10 Facts About Patio Door Lock Repair That Make You Feel Instantly An Optimistic Mood
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors undergo wear and tear which can lead to lock malfunctions. However, there are easy and efficient ways to restore your uPVC patio door's security.
If it's resetting the lock or cleaning the mechanism for locking These simple fixes can increase the security of your home.
Clean the Lock
While patio doors are a great way to bring the outside in and keep out the elements but they can also pose a security risk in the event that your lock isn't operating as it should. With time, wear and tear, cold and hot weather dirt and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little attention, you can make sure that your lock for your patio door always works in a proper manner.
It is important to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This will help to remove any grime or coatings that may be preventing your lock from working properly. Begin by wiping all the moving parts of your patio door's lock using a damp cloth. then make use of a scouring pad, or a rough damp cloth to scrub any difficult-to-access parts of the door and frame that are covered in dirt. Then, wipe the lock down with a dry towel to remove any remaining moisture. Let it air dry before you use it.
If your patio door uses pin-tumbler latches you can lubricate it by applying powdered Graphite to the key. You can also use a Teflon oil like WD-40 Multi Use Product. This type of lubricant can be applied easily and will not disintegrate over time. If you're not able to find a suitable lubricant You could try using a pencil with an extremely thick tip. Insert the pencil into the lock and move it around to spread the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also required to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear of dust, dirt and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to ice and snow, which can cause them to be stuck or jammed, making it harder for your patio doors to open and close.
Tracks for sliding patio doors and rollers can be cleaned by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping, cleaning them, then replacing it. Patio door rollers can also be cleaned and sprayed with a nonstick lubricant.
Lubricate the Moving Parts
uPVC french doors, like sliding patio doors, operate with 3-4 or occasionally 5-point locking mechanisms that include the lock cylinder and handle controlled by a key. These doors require maintenance, the lubrication of moving parts. This can be done using a thin oil, but never WD40. This should be done at least once per year.
If sagging hinges aren't the cause, the door may be skewed and catch or striking the strike plate hole within the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate and use a sharp chisel to enlarge the mortise that it rests in. This lets the latch sit properly in the hole, and also prevents getting caught or rubbing against the frame.
Take a measurement of the diameter of the cylinder using the help of a piece of book or wood that can be inserted 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 to the end of the cylinder.
Check the width of the lock.
If your patio door latch isn't able to turn, even after cleaning and oiling it could be because it's not aligned with the strike plate. Verify that the door is properly balanced and that the hinge screws are in good condition. In many cases, however, simply moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can solve the issue.
The latch may not engage properly in the event that the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this instance, you'll need to enlarge the hole using a chisel or hammer and then test the latch to ensure that it connects to the strike plate in a smooth manner without rubbing against or catching on the door's frame jamb.
You should identify the type mortise lock you have before purchasing an alternative. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and determining if it is round or square. Examine each screw hole in the existing lock and note the size. This information 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 locate the mortise lock and examine it for bends, scratches or other damage that needs to be repaired. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that's been used a lot to break. Replace patio doors repair near me if you notice signs of damage.
After you've determined the type of lock replacement you require It's time to start the actual repair. Take the old handle and spindle out of your patio door, and then install the new one. Start by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it in place using the two screws or bolts. Once the handle in the interior is installed, put in the exterior handle and screw it into place as well. Once you have completed these steps check the handles to ensure that they open and shut easily and that the latch works correctly with the strikeplate.
Make sure the door's strike is checked
The strike plate and the door latch are two components that work together in order to lock the door. A misaligned strike plate or door latches can result in the latch not being able to latch the door properly. Fortunately, the issue is usually simple to fix.
First, inspect the holes in the strike plate's receiving to ensure that they are clear of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Loosen the keeper screws holding the strike plate in position. This will allow it to move vertically but not separate it from the frame. Adjust the strike plate to align its holes for receiving with the latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted tighten the screws, and then test the door to see if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment.
Door strike plates can be difficult to locate for homeowners with sliding patio doors, however they are essential to lock and unlock your door. The metal plates are typically 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 this strike plate and creates an airtight seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not installed correctly, it may stop the latch from locking the door securely.
A misalignment of the latch and strike plate is one common cause for a patio lock to not close or stick. The easiest method to check for this is to perform the "lipstick test." Apply some lipstick on the edge of the deadbolt, then attach masking tape over it. The lipstick will leave an impression when you close the door. This will indicate exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high it is possible to adjust the strike plate.
The sliding patio door locks protect your home from burglars, and if they're not working correctly, you must fix the problem quickly. Follow these simple steps to repair your patio door lock and restore its function.