Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, wear and tear can lead to lock malfunctions. However, there are easy and efficient methods that can restore your uPVC patio door's security.
These quick fixes will ensure your home is secure no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the locking mechanism.
Clean the Lock
Although patio doors are an excellent way to let in the outside and keep the elements out, they can also be a security risk when your lock isn't functioning as it should. Over time, wear and tear, extreme cold and hot weather, dirt and debris can affect the lock of your patio door and make it difficult to open. With a little maintenance you can ensure that the locks on your patio door always function properly.
To begin with, it's essential to clean your patio door's lock and all its moving parts. This will help get rid of any coatings or dirt that may be preventing your lock from functioning properly. Start by wiping down the moving parts of the lock for your patio door using a damp cloth. then employ a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any hard-to-reach areas of the door and frame that are covered in dirt. Then clean the lock with a dry cloth to get rid of any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before you use it.
If your patio door has a pin-tumbler latch, you can lubricate it by applying powdered Graphite to the key. You can also apply a Teflon oil like WD-40 Multi Use Product. This kind of lubricant can be applied quickly and doesn't dissolve over time. If you're not able to find the right lubricant for your needs, you could try using a pencil that has an extremely sharp tip. Insert the pencil into the lock and jiggle it around a bit to distribute the graphite.
The tracks for sliding patio doors also require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks are particularly vulnerable to snow, ice, and other debris, which could cause them to get stuck or to bind. This can make it difficult for your patio door to be opened and closed.
You can clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio doors by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it, and then replace it. The rollers for patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed with an oil that is non-stick.
Lubricate the Moving Parts
uPVC French doors, like sliding patios, are operated with 3 to 4 or sometimes 5 point locking mechanisms. They include the lock cylinder and handle which is operated by a key. They also require maintenance, and specifically lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished using an oil that is thin (never WD40) and should be done once per year.
If sagging hinges aren't a cause, the door may be misaligned and caught or rubbing against the strike plate hole within the frame. Remove the strike plate and employ a sharp tool enlarge its mortise. This allows the latch to fit properly in the hole, and also prevents getting caught or rubbing against the frame.
Measure the width of the cylinder with an object of book or wood that is able to fit into the space above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the middle of the cylinder, while the inner dimension runs from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.
Check the lock's length
If your patio door latch isn't able to turn, even after oiling and cleaning it could be because it is not aligned with the strike plate. Verify that the door is in balance and if the hinge screws are tight, but in many cases shifting the strike plate up or down can fix the issue.
Oftentimes, the problem occurs when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to engage. In this case you'll have to increase the opening using a chisel or hammer and then test the latch to make sure that it is able to engage the strike plate in a smooth manner without rubbing against or getting caught on the door's frame jamb.
Before you purchase a replacement lock, it is important to determine the mortise type of lock you have. This can be done by looking at the end faceplate and noting whether it is round or square. Look at each screw hole on the current lock and note the size. This information will assist you in finding an alternative lock that is the same width and is a perfect fit for the hole you have already.
You'll want to identify the mortise lock and examine it for any scratches, bends, or other damage that requires to be repaired. A bent or damaged latch is more likely to break than one that hasn't been used much, so be sure to replace the lock with a new secure and safe version if you find any signs of wear or damage.
After you've determined the type of lock replacement you require It's time to start the actual repair. Remove the handle and spindle out of your patio door, and then put in the new one. Start by installing the inside handle. Align tilt and slide patio door repairs near me with the spindle, and then secure it in position using two bolts or screws. Once the interior handle is installed, you can install the handle on the outside and screw it in the position as well. After you've completed the steps, you can test the new handles to ensure that they can be opened and closed easily and that the latch locks properly with the strike plate.
Make sure you check the Strike of the door.
The door latch and strike plate are the two components of the lock that work to ensure that the latch is secure the door. Misaligned strike plate and door latches will result in the latch not being able to latch the door properly. Fortunately, this issue is often easy to fix.
First, inspect the strike plate's holes for receiving to ensure they are clear of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the screws that hold the strike plate in place and allow it to move horizontally, but not separating it from the frame of the door. Then, adjust the strike plate to ensure that its receiving holes align with the latch hooks on 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.
Door strike plates can be difficult to locate for homeowners with sliding patio doors, but they are essential for locking and unlocking your door. These plates are usually located at the top and bottom of the door jamb which is where they are used to support the door's latch. The door latch is able to slide into the strike plate to form a seal when closed. If the strike plate has been damaged or rusted or not properly installed the latch might not be able to lock the door properly.
A misalignment between the latch and strike plate is one common cause for the patio lock to not close or stick. The easiest way to check for this is with the "lipstick test." Apply some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt, and then apply masking tape over it. The lipstick will leave an impression when you shut the door. This will reveal exactly where the latch joins the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low it is possible to adjust the strike plate.
If your patio door locks for sliding aren't working correctly they can help keep your home safe from burglars. You need to repair the issue as soon as possible. If you follow these steps, you can repair the lock on your patio door and regain its functionality in no time.