Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio doors go through wear and tear which can result in lock malfunctions. There are fortunately, a number of simple and effective ways to restore your uPVC patio door's security.

These simple fixes will ensure your home is secure no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the mechanism.

Clean the Lock

While patio door glass repair near me doors are a great way to let the outside in and keep the elements out but they can also pose security risks if your lock isn't working as it should. Over time, wear and tear, cold and hot weather dirt and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With some minor maintenance you can ensure that your patio door's locks always perform properly.

It's essential to clean the lock on your patio door and all its moving parts. This will help remove any dirt and coatings that may hinder the lock from functioning as it should. Start by wiping down the moving parts of your patio door's lock with a damp, clean cloth. then make use of a scouring pad, or a rough damp cloth to scrub any difficult-to-access areas of the door and frame that are covered in dirt. Then, wipe the lock down with a dry cloth to get rid of any moisture. Allow it to air-dry before you use it.

If you have an outdoor door that has pin tumbler latch mechanisms it is possible to grease the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or using an lubricant based on Teflon such as 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 an appropriate lubricant You might use a pencil with a thick tip. Place the pencil into the lock, and shake it around to spread the graphite.

Sliding patio door tracks also require regular maintenance to keep them free of dust, dirt and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to ice, snow, and other debris that could cause them to block or become stuck. This could make it difficult for your emergency patio door repair door to open and close.

The sliding rails of the patio door track and rollers can be cleaned by removing any damaged or dirty weather stripping and then cleaning it, before replacing it. The rollers of patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed down with an oil that is nonstick.

Lubricate the Moving Parts

uPVC French Doors, like sliding patios, operate with 3 to 4 or sometimes, 5 point locking mechanisms. This includes the lock cylinder and handle that is operated by the key. They require maintenance and lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done using a thin oil, but never WD40. It is recommended to do it every year, at a minimum.

If the hinges aren't causing the problem it could be because the door isn't aligned. It could be rubbing or catching 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 will allow the latch to fit into the hole, and stop it from scratching against the frame.

Measure the length of the cylinder using the help of a piece of book or wood patio door repair 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 until the end cylinder.

Check the width of the lock.

If your patio door latch is difficult to turn even after cleaning and oiling, it's possible that it's not aligned properly with the strike plate. Make sure that your door is in a balanced position, and if the hinge screws are secure. In many cases, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can solve the issue.

The latch may not be able to engage properly in the event that the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this case, enlarge the hole with a chisel and hammer. Then test the latch so that it doesn't rub against the door jamb frame or catch on it.

Before purchasing a new lock, you should first determine what kind of mortise lock you currently have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate of the lock and determining whether it is square or round. Look at each screw hole in the existing lock and note their dimensions. This information will assist you in finding an alternative that is the same width and fits perfectly into the hole that you already have.

In addition to identifying the current mortise lock you should also examine it for any scratches or bends that may need repairing. 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 when you spot any indications of wear or damage.

Once you've checked the lock and determined which type of replacement you need, it's time to start working on the actual repair. Take the old handle and spindle out of your patio door, and then insert the new one. Start by putting in the handle inside and aligning it with the spindle, and then fixing it with the two screws or bolts which hold it. Once the handle's interior is installed, put in the handle that is outside and screw it in place as well. After you've completed these steps, you can test the new handles to make sure they can be opened and closed easily and that the latch is catching correctly when you strike the plate.

Check the Door's Strike

The strike plate and the door latch are two parts which work together to lock the door. A misaligned strike plate or door latch will cause the latch to not latch the door correctly. This problem is usually very simple to repair.

First, check the strike plate's receiving holes to make sure they are free of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then, loosen the keeper screws that hold the strike plate in place and allow it to move vertically but not detaching it from the door frame. Adjust the strike plate to align its receiving holes with the latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted then tighten all screws, and test to see whether the door shuts smoothly.

Door strike plates can be difficult to access for homeowners with sliding patio doors, however they are essential for locking and unlocking your door. The metal plates are situated between the top and bottom jambs of your door, where they support its latch. The door latch slides onto this strike plate and creates the seal. 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 not close or not close is a misalignment between the latch and the strike plate. The most effective way to test for this is by performing the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt, then put masking tape on it. The lipstick will leave the 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 it is possible to adjust the strike plate.

Sliding patio door locks help keep your home safe from burglars, and if they're not functioning correctly, you should repair the issue quickly. By following these simple steps, you can repair your patio door's lock and regain its functionality in a matter of minutes.