Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, wear and tear could cause lock malfunctions. However, there are simple and efficient steps that can help restore your uPVC patio door's security.
These simple fixes can make your home safer, whether you realign the lock or clean the mechanism.
Clean the Lock
While patio doors are a great option to let in the outside and keep out the elements, they can also be an issue for security in the event that your lock isn't operating as it should. With time, wear and tear, cold and hot weather dirt and debris can take their toll on the lock of your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little attention, you can make sure that the lock on your patio door always works in a proper manner.
It's important to clean your patio door's lock and all the moving parts. This will help flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that may be preventing the lock from working in the way it should. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with an aqueous cloth. Then you can use a scouring paper or rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested areas of the frame and door. Then, wipe the lock down with a dry cloth to remove any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before you use it.
If your patio door uses pin-tumbler latches You can apply powdered Graphite to the key. You can also use a Teflon oil like WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant is able to be applied with ease and will not disintegrate over time. If you're unable to locate a suitable lubricant you can try using a pencil that has an extremely sharp tip. Place the pencil into the lock, then shake it around to distribute the graphite.
The tracks for sliding patio doors also require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dust, dirt, and debris. These tracks can be especially susceptible to snow and ice which can cause them jam or bind which makes it difficult for your patio doors 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 cleaning them before replacing it. The same applies for rollers on patio doors, which can be cleaned and sprayed with non-stick lubricant in order to allow them to move freely.
Lubricate the Moving Parts
uPVC French Doors, like sliding patios, are operated with 3 to 4 or sometimes 5 point locking mechanisms. This includes the lock cylinder and handle that is operated by a key. Repair My Windows And Doors require maintenance and lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done with the use of a thin oil however, never WD40. This should be done at least once per year.
If the hinges aren't causing the issue it could be because the door is misaligned. It may be rubbing against or catching the hole of the strike plate in the frame. Remove the strike plate and use a sharp tool to increase the size of the mortise. This will allow the latch to fit into the hole and also prevent it from hitting the frame.
When the cylinder is out of the way, measure its width with the help of a book or piece wood that can fit into the gap of adjustment screw above the lock. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the middle of the cylinder. the inner dimension extends from the center of the 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, there's a possibility that it's not in alignment with the strike plate hole. Examine if the door is balanced and whether the hinge screws are secure, but in many cases it is possible to move the strike plate upwards or downwards can correct 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, you'll need to enlarge the hole with either a hammer or chisel, and then test the latch to make sure that it connects to the strike plate smoothly without rubbing against or getting caught on the door's frame jamb.
You must identify the kind of mortise lock that you are using before you purchase the replacement. You can do this by looking at the faceplate of the lock and noting if it is square or round. Then, look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the dimensions of each. This will enable you to find an alternative lock that is exactly the same size and will fit into your existing hole.
You'll want to identify the mortise lock and examine it for any scratches, bends, or other damage that need to be repaired. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that's frequently used to break. Replace the lock if you notice signs of damage.
After you've determined the type of lock replacement you need It's time to begin the actual repair. Remove the old handle and spindle from the patio door, and then put in the new one. Start by installing the inside handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it into by using two screws or bolts. Once the handle's interior is installed, put in the handle that is outside and screw it into the position as well. After you've completed the steps you can test the new handles to ensure that they open and close easily and that the latch catches correctly with the strike plate.
Check the door's Strike
The strike plate and the door latch are two pieces that work together in order to lock the door. A misaligned strike plate or door latches will result in the latch not being able to latch the door in a proper manner. Fortunately, the issue is usually simple to fix.
Check the receiving holes of the strike plate to make sure they are clear of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the screws that secure the strike plate in place, allowing it to move horizontally, but not separating it from the door frame. Adjust the strike plate to align its holes for receiving with latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted tighten all screws and test whether the door closes smoothly.
Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to access for homeowners who have sliding patio doors, but they're crucial to lock and unlock your door. These metal plates are located between the top and bottom jambs of the door, where they serve as the support for the latch. Then, the door latch is placed on the strike plate, creating a seal when closed. If the strike plate has been damaged, rusted, or is not installed correctly the latch might not properly lock the door.
The most common reason for an outdoor door lock to stick or not close is a misalignment between the latch and the strike plate. This can be confirmed using the "lipstick" test. Apply a little lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt and then cover it with masking tape. When you close the door the lipstick will leave an impression on the tape that will show exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high, you can easily alter the strike plate.
Locks for sliding patio doors help keep your home safe from burglars. If they're not working correctly, you should solve the issue fast. By following these simple steps, you'll be able to fix the lock on your patio door and regain its functionality in a matter of minutes.