Patio Door Lock RepairsOver time, patio doors experience wear and tear that can cause lock malfunctions. There are a few basic steps you can follow to ensure the security of your uPVC door.
These quick fixes will ensure your home is secure regardless of whether you re-align the lock or clean the locking mechanism.
Clean the Lock
Although patio doors are a great way to let in the outside and keep out the elements, they can also be a security risk if your lock isn't working as it should. With time, wear and tear, hot and cold weather dirt and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. Fortunately, with a little maintenance, you can ensure your patio door's locks will always function correctly.
It's essential to clean the lock of your patio door and all of its moving parts. This will help get rid of any coatings or dirt that could be preventing your lock from functioning correctly. Start by wiping down 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 areas of the door or frame that are coated with dirt. Then clean the lock with a dry cloth to get rid of any moisture. Allow it to air-dry before using it.
If your patio door uses pin-tumbler locks, you can apply powdered graphite to the key. You can also use a Teflon lubricant such as WD-40 Multi Use Product. This kind of lubricant can be applied quickly and doesn't dissolve over time. If you're unable to locate a suitable lubricant you could try using a pencil that has an extremely sharp tip. Place the pencil into the lock, then shake it to distribute the graphite.
Sliding
patio door lock repair door tracks also require regular maintenance to ensure they're free of dirt, dust and other debris. These tracks are particularly vulnerable to snow, ice, and other debris, which could cause them to jam or bind. This could make it difficult for your patio door to open and close.
Tracks for sliding
patio screen door repair near me doors and rollers can be cleaned by removing any weather stripping that is damaged or dirty, cleaning them, then installing it. The same can be done for rollers on patio doors, which can be cleaned and sprayed with a non-stick lubricant to help them move freely.
Lubricate the Moving Parts
uPVC French Doors, like sliding patios, are operated with 3 to 4 or sometimes 5 points locking mechanisms. They include the handle and lock cylinder which is operated by the key. They also require maintenance, including lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done using an oil that is thin but not WD40. This should be done every year, at a minimum.
If hinges that are sagging don't cause the issue it could be because the door is misaligned. It may be rubbing or catching against the strike plate's hole in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate and use an abrasive chisel to increase the size of the mortise it sits in. This allows the latch to fit perfectly in the hole, and also prevents rubbing or catching on the frame.
When the cylinder is out of the way and out of the way, measure its width using an object or a piece of wood that will fit in the adjustment screw gap above 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 to the end of the cylinder.
Check the width of the lock.
If your patio door latch is hard to turn, even after cleaning and oiling it's possible that it's not aligned properly with the strike plate. Examine if the door is in balance and whether the hinge screws are secure However, in many cases it is possible to move the strike plate up or down could fix the problem.
The latch might not work properly when the strike of the lock is too small. In this situation you'll need to expand the opening using the 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 catching on the door's frame jamb.
Before buying a replacement lock, first determine the mortise type of lock you currently have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and observing whether it is square or round. Then, look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the dimensions of each one. This will help you find an alternative that is of the same size and will fit perfectly into the hole that you already have.
You'll want to identify the mortise lock and examine it for scratches, bends or other damage that need to be fixed. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that's frequently used to break. Replace the lock if it displays signs of damage.
Once you've decided on the kind of lock replacement you need It's time to start the actual repair. Remove the handle and spindle from the patio door, and then install the new one. Start by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it into position using two bolts or screws. Once the interior handle is installed, you can install the handle that is outside and screw it into place, too. 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.
Check the Door's Strike
The strike plate and door latch are two pieces which work together to secure the door. An incorrectly aligned strike plate and door latch will result in the latch not being able to latch the door in a proper manner. This is typically simple to solve.
First, check the holes in the strike plate's receiving to ensure they are free of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Remove the screws that hold the strike plate in position. This will allow it to move vertically, but it will not be able to separate from the frame. 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 then tighten all screws, and test to see if the door closes smoothly.
Door strike plates can be difficult to access for homeowners with sliding patio doors, but they're essential to lock and unlock your door. These metal plates are usually placed on the top and bottom of the door jamb, where they serve as the door's latch. The door latch slides into this strike plate and creates the seal. If the strike plate has been damaged, rusted, or is not properly installed the latch may not be able to lock the door properly.
A misalignment between the latch and strike plate is the most common reason for a
patio door repair near me lock to not close or remain in place. The most effective way to test for this is to perform the "lipstick test." Apply some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt, and then attach masking tape over it. When you shut the door the lipstick will leave marks on the tape, showing you exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low you can easily alter the strike plate.
If your sliding patio door locks are not working properly they could be a problem in keeping your home safe from burglars. You must resolve this issue as quickly as you can. Follow these easy steps to repair your patio door lock and restore its functionality.