Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio doors experience wear and tear that could cause lock malfunctions. There are fortunately, a number of simple and efficient steps that can help restore your uPVC patio door's security.

It's about realigning the lock or cleaning the mechanism for locking, these quick fixes can make your home more secure.

Clean the Lock

While patio doors are a great way to bring the outside in and keep out the elements but they can also pose an issue for security if your lock isn't working as it should. With time wear and tear, hot and cold weather dirt and debris can affect the lock of your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little effort, you can make sure that your patio door's lock always functions in a proper manner.

It's important to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This will help flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that may hinder the lock from working as it should. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a wet cloth. Then, use a scouring cloth or rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested areas of the door and frame. Then, wipe the lock down with a dry cloth to get rid of any remaining moisture. Let it air dry before using it.

If your patio door has a pin-tumbler latch You can apply powdered graphite to the key. You can also apply a Teflon lubricant like WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This kind of lubricant can be applied easily and does not dissolve over time. If you are unable to locate an appropriate lubricant, you might try using a pencil that has an extremely thick tip. Insert the pencil in the lock, and shake it to distribute the graphite.

Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear of dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks can be especially susceptible to snow and ice which can cause them to become stuck or slack, making it harder for your patio doors to open and close.

The sliding rails of the patio door track and rollers can be cleaned by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping and then cleaning it, before replacing it. The rollers of patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed with a nonstick lubricant.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC French Doors, like sliding patios, are operated with 3 to 4 or sometimes 5 points locking mechanisms. These include the lock cylinder and handle which is operated by the key. These doors also need maintenance, and specifically lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished with a thin oil, but never WD40. It should be done at least once a year.

If the hinges aren't causing the problem, it could be that the door isn't aligned. It may be rubbing or catching the strike plate's hole in the frame. Remove the strike plate, and employ a sharp tool how to repair patio door lock enlarge its mortise. This will allow the latch to fit into the hole and stop it from rubbing against the frame.

Measure the width of the cylinder with an object of wood or a book that is able to fit into the space above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of door to the center cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw to the end of the of the cylinder.

Verify 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's out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Make sure that your door is in a balanced position, and that the hinge screws are in good condition. In many instances, moving the strike plate downwards or upwards could solve the issue.

The most common issue is when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to engage. In this case, you'll need to enlarge the hole with either a hammer or chisel, and then test the latch to ensure that it is able to engage the strike plate in a smooth manner without rubbing against or landing on the frame of the door jamb.

You must identify the kind of mortise lock that you have before purchasing a replacement. You can do this by looking at the faceplate of the lock and determining whether it is square or round. Then, look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the dimensions of each. This information will allow you to find a replacement lock that is exactly the same size and will fit into the hole you have already.

You'll want to identify the mortise lock and inspect it for any scratches, bends, or other damage that requires to be fixed. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that's been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if it displays indications of damage.

Once you've checked the lock and identified which type of replacement you'll need now is the time to start working on the actual repair. The old handle and spindle should be removed from the patio door. Insert the new handle. Start by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it into by using two bolts or screws. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. Once you have completed these steps check the handles to make sure that they open and shut easily and that the latch works correctly with the strikeplate.

Check the Door's Strike

The strike plate and door latch are two parts which work together to secure the door. An incorrectly aligned strike plate and door latch will cause the latch to not latch the door in a proper manner. Fortunately, this problem is often easy to fix.

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 screws that secure the strike plate in place, allowing it to move vertically, but not removing it from the frame of the door. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its receiving holes with the latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted then tighten the screws and test the door to see whether it locks smoothly after the new adjustment.

Door strike plates can be difficult to access for homeowners with sliding patio doors, but they're essential to lock and unlock your door. The plates made of metal are located at the top and bottom jambs of the door, which are where they help support the latch. The door latch is able to slide into the strike plate to form a seal when closed. 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 the patio door lock to become stuck or not close is a misalignment between the latch and the strike plate. The easiest method to check for this is by performing the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick on the edge of the deadbolt and put masking tape on it. The lipstick will leave the mark when you close the door. This will indicate exactly where the latch joins the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high, you can easily alter the strike plate.

If your patio door locks for sliding aren't working correctly they could be a problem in keeping your home safe from burglars. You must resolve this issue as quickly as possible. If you follow these steps, you'll be able to fix the lock on your patio door and get it back to normal in no time.