Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio doors undergo wear and tear which can result in locks that fail. There are fortunately, a number of simple and efficient ways to restore your uPVC patio door's security.

These easy fixes will ensure your home is secure no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the locking mechanism.

Clean the Lock

Patio doors are ideal for letting the outdoors inside and keeping the elements out. However, they can be an issue 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 the lock on your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little effort you can ensure that your patio door's lock always works properly.

It's essential to clean the lock on your patio door and all its moving parts. This will help remove any dirt or coatings that may be preventing the lock from working correctly. Start by wiping all the moving parts of your patio door lock with an aqueous cloth. Then, use a scouring cloth or a damp, rough cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the door and frame. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock with dry cloths to eliminate any remaining dampness and let it to air dry before making use of it again.

If you have a patio door handle repair near me door that uses pin tumbler latch mechanisms You can grease the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or applying a Teflon-based lubricant such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant can be applied quickly and does not dissolve over time. If you're unable to locate an appropriate lubricant, you can try using a pencil with an extremely thick tip. Insert the pencil into the lock and jiggle it around a bit to spread the graphite.

The tracks for sliding patio doors also require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow and ice, which could cause them to jam or bind and make it difficult for your patio door lock repair doors to open and close.

Clean the track rails and rollers on sliding glass patio door repair patio doors by removing weather stripping that is dirty or damaged. Clean it, and then replace it. The same applies to patio door rollers which can be cleaned and sprayed with non-stick lubricant to help them move freely.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC french doors, similar to sliding patio doors, operate with 3-4 or occasionally five-point locking mechanisms, which include the handle and lock cylinder operated by the key. They require maintenance and lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done using an oil that is thin however, never WD40. It is recommended to do it 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 hole of the strike plate in the frame. Take off the strike plate and use a sharp tool to increase the size of its mortise. This lets the latch sit properly in the hole and prevents rubbing or catching on the frame.

Once the cylinder is cleared 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 until the end of the cylinder.

Check the lock's width

If your patio door latch is hard to turn even after oiling and cleaning it's possible that it's not aligned properly with the strike plate. Make sure that your door is balanced, and that the hinge screws are in good condition. In most cases, however, simply moving the strike plate downwards or upwards could fix the problem.

The latch may not engage properly if the strike of the lock is too small. In this case you'll need to expand the opening using either a hammer or chisel, and then test the latch to make sure that it contacts the strike plate without rubbing against or catching on the frame of the door jamb.

It is important to identify the type of mortise lock you have before purchasing the replacement. This can be done by looking at the end faceplate and determining if it is square or round. Then, look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the size of each. This will help you find an alternative lock that is the same width and fits perfectly into the hole you have already.

You'll need to locate the mortise lock, and then examine 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 frequently used to break. Replace the lock if it shows signs of damage.

Once you've checked the lock and determined which type of replacement you need, it's time to start working on the actual repair. The old spindle and handle should be removed from the doorway to the patio. Install the new handle. Start by installing the inside handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it in by using two screws or bolts. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. After you've completed these steps check the handles to ensure that they can be shut and open easily and that the latch is in contact properly with the strikeplate.

Make sure the door's strike is checked

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

Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to make sure they are clear of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Loosen the keeper screws holding the strike plate. This will allow it to move horizontally, but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Adjust the strike plate to align its holes for receiving with latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate has been adjusted tighten all screws and test if the door closes smoothly.

Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to access for homeowners who have sliding local patio door repairs doors, however they're essential to lock and unlock your door. The plates made of metal are located between the top and bottom jambs of the door which are where they help support the latch. The door latch slides into the strike plate, creating the seal when it is closed. If the strike plate is damaged or rusted or not properly installed the latch may not be able to lock the door properly.

A misalignment between the strike plate and latch is one common cause for the patio lock not to close or stick. This can be verified using the "lipstick" test. Apply some lipstick across the edge of the deadbolt, then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave the mark when you close the door. This will indicate exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low it is possible to alter the strike plate.

Sliding patio door locks help protect your home from intruders, and if they're not functioning properly, you need to repair the issue quickly. By following these simple steps, you can fix your patio door's lock and get it back to normal in no time.