Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio doors undergo wear and tear that could lead to locks that fail. There are a few simple steps you can take to restore the security of your uPVC door.

These easy fixes will make your home safer, whether you realign the lock or clean the locking mechanism.

Clean the Lock

While patio door repair company doors are a great option to let in the outside and keep the elements out, they can also be security risks if your lock isn't working as it should. Over time, wear, tear, cold and hot weather, dirt, and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. Fortunately, with a little maintenance you can ensure that the locks on your patio door always work effectively.

It is essential to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This helps to flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that may hinder the lock from working in the way it should. Start by wiping the moving parts of your patio door lock with a damp cloth. Then you can use a scouring paper or a rough damp cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the frame and door. Then, wipe the lock down with a dry towel to remove any remaining moisture. Let it air dry before you use it.

If your patio door has pin-tumbler latches, you can lubricate it by applying 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 does not dissolve over time. If you're unable find the right lubricant to use with your lock, you can apply a pencil that has a larger tip. Place the pencil in the lock and jiggle it around a bit to distribute the graphite.

Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding glass patio doors repair patio doors clear of dust, dirt and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to snow, ice, and other particles, which can cause them block or become stuck. This could make it difficult for your patio door to open and shut.

Sliding patio door track rails and rollers can be cleaned by removing dirty or damaged weather stripping, cleaning them, then replacing it. patio sliding doors repair door rollers can also be cleaned and sprayed with an oil that is nonstick.

Lubricate the Moving Parts

uPVC french doors, like sliding patio doors, work with 3 to 4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms that include the lock cylinder and handle controlled by a key. They require maintenance and the lubrication of moving parts. This can be done using a thin oil (never WD40) and should be done every year.

If sagging hinges don't cause the issue, it could be that the door is not aligned. It may be rubbing or catching the strike plate's opening in the frame. Remove the strike plate, and employ a sharp tool to expand its mortise. This will permit the latch to fit into the hole, and stop it from scratching against the frame.

While the cylinder is out of the way take a measurement of its width using the help of a book or piece wood that fits into the gap of adjustment screw above 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 until 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, it's possible that it is out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Make sure that your door is in a balanced position, and that the hinge screws are secure. In a lot of 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 situation, you'll need to enlarge the hole with 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 catching on the door's frame jamb.

It is important to identify the type of mortise lock you have before buying the replacement. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and observing whether it is round or square. Then, take a look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the dimensions of each one. This information will allow you to locate an alternative lock that is the exact same width and will fit into the hole that you already have.

In addition to identifying the current mortise lock you'll also need to check it for any scratches or bends that may require repairing. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that has frequently used to break. Replace the lock if it displays evidence of damage.

Once you've checked the lock and identified which type of replacement you'll need then it's time to begin working on the actual repair patio door. Take the old handle and spindle from the patio door, and then put in the new one. Start by putting in the interior handle by aligning it with the spindle and then fixing it with the two screws or bolts that secure it. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. Once you have completed these steps, test the handles to make sure they are able to open and close easily and that the latch is in contact correctly with the strikeplate.

Check the Strike of the Door.

The strike plate and door latch are two pieces which work together to lock the door. A misaligned strike plate or door latch will result in the latch not being able to latch the door properly. Fortunately, the issue is often easy to fix.

First, inspect the strike plate's receiving holes to make sure they are clear of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Loosen the keeper screws holding the strike plate in position. This allows it to move horizontally, but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its holes for receiving with the latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted, tighten all screws and test to see if the door closes smoothly.

Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to locate for homeowners with sliding patio doors, however they're crucial to lock and unlock your door. The metal plates are situated on the top and bottom jambs of your door, where they serve as the support for 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 properly installed, it could stop the latch from locking the door securely.

A misalignment of the latch and strike plate is one common cause for the patio lock not to close or stick. The most effective way to test for this is to perform the "lipstick test." Apply some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt, and then put masking tape on it. The lipstick will leave the mark when you shut the door. This will reveal exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high it is possible to alter the strike plate.

Sliding patio door locks help keep your home safe from intruders, and if they're not functioning correctly, you must repair the issue quickly. Follow these steps to fix your patio door lock and restore it's functionality.