Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors experience wear and tear that can result in lock malfunctions. Fortunately, there are several simple and efficient ways to restore your uPVC patio door's security.
These quick fixes will make your home safer no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the locking mechanism.
Clean the Lock
While patio doors are a great way to bring the outside in and keep out the elements however, they can also pose an issue for security in the event that your lock isn't operating as it should. 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 attention, you can make sure that the lock on your patio door always functions properly.
In the beginning, it's crucial to clean the lock of your patio door and all its moving parts. This will help remove any grime or coatings that could be preventing your lock from functioning correctly. Begin by wiping all the moving parts of your patio door's lock with a damp cloth, then employ a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any difficult-to-access parts of the door and frame that are ingrained with dirt. Then, wipe the lock down with a dry towel to remove any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before you use it.
If patio door lock repairs near me have a patio door that uses a pin tumbler latch mechanism, you can apply lubrication to the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or by using a Teflon-based lubricant like WD-40 Multi-Use. This kind of lubricant can be applied easily and will not disintegrate over time. If you're not able to locate the right lubricant for your needs, you might use a pencil with a thick tip. Insert the pencil in the lock, and shake it around to distribute the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also required to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free from dust, dirt and debris. These tracks are particularly vulnerable to ice, snow, and other debris, which can cause them block or become stuck. This can make it difficult for your patio door to open and shut.
You can clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio doors by removing weather stripping that is damaged or dirty. Clean it, and then replace it. Patio door rollers can also be cleaned and sprayed with a nonstick lubricant.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC French doors, like sliding patios, are operated using 3 to 4, or sometimes 5 points locking mechanisms. These include the lock cylinder and handle which is operated by a key. They require maintenance and lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished using a thin oil (never WD40) and should be done once per year.
If sagging hinges aren't the cause, the door could be misaligned and catching or rubbing against the strike plate hole within the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate and use a sharp chisel to enlarge the mortise that it rests in. This allows the latch to fit correctly in the hole, and also prevents getting caught or rubbing against the frame.
Take a measurement of the length of the cylinder using an object of wood or a book that fits into the gap above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of the 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 difficult to turn even after cleaning and lubricating, there's a possibility that it is out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Check if your door is balanced, and that the hinge screws are tight. In most cases, however, simply moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can solve the issue.
The latch may not be able to engage properly when the strike of the lock is too small. In this instance, you can widen the hole with an hammer and chisel. Then, test the latch to ensure it doesn't touch the jamb frame of the door or get caught the frame.
Before you purchase a replacement lock, first determine what kind of mortise lock you have. You can do this by looking at the faceplate of the lock and determining whether it is square or round. Then, take a look at the screw holes in the existing lock and note the size of each. This will aid you in finding a replacement that is the same size and will fit perfectly into the hole you have already.
You'll need to identify the mortise lock, and then examine it for bends, scratches or other damage that needs to be repaired. A bent or damaged latch is more prone to break than one that's been utilized often, so make sure to replace the lock with a new secure and safe version in the event you notice any signs of damage or wear.
Once you've inspected the lock and identified which type of replacement you'll need now is the time to start working on the actual repair. Take the old handle and spindle from the patio door, and then put in the new one. Begin 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 the steps then you can test the new handles to ensure that they open and close easily and that the latch is catching properly with the strike plate.
Make sure you check the Strike of the door.
The door latch and strike plate are the two parts of the lock that work together to ensure that the latch locks the door. Misaligned strike plate and door latch will cause the latch to not latch the door in a proper manner. Fortunately, this issue is usually easy to correct.
Check the holes for receiving of the strike plate to ensure they are clear of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Release the screws that hold the strike plate. This allows it to move horizontally, but not separate it from the frame. Adjust the strike plate to align its holes for receiving with latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted tighten the screws, and test the door to see whether it locks smoothly after the new adjustment.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However they are vital for locking and unlocking your door. These metal 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 into the strike plate, and it creates the seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not properly installed, it could hinder the latch from locking the door securely.
A misalignment between the strike plate and latch is a common reason for the patio lock to not close or remain in place. This can be confirmed using the "lipstick" test. Apply a little lipstick across the edge of the deadbolt and then cover it with masking tape. When you close the door the lipstick will leave marks on the tape that will show you exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high you can easily adjust the strike plate.
If your patio door locks for sliding aren't working correctly, they can keep your home safe from burglars. You must repair the issue as soon as you can. Follow these steps to fix your patio door lock and restore it's functionality.