Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio doors go through wear and tear that can result in lock malfunctions. Fortunately, there are several easy and efficient methods that can restore your uPVC patio door's security.

These quick fixes can make your home safer regardless of whether you re-align the lock or clean the mechanism.

Clean the Lock

Patio doors are great for bringing the outdoors inside and keeping out the elements. However they could pose a security threat if the lock doesn't work properly. With time, wear and tear, hot and cold weather dirt and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With some minor maintenance, you can ensure your patio door's locks will always perform correctly.

It's important to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This helps to get rid of any grime and coatings that may hinder the lock from functioning as it should. Start by wiping all the moving parts of your patio door lock with a damp cloth. Then you can use a scouring paper or rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested areas of the door frame and frame. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock with dry cloth to get rid of any remaining dampness, and allow it to air dry before using it again.

If you have a patio door that uses a pin tumbler latch mechanism, you can grease the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or applying a Teflon-based lubricant like WD-40 Multi-Use. This kind of lubricant is easy to apply, and doesn't break down as time passes. If you're unable to locate the right lubricant for your needs you might try using a pencil with an extremely sharp tip. Insert the pencil in the lock, and shake it around to spread the graphite.

Tracks for sliding patio doors require regular maintenance to keep them free of dirt, dust and other debris. These tracks are particularly vulnerable to snow, ice, and other particles, which could cause them to block or become stuck. This can make it difficult for your patio door to open and close.

Tracks for sliding patio repair near me doors and rollers can be cleaned by removing any damaged or dirty weather stripping and cleaning them before installing it. Patio door rollers can also be cleaned and sprayed down with a nonstick lubricant.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC french doors, similar to sliding patio door frame repair doors, work by using 3 to 4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms which include the handle and lock cylinder controlled by keys. They require maintenance and lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done with an oil that is thin (never WD40) and should be done once per year.

If the hinges aren't causing the problem, it could be that the door is not aligned. It could be rubbing against or catching the hole of the strike plate 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 prevents scratching or catching on the frame.

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

Check the width of the lock.

If your patio door latch is difficult to turn, even after cleaning and lubricating, there's a possibility that it's not in alignment with the strike plate hole. Check to see if the door is in balance and whether the hinge screws are secure however, in many instances, moving the strike plate up or down could fix the problem.

Most of the time, the issue occurs when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to engage. In this instance, you'll need to enlarge the opening using the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to ensure that it contacts the strike plate without rubbing against or landing on the frame of the door jamb.

It is important to identify the type of mortise lock you currently are using before you purchase a replacement. You can do this by looking at the faceplate on the lock and determining if it is round or square. Then, take a look at the screw holes in the existing lock and note the size of each one. This information will allow you to locate the replacement lock that has exactly the same width and will fit in the hole that you already have.

You'll want to identify the mortise lock and examine it for any scratches, bends, or other damage that requires to be fixed. A damaged or bent latch is more likely break than one that's not frequently used, so be sure to replace the lock with a new one that is secure if you find any signs of damage or wear.

After you've determined the type of lock replacement you need It's time to start the actual repair. The old spindle and handle should be removed from the doorway to the patio. Insert the new handle. Begin by installing the handle in the interior, aligning it with the spindle and then fixing it with the two bolts or screws that hold it. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. After you've completed the steps, you can test the new handles to ensure they can be opened and closed easily and that the latch catches properly with the strike plate.

Check the Strike of the Door.

The door latch and strike plate are two components of the lock that work to ensure the latch secures the door. If these are misaligned and the latch doesn't latch the door shut correctly. Fortunately, this problem is often easy to fix.

First, check the strike plate's receiving holes 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 detaching it from the frame of your door. Then, you can adjust the strike plate so that its receiving holes align with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted, tighten the screws and then test the door to determine whether it shuts easily with the new adjustment.

Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to access for homeowners with sliding patio doors, but they're essential to lock and unlock your door. These metal plates are located on the top and bottom jambs of the door, where they support its latch. The door latch is inserted into this strike plate and creates an airtight seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not properly installed, it could prevent the latch from locking the door securely.

The most common reason for a patio door lock to not close or not close is a misalignment between the latch and the strike plate. The most effective way to test for this is with the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt and attach masking tape over it. The lipstick will leave a mark when you shut the door. This will show you exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high it is possible to alter the strike plate.

Locks for sliding patio door repair service patio doors help keep your home safe from intruders, and if they're not functioning correctly, you must solve the issue fast. By following these simple steps, you can repair the lock on your patio door and regain its functionality in a matter of minutes.