Patio Door Lock Repairs

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

Whether it's realigning the lock or cleaning the locking mechanism these simple fixes will make your home more secure.

Clean the Lock

Patio doors are ideal to let the outdoors in and keeping out the elements. However, they can be an issue for security in the event that the lock isn't working properly. With time wear and tear extreme cold and hot weather dirt and debris can cause damage to the lock on your patio door and make it difficult to open. Fortunately, with a little maintenance you can make sure that your patio door's locks will always perform effectively.

It is important to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This will help remove any dirt or coatings that may be preventing your lock from working correctly. Start by wiping all the moving parts of your patio door lock using a wet cloth. Then, use a scouring cloth or a damp, rough cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the frame and door. Then, wipe the lock down using a dry towel to get rid of any remaining moisture. Let it air dry before using it.

If your repairing patio doors door is equipped with a pin-tumbler latch you can lubricate it by applying powdered Graphite on the key. You can also use a Teflon lubricant such as WD-40 Multi Use Product. This type of lubricant is able to be applied quickly and does not dissolve over time. If you're unable to find an appropriate lubricant, you might try using a pencil that has a thick tip. Put the pencil into the lock and jiggle it around to distribute the graphite.

Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear from dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow, ice, and other debris that could cause them to jam or bind. This could make it difficult for your patio door to be opened and closed.

Clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio doors by removing any weather stripping that is damaged or dirty. Clean it, then replace it. The same can be done to patio door rollers which can be wiped down and sprayed with non-stick lubricant that will allow them to move freely.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC French Doors, similar to sliding patios, operate using 3 to 4, or sometimes 5 point locking mechanisms. These include the lock cylinder and handle which is operated by a key. They also require maintenance, including lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished using a thin oil (never WD40) and is recommended to be done at least once per year.

If the hinges aren't causing the problem it could be because the door is misaligned. It could be rubbing against 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 rests in. This allows the latch to fit properly in the hole and prevents getting caught or rubbing against the frame.

When the cylinder is out of the way, measure its width with an object or a piece of wood that will fit in the gap between the adjustment screw and the lock. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the center of the cylinder. the inner measurement 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 is difficult to turn, even after oiling and cleaning it's possible that it is not aligned with the strike plate. Make sure that your door is balanced, and that the hinge screws are tight. In a lot of cases, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can fix the problem.

The latch may not engage properly when the strike of the lock is too small. In this case you'll need to expand the hole using a chisel or hammer and then test the latch to ensure that it is able to engage the strike plate in a smooth manner without rubbing against or getting caught on the frame of the door jamb.

Before buying a replacement lock, first identify the type of mortise lock you currently have. You can do this by looking at the faceplate of the lock and noting if it is round or square. Take a look at each screw hole in the existing lock and note the size. This information will allow you to locate the replacement lock that has the exact same width and will fit into the hole that you already have.

You'll need to identify the mortise lock and inspect it for any scratches, bends or other damage that need to be fixed. A bent or damaged latch is more likely to break than one that hasn't been used much, so be sure to replace the lock with a brand new, secure version if you find any signs of wear or damage.

Once you've decided on the kind of lock replacement you require, it's now time to begin the actual repair. Take the old handle and spindle out of your patio door, and then install 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. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. Once you've completed these steps, you can test the new handles to ensure that they are able to open and close with ease and that the latch locks correctly when you strike the plate.

Check the Strike of the Door.

The strike plate and door latch are two parts that work together to lock the door. If these parts aren't aligned correctly and the latch isn't latching the door shut properly. Fortunately, this issue is usually easy to correct.

Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to ensure they are free of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the screws that hold the strike plate in place and allow it to move horizontally, but not separating it from the door frame. Then, you can adjust the strike plate until its holes for receiving align with the latch hooks on the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted tighten all screws and check whether the door closes smoothly.

These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However they are 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 placed on the strike plate to create a seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or is not installed correctly the latch may not be able to lock the door properly.

A misalignment between 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 to perform the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick on the edge of the deadbolt, then apply masking tape over it. When you shut the door the lipstick will leave marks on the tape, indicating you exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high it is possible to adjust the strike plate.

If your sliding patio door locks aren't working correctly, they can keep your home secure from intruders. It is imperative to resolve this issue as quickly as you can. By following these simple steps, you'll be able to fix the lock on your patio door and get it back to normal within a short time.