Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors experience wear and tear that could lead to locks that fail. However, there are simple and effective methods that can restore your uPVC patio door's security.
Whether it's realigning the lock or cleaning the mechanism that locks these simple fixes will increase the security of your home.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are great to let the outdoors in while keeping out the elements. However, they can be a security threat in the event that the lock isn't working correctly. With time, wear and tear, cold and hot weather dirt, and other debris can cause your
aluminium patio door repairs door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little maintenance, you can ensure your patio door's locks always perform correctly.
It's essential to clean your
Patio glass repair door's lock and all of its moving parts. This helps to flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that could hinder the lock from functioning in the way it should. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts of your patio door lock using a wet cloth. Then, use a scouring cloth or a 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 moisture. Allow it to air-dry before you use it.
If you have an exterior door that is fitted with pin tumbler latch mechanisms, you can lubricate the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or by using a lubricant made of Teflon, such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This kind of lubricant can be applied quickly and does not dissolve over time. If you're unable to find the correct lubricant for your lock, apply a pencil that has a more of a thicker tip. Place the pencil into the lock, and shake it around to distribute the graphite.
Sliding patio door tracks also require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dirt, dust and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to ice, snow, and other debris that can cause them get stuck or to bind. This could make it difficult for your
patio door frame repair door to be opened and closed.
Sliding patio door track rails and rollers can be cleaned by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping and cleaning them before replacing it. The rollers of patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed with an oil that is non-stick.
Lubricate the Moving Parts
uPVC French Doors, similar to sliding patios, operate with 3 to 4 or occasionally 5 point locking mechanisms. These include the handle and lock cylinder that is operated with a key. These doors require maintenance, the lubrication of moving parts. This can be done with a thin oil, but never WD40. It should be done at least once per year.
If sagging hinges aren't a cause, the door could be skewed and catch or hitting the strike plate's hole in the frame. Take off the strike plate and use a sharp tool to expand the mortise. This allows the latch to sit perfectly in the hole and prevents rubbing or catching on the frame.
Take a measurement of the diameter of the cylinder using the help of a piece of wood or a book that fits into the gap 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 is difficult to turn, even after cleaning and lubricating, there's a possibility that it is out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Verify that the door is properly balanced and if the hinge screws are in good condition. In many cases, however, simply moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can fix the problem.
The latch may not be able to engage properly if the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this situation you'll need to expand the hole using either a hammer or chisel, and then test the latch to make sure that it is able to engage the strike plate without rubbing against or getting caught on the door's frame jamb.
You should identify the type mortise lock you are using before you purchase an alternative. This can be done by looking at the end faceplate and noting whether it is square or round. Then, take a look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the size of each. This will help you to find an alternative lock that is exactly the same width and will fit into your existing hole.
In addition to identifying the mortise lock that is currently in use, you should also examine it for any bends or scratches that might require repair. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that's frequently used to break. Replace the lock if it displays signs of damage.
Once you've inspected the lock and determined which kind of replacement you require then it's time to begin working on the actual repair. The old handle and spindle should be removed from the doorway to the patio. Insert the new handle. Begin by installing the handle in the interior by aligning it with the spindle, and then fixing it with the two screws or bolts that secure 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 open and close easily and that the latch is catching correctly when you strike the plate.
Check the door's Strike
The strike plate and door latch are two components that work together to lock the door. Misaligned strike plate and door latches will result in the latch not being able to latch the door in a proper manner. This problem is usually very simple to solve.
Check the receiving holes of the strike plate to make sure they are free of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Loosen the keeper screws holding the strike plate in position. This allows it to move vertically, but not separate it from the frame. Adjust the strike plate to align its holes for receiving with latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate is adjusted then tighten all screws, and test to see if the door closes smoothly.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However they are crucial to secure and unlock your door. The metal plates are typically located on the top and bottom of the door jamb, where they support the door's latch. Then, the door latch is able to slide into the strike plate to create a seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged or rusted, or if it is not installed correctly the latch may not lock the door properly.
The most common reason for the patio door lock to stick or not close is a misalignment between the latch and strike plate. This can be confirmed using the "lipstick" test. Rub 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 show you exactly where the latch joins the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high, you can adjust the strike plate.
Locks for
sliding patio doors repairs patio doors help keep your home safe from intruders, and if they're not working correctly, you should repair the issue quickly. If you follow these steps, you can fix the lock on your patio door and regain its functionality in a matter of minutes.
