Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio door wear and tear could cause lock malfunctions. There are a few basic steps you can follow to restore the security of your uPVC door.

These simple fixes will make your home safer no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the mechanism.

Clean the Lock

Although patio door glass repair near me doors are an excellent way to bring the outside in and keep out the elements however, they can also pose an issue for security when your lock isn't functioning as it should. Over time wear and tear hot and cold weather dirt and debris can cause damage to your patio door's lock and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little effort, you can make sure that your lock for your patio door always works correctly.

It is important to first clean the patio doors repair near me door lock and all moving parts. This will help get rid of any grime and coatings that could hinder the lock from functioning in the way it should. Start by wiping down the moving parts of your patio door's lock using a damp cloth. then use a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub the hard-to-reach areas of the door or frame that are ingrained with dirt. Then clean the lock with a dry cloth to remove any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before using it.

(Image: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Window-Repairs.-150x150.jpg)If you have a patio door that uses a pin tumbler latch mechanism it is possible to apply lubrication to the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or by using a lubricant made of Teflon, like WD-40 Multi-Use. This type of lubricant is able to be applied with ease and will not disintegrate over time. If you're unable find the correct lubricant for your lock, you can apply a pencil that has a larger tip. Put the pencil into 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 of dust, dirt and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to ice, snow, and other debris that can cause them block or become stuck. This could make it difficult for your patio door to open and close.

You can clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio door repair service patio doors by removing any damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it, then replace it. The rollers for patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed with an oil that is nonstick.

Lubricate the Moving Parts

uPVC french doors, similar to sliding patio doors, operate by using 3-4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms that include the handle and lock cylinder operated by keys. They require maintenance and oiling of the moving parts. This can be done with an oil that is thin (never WD40) and is recommended to be done at least once per year.

If sagging hinges aren't a cause, the door may be misaligned and catching or rubbing against the strike plate hole 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 properly in the hole and avoids getting caught or rubbing against the frame.

Take a measurement of the width of the cylinder with an object of book or wood that can be inserted into the gap above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the center of the cylinder, while the inner dimension runs from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.

Verify the width of the lock.

If your patio door latch isn't able to turn even after oiling and cleaning, it's possible that it's not aligned with the strike plate. Make sure that your door is balanced, and if the hinge screws are secure. In many instances, moving the strike plate downwards or upwards could fix the problem.

Oftentimes, the problem occurs when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this case you'll need to expand the hole using the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to make sure that it contacts the strike plate smoothly without rubbing against or landing on the frame of the door jamb.

Before you purchase a replacement lock, first identify the type of mortise lock you currently have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate on the lock and determining whether it is round or square. Then, look at the screw holes on the existing lock and note the dimensions of each. This will assist you in finding an alternative lock that is of the same size and is a perfect fit for the hole you have already.

You'll want to identify the mortise lock and examine it for any scratches, bends or other damage that need How To Repair Patio Door Lock be repaired. A damaged or bent latch is more likely break than one that's not 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 wear or damage.

After you've determined the type of lock replacement you need It's time to start the actual repair. Remove the handle and spindle out of your patio door, and then put in the new one. Start by installing the inside handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it in by using two bolts or screws. Once the handle's interior is installed, you can install the handle on the outside and screw it in place as well. 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 is in contact properly with the strikeplate.

Make sure the door's strike is checked

The door latch and strike plate are two components of the lock that work together to ensure the latch secures the door. A misaligned strike plate or door latches will result in the latch not being able to latch the door correctly. Fortunately, the issue is often easy to fix.

First, inspect the holes in the strike plate's receiving to ensure they are clear of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Loosen the keeper screws holding the strike plate in place. This allows it to move horizontally, but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Then, you can adjust the strike plate until its holes for receiving align with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted then tighten the screws and then test the door to see if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment.

Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to access for homeowners with sliding patio doors, but they're crucial for locking and unlocking your door. These metal plates are usually located at the top and bottom of the door jamb, which is where they are used to support the door's latch. The door latch is inserted into this strike plate and creates the seal. If the strike plate has been damaged or rusted, or if it is not properly installed the latch might not lock the door properly.

The most common reason for a patio door lock to stick or not close is a misalignment of the latch and the strike plate. This can be verified using the ”lipstick” test. Apply a little lipstick across the edge of the deadbolt, then cover it with masking tape. When you close the door the lipstick will leave marks on the tape, indicating you exactly where the latch meets 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 functioning correctly, you should solve the issue fast. Follow these easy steps to repair your patio door lock and restore it's function.