Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, wear and tear can cause lock malfunctions. Fortunately, there are several simple and effective ways to restore your uPVC patio door's security.

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

Clean the Lock

Patio doors are great for bringing the outdoors in and keeping the elements out. However they can pose an issue for security if the lock doesn't work correctly. With time wear and tear extreme cold and hot weather, dirt and debris can affect your patio door's lock and make it difficult to open. With a little care, you can make sure that your patio door's lock always works correctly.

It is essential to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This will help get rid of any grime and coatings that may hinder the lock from functioning in the way it should. Begin by wiping the moving parts of the lock for your patio door repairs near me door with a damp, clean cloth. then make use of a scouring pad, or a rough damp cloth to scrub the hard-to-reach areas of the door or frame that are covered in dirt. Then clean the lock with a dry towel to get rid of any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before you use it.

If you have an exterior door that is fitted with pin tumbler latch mechanisms You can apply lubrication to the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or using an lubricant based on Teflon like WD-40 Multi-Use. This type of lubricant is easy to apply and it won't disintegrate over time. If you're not able to find the right lubricant for your needs you could try using a pencil that has an extremely sharp tip. Put the pencil in the lock, then shake it to distribute the graphite.

Sliding patio door lock repairs door tracks also require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow, ice and other debris, which could cause them to jam or bind. This can make it difficult for your patio door to open and shut.

You can clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio doors by removing any weather stripping that is damaged or dirty. Clean it and 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 with 3 to 4 or sometimes, 5 point locking mechanisms. They include the handle and lock cylinder which is operated by a key. These doors require maintenance, lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done with an oil that is thin, but never WD40. It is recommended to do it at least once a year.

If sagging hinges aren't a reason, the door could be misaligned and caught or rubbing against the strike plate hole within the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate and then use an abrasive chisel to increase the size of the mortise it sits in. This will permit the latch to fit properly into the hole, and also prevent it from scratching against the frame.

Measure the diameter of the cylinder using an object of wood or a book 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 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 isn't able to turn, even after cleaning and lubricating, it's possible that it is out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Verify that the door is in a balanced position, and that the hinge screws are tight. In many cases, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards will fix the problem.

Most of the time, the issue occurs when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this instance, you can widen the opening with an hammer and chisel. Then test the latch to ensure that it does not rub against the jamb frame of the door or fall on it.

Before buying a replacement lock, it is important to identify the type of mortise lock you currently have. You can do this by looking at the faceplate on the lock and determining 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 help you find a replacement that is of the same size and fits perfectly into the hole you have already.

You'll need to identify the mortise lock, and then examine it for any bends, scratches or other damage that requires 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 shows evidence of damage.

After you've examined the lock and determined which kind of replacement you require then it's time to begin working on the actual repair. Take the old handle and spindle out of your patio door repair company near me door, and then insert the new one. Start by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it into place using the two bolts or screws. Once the handle's interior is installed, put in the handle that is outside and screw it into place, too. Once you have completed these steps Test the handles to make sure that they are able to open and close easily and that the latch works correctly with the strikeplate.

Check the Strike of the Door.

The strike plate and door latch are two parts that work together to lock the door. Misaligned strike plate and door latch will result in the latch not being able to latch the door correctly. Fortunately, the issue is often easy to fix.

First, examine the strike plate's holes for receiving to ensure that they are free of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Loosen the keeper screws holding the strike plate in position. This will allow it to move horizontally, but not separate it from the frame. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its receiving holes with the latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted tighten all screws and test to see if the door closes smoothly.

Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to access for homeowners who have sliding patio doors, however they're crucial for locking and unlocking your door. These metal plates are located between the top and bottom jambs of your door, where they support its latch. The door latch slides onto the strike plate, and it 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.

One of the most common reasons for an outdoor door lock to stick or not close is a misalignment between the latch and strike plate. The most effective way to test for this is with the "lipstick test." Apply some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt, then apply masking tape over it. When you shut the door the lipstick will leave an impression on the tape, showing you exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low, you can alter the strike plate.

The sliding patio door locks protect your home from burglars, and if they're not working correctly, you must repair the issue quickly. If you follow these steps, you'll be able to fix your patio door's lock and get it back to normal within a short time.