Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, the wear and tear can cause lock malfunctions. However, there are simple and efficient methods that can restore your uPVC patio door's security.
Whether it's realigning the lock or cleaning the locking mechanism these simple fixes will help you make your home more secure.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are fantastic for bringing the outdoors inside and keeping the elements out. However they can pose a security threat if the lock doesn't work correctly. Over 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 effort you can ensure that your patio door's lock always works in a proper manner.
To begin with, it's essential to clean the lock of your patio door and all the moving parts. This helps to flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that could be preventing the lock from functioning as it should. Begin by wiping the moving parts of your patio door's lock with a damp cloth, then use a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any difficult-to-access areas of the door or frame that are coated with dirt. Then, 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 your patio door uses pin-tumbler latches you can apply powdered Graphite to the key. patio door repair can also apply a Teflon lubricant such as WD-40 Multi Use Product. This kind of lubricant is easy to apply and doesn't break down as time passes. If you're unable to find the correct lubricant for your lock, use a pencil with thicker tip. Put the pencil in the lock, then shake it around to distribute the graphite.
The tracks for sliding patio doors also require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dirt, dust, and debris. They are particularly susceptible to snow and ice, which could cause them to become stuck or slack, making it harder for your patio doors to open and close.
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. The same can be done for rollers on patio doors, which can be cleaned and sprayed with non-stick lubricant that will allow them to move freely.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC French doors, like sliding patios, operate with 3 to 4 or sometimes, 5 points locking mechanisms. They include the handle and lock cylinder that is operated by keys. These doors also need maintenance, including lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done using a thin oil but not WD40. It is recommended to do it at least once a year.
If sagging hinges aren't the cause, the door may be misaligned and catching or hitting the strike plate hole in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate, and then use an abrasive chisel, which will enlarge the mortise it sits in. This will allow the latch to fit properly into the hole, and also prevent it from rubbing against the frame.
While the cylinder is out of the way take a measurement of its width using an object or a piece of wood that will fit in the gap between the adjustment screw and the lock. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of door to the center of cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw until 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 lubricating, there's a possibility that it is out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Check if your door is in a balanced position, and if the hinge screws are tight. In many cases, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards will fix the problem.
Oftentimes, the problem occurs when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to engage. In this instance you'll need to expand the hole using either a hammer or chisel, and then test the latch to ensure that it is able to engage the strike plate in a smooth manner without rubbing against or landing on the frame of the door jamb.
You should identify the type mortise lock you currently have before purchasing a replacement. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and observing whether it is square or round. Then, take a look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the dimensions of each one. This will enable you to locate the replacement lock that has exactly the same width and fits into the hole that you already have.
You'll need to identify the mortise lock and examine it for any bends, scratches or other damage that need to be fixed. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that has been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if it displays indications of damage.
Once you've identified the type of lock replacement that you require, it's now time to start the actual repair. The spindle and handle must be removed from the patio door. Install the new handle. Start by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it in position using two bolts or screws. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. After you've completed these steps Test the handles to make sure they open and shut easily and that the latch is in contact correctly with the strikeplate.
Make sure the door's strike is checked
The door latch and strike plate are the two components of the lock that work to ensure the latch secures the door. If these are misaligned, the latch won't latch the door shut properly. This problem is usually very easy to solve.
Check the holes for receiving of the strike plate to ensure they are clear of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then, loosen the keeper screws that keep the strike plate in place and allow it to move vertically, but not removing it from the frame of the door. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its holes for receiving with latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted, tighten the screws and test the door to see whether it locks smoothly after the new adjustment.
Door strike plates can be difficult to access for homeowners who have sliding patio doors, but they're crucial for locking and unlocking your door. The plates made of metal are located between the top and bottom jambs of the door, which are where they help support the latch. The door latch is able to slide into the strike plate to create an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or is not installed correctly the latch might not lock the door properly.
One of the most common reasons for a patio door lock to stick or not close is a misalignment between the latch and the strike plate. This can be confirmed using the "lipstick" test. Apply some lipstick across the edge of the deadbolt. Then cover it with masking tape. When you close the door the lipstick will leave a mark on the tape, indicating you exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low it is possible to adjust the strike plate.
Locks for sliding patio doors help protect your home from burglars, and if they're not functioning correctly, you should repair the issue quickly. If you follow these steps, you'll be able to fix your patio door's lock and restore its functionality in a matter of minutes.