9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Patio Door Lock Repair

Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, the wear and tear can lead to lock malfunctions. There are fortunately, a number of easy and efficient ways to restore your uPVC repairing patio doors door's security.

These quick fixes will ensure your home is secure, whether you realign the lock or clean the locking mechanism.

Clean the Lock

While patio doors are a great option to bring the outside in and keep out the elements but they can also pose an issue for security in the event that your lock isn't operating as it should. Over time, wear, tear, cold and hot weather dirt and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little care you can ensure that the lock on your patio door always functions correctly.

It's important to clean the lock on your patio door and all the moving parts. This will help get rid of any dirt or coatings that might be hindering your lock from working correctly. Begin by wiping all the moving parts of your patio door's lock with a damp, clean cloth. then employ a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any difficult-to-access parts of the door and frame that are coated with dirt. Then, wipe the entire lock using dry cloths to eliminate any remaining dampness, and allow it to dry completely before applying it to the next time.

If you have an outdoor door that has pin tumbler latch mechanisms, you can lubricate the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or by using a lubricant made of Teflon, such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This kind of lubricant is easy to apply, and it won't disintegrate as time passes. If you're not able to find the right lubricant for your needs you might try using a pencil that has a thick tip. Place the pencil in the lock and move it around a bit to distribute the graphite.

Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear from dirt, dust and other debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow and ice which can cause them to jam or bind and make it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.

You can clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio door lock repair near me doors by removing any weather stripping that is dirty or damaged. 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, operate by using 3 to 4 or occasionally 5 point locking mechanisms. They include the lock cylinder and handle which is operated by the key. These doors require maintenance, lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done using the use of a thin oil however, never WD40. This should be done at least once per year.

If the hinges aren't causing the issue, it could be that the door isn't aligned. It could be rubbing or catching the hole of the strike plate in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate and use an abrasive chisel to increase the size of the mortise it sits in. This allows the latch to sit perfectly in the hole and avoids getting caught or rubbing against the frame.

While the cylinder is out of the way take a measurement of its width using a book or piece of wood that can fit into the gap between the adjustment screw and the lock. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the middle of the cylinder. 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 cleaning and lubricating, there's a possibility that it is out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Examine if the door is balanced and if the hinge screws are secure, but in many cases, moving the strike plate up or down can fix the issue.

The most common issue is when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to engage. In this situation, you'll need to enlarge the hole using the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to make sure that it contacts the strike plate without rubbing against or landing on the door's frame jamb.

Before buying a replacement lock, first identify the type of mortise lock you have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate on the lock and determining if 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 information will aid you in finding a replacement that is the same width and fits perfectly into your existing hole.

In addition to identifying the mortise lock that is currently in use, you'll also want to inspect it for any bends or scratches that might require repair. A damaged or bent latch is more prone to break than one that's been utilized often, so make sure to replace the lock with a brand new one that is secure in the event you notice any signs of damage or wear.

Once you've identified the type of lock replacement you need Now it's time to start the actual repair. The old spindle and handle should be removed from the patio door. Introduce the new handle. Begin by installing the interior handle by aligning it with the spindle and then securing it in place by using the two screws or bolts that secure it. Once the handle in the interior is installed, put in the exterior handle and screw it into place, too. Once you have completed these steps check the handles to make sure they are able to open and close easily and that the latch engages properly with the strikeplate.

Make sure the door's strike is checked

The strike plate and door latch are two pieces that work together to lock the door. An incorrectly aligned strike plate and door latches can result in the latch not being able to latch the door correctly. Fortunately, the issue is usually simple to fix.

First, check the holes in the strike plate's receiving to ensure they are free of obstructions like 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 door frame. Adjust the strike plate to align its holes for receiving with latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted tighten the screws, and then test the door to see whether it shuts easily with the new adjustment.

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

A misalignment between the latch and strike plate is the most common reason for the patio lock not to close or stay. This can be verified using the "lipstick" test. Rub some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt and then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave a mark when you shut the door. This will show you exactly where the latch joins the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low you can easily adjust the strike plate.

If your patio door locks for sliding patio door repairs aren't working correctly they could be a problem in keeping your home safe from burglars. It is imperative to fix this problem as soon as possible. Follow these simple steps to repair your patio door lock and restore its function.