identify the type of mortise lock that you are using before you purchase the replacement. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and observing whether it is square or round. Look at each screw hole on the current lock and note their dimensions. This information will help you find an alternative that is the same size and will fit perfectly into your existing hole.

You'll need to locate the mortise lock and 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 one that is secure if you find any signs of damage or wear.

After you've examined the lock and identified which type of replacement you'll need now is the time to start working on the actual repair. Remove the old handle and spindle from your patio door, and then put in the new one. Start by putting in the handle inside, aligning it with the spindle, and then fixing it by using the two screws or bolts that secure it. Once the interior handle is installed, you can install the handle on the outside and screw it into the position as well. After you've completed these steps, you can test the new handles to ensure that they can be opened and closed easily and that the latch catches correctly when you strike the plate.

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 is secure the door. If these are misaligned and the latch doesn't latch the door properly. This problem is usually very easy to fix.

Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to ensure they are clear of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the screws that keep 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 so that its holes for receiving are aligned with the latch hooks on the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted, tighten the screws and test the door to see if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment.

Door strike plates can be difficult to access for homeowners who have sliding patio doors, however they are essential for locking and unlocking your door. The plates made of metal are located on the top and bottom jambs of the door, where they serve as the support for the latch. The door latch slides onto the strike plate and forms a seal. If the strike plate is damaged or rusted, or if it is not installed correctly the latch might not be able to lock the door properly.

One of the most common reasons for a patio door lock to become stuck or not close is a misalignment between the latch and strike plate. 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 an impression when you shut the door. This will show you exactly where the latch joins the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low, you can adjust the strike plate.

If your sliding patio 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 its function.