Patio Door Lock Repairs

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

These quick 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 let the outside in and keep out the elements, they can also be an issue for security if your lock isn't working as it should. As time passes wear and tear, extreme cold and hot weather dirt and debris can take their toll on the lock of your patio glass repair near me door and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little effort you can ensure that the lock on your patio door always works properly.

It is essential to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This helps to flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that could hinder the lock from working as it should. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts on your patio door lock using a wet cloth. Then, use a scouring cloth or a damp, rough cloth to scrub the dirt-infested areas of the door frame and frame. You should then wipe down the entire lock using dry cloths to eliminate any remaining dampness and let it to air dry before making use of it again.

If you have a patio door handle repair near me door that uses a pin tumbler latch mechanism it is possible to apply lubrication to 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 doesn't dissolve over time. If you are unable to find the correct lubricant for your lock, use a pencil with larger tip. Put the pencil in the lock, and shake it around to spread the graphite.

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

The sliding rails of the patio door track and rollers can be cleaned by removing any weather stripping that is damaged or dirty and then cleaning it, before installing it. The same can be done for rollers on patio doors, which can be cleaned and then sprayed with a non-stick lubricant in order to allow them to move freely.

Lubricate the Moving Parts

uPVC french doors, similar to sliding patio doors, operate with 3-4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms which include the lock cylinder and handle operated by a key. These doors also need maintenance, and specifically lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished with a thin oil, but never WD40. It is recommended to do it at least once a year.

If sagging hinges aren't a reason, the door could be misaligned and caught or hitting the strike plate's hole in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate and use an abrasive chisel to increase the size of the mortise it sits in. This lets the latch sit correctly in the hole, and also prevents rubbing or catching on the frame.

Once the cylinder is cleared of the way, measure its width with an object or a piece of wood that fits into the gap of adjustment screw above the lock. 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 until the end of the cylinder.

Verify the lock's width

If your patio door latch is difficult to turn, even after oiling and cleaning it's possible that it's not aligned properly with the strike plate. Check to see if the door is balanced and if the hinge screws are tight however, in many instances it is possible to move the strike plate upwards or downwards can correct the issue.

The latch might not work properly if the strike of the lock is too small. In this case, enlarge the hole with a chisel and hammer. Then test the latch so that it doesn't rub against the jamb frame of the door or get caught the frame.

You should identify the type mortise lock you currently are using before you purchase an alternative. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and noting whether it is square or round. Then, take a look at the screw holes in the existing lock and note the dimensions of each one. This will assist you in finding an alternative lock that is of the same size and is a perfect fit for the hole that you already have.

You'll need to identify the mortise lock and inspect it for bends, scratches or other damage that needs to be fixed. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that has frequently used to break. Replace the lock if you notice indications of damage.

Once you've decided on the kind of lock replacement you need It's time to begin the actual repair. Remove the old handle and spindle out of your patio door, and then put in the new one. Start by putting in the handle in the interior and aligning it with the spindle and then securing it with the two screws or bolts which hold it. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. After you've completed these steps Test the handles to make sure they can be shut and open easily and that the latch works properly with the strikeplate.

Check the Strike of the Door.

The strike plate and the door latch are two components that work together in order to lock the door. If these are misaligned, the latch won't latch the door shut correctly. Fortunately, this problem is often easy to fix.

First, inspect the strike plate's receiving holes to ensure that they are free of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Release the screws that hold the strike plate in place. 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 holes for receiving with the latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted tighten the screws, and then test the door to determine whether it locks smoothly after the new adjustment.

These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However they are vital for locking and unlocking your door. These plates are usually located on the top and bottom of the door jamb, which is where they are used to support the door's latch. The door latch slides onto the strike plate, and it creates a seal. If the strike plate has been damaged or rusted, or if it is not properly installed the latch might not properly lock the door.

The most common reason for an outdoor door lock to not close or not close is a misalignment between the latch and strike plate. 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 shut the door the lipstick will leave an impression on the tape that will show you exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low it is possible to alter the strike plate.

Locks for sliding patio doors help keep your home safe from burglars, and if they're not working correctly, you must fix the problem quickly. Follow these steps to fix your patio door lock and restore its functionality.