Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio door wear and tear can cause lock malfunctions. There are a few simple steps you can follow to ensure the security of your uPVC door.
If it's resetting the lock or cleaning the mechanism for locking, these quick fixes can make your home more secure.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are great for bringing the outdoors in and keeping the elements out. However, they can be risky for security if the lock doesn't work properly. With time wear and tear cold and hot weather dirt and debris can take their toll on 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 is always working correctly.
In the beginning, it's crucial to clean the lock on your patio door and all the moving parts. This will help to remove any coatings or dirt that may be preventing the lock from working properly. Start by wiping down the moving parts of the lock for your patio door using a damp cloth. then make use of a scouring pad, or a rough damp cloth to scrub the hard-to-reach parts of the door and frame that are covered in dirt. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock with a dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness and let it to air dry prior to making use of it again.
If your patio door has a pin-tumbler latch you can lubricate it by applying powdered graphite to the key. You can also use a Teflon lubricant such as WD-40 Multi Use Product. This type of lubricant is easy to apply and it won't disintegrate over time. If you're unable find the right lubricant for your lock, use a pencil with larger tip. Place the pencil into the lock, and shake it around to spread the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also essential to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free from dirt, dust and debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow and ice which could cause them to be stuck or jammed and make it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.
You can clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio doors by removing any weather stripping that is damaged or dirty. Clean it, and then replace it. The same is true to patio door rollers which can be wiped down and then sprayed with a non-stick lubricant in order to allow them to move freely.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC french doors, like sliding patio doors, operate using 3 to 4 or sometimes five-point locking mechanisms, which include the handle and lock cylinder operated by keys. These doors also need maintenance, including lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done with an oil that is thin but not WD40. This should be done at least once per year.
If hinges that are sagging aren't the cause, the door may be misaligned and caught or hitting the strike plate hole in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate, and then use an abrasive chisel, which will enlarge the mortise it sits in. This lets the latch sit properly in the hole and avoids rubbing or catching on the frame.
Measure the width of the cylinder with a piece of book or wood that fits into the gap above the adjustment screw. 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 until the end cylinder.
Check the lock's length
If your patio door latch is difficult to turn even after cleaning and lubricating, there's a possibility that it's out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Verify that the door is in balance and if the hinge screws are tight however, in many instances it is possible to move the strike plate upwards or downwards can fix the issue.
Oftentimes, the problem occurs when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to engage. In this case, enlarge the hole with an hammer and chisel. Then test the latch to ensure it does not rub against the jamb frame of the door or fall on it.
It is important to identify the type of mortise lock that you have before purchasing a replacement. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and determining if it is round or square. Take a look at each screw hole on the current lock and note the size. This information will assist you in finding an alternative lock that is the same size and will fit perfectly into the hole that you already have.
In addition to identifying the mortise lock that is currently in use, you should also examine it for any nicks or bends that might require repair. A damaged or bent latch is more likely to break than one that's not used much, so be sure to replace the lock with a brand new, secure version if you find any signs of damage or wear.
After you've determined the type of lock replacement that you require, it's now time to start the actual repair. Remove the handle and spindle from your patio door, and then insert 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. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. Once you have completed these steps Test the handles to ensure that they open and shut easily and that the latch engages correctly with the strikeplate.
Make sure you check the Strike of the door.
The strike plate and door latch are two components that work together in order to lock the door. An incorrectly aligned strike plate and door latch will result in the latch not being able to latch the door correctly. This issue is usually easy to solve.
Check the holes for receiving of the strike plate to ensure they are clear of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the keeper screws that secure the strike plate in place and allow it to move horizontally, but not separating it from the frame of the door. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its holes for receiving with the latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted, tighten the screws and test the door to see whether it shuts easily with the new adjustment.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However they are crucial for locking and unlocking your door. The metal plates are situated between the top and bottom jambs of your door, which are where they help support the latch. Then, the door latch is able to slide into the strike plate, creating the seal when it is closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or is not properly installed the latch might not be able to lock the door properly.
A misalignment of the latch and strike plate is one common cause for the patio lock not to close or stick. The easiest method to check for this is by performing the "lipstick test." Apply some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt and attach masking tape over it. The lipstick will leave an impression when you shut the door. This will indicate exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high, you can adjust the strike plate.
If repair patio door lock for sliding aren't working correctly they can help keep your home secure from intruders. It is imperative to resolve this issue as quickly as possible. Follow these simple steps to fix your patio door lock and restore it's functionality.