Patio Door Lock RepairsOver time, patio doors experience wear and tear which can cause lock malfunctions. There are a few basic steps you can take to restore the security of your uPVC door.
These simple fixes can make your home safer regardless of whether you re-align the lock or clean the locking mechanism.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are great for bringing the outdoors in and keeping out the elements. However they could pose a security threat when the lock isn't functioning properly. With time, wear and tear, hot and cold weather dirt and debris can take their toll on the lock of your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. Fortunately, with a little care you can ensure that your patio door's locks always perform effectively.
It is essential to first clean the
patio doors repair near me door lock as well as all 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's lock with a damp cloth, then make use of a scouring pad, or a rough damp cloth to scrub any difficult-to-access areas of the door or frame that are ingrained with dirt. Then clean the lock with a dry towel to get rid of any moisture. Allow it to air-dry before you use it.
If your patio door is equipped with pin-tumbler latches, you can lubricate it by applying powdered Graphite to the key. You can also apply a Teflon lubricant such as WD-40 Multi Use Product. This kind of lubricant can be applied with ease and does not dissolve over time. If you are unable to find the right lubricant to use with your lock, use a pencil with thicker tip. Place the pencil in the lock and move it around to spread the graphite.
The tracks for sliding patio doors also require regular maintenance to ensure they're free of dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to ice and snow which could cause them to jam or bind which makes it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.
The sliding rails of the patio door track and rollers can be cleaned by removing any weather stripping that is damaged or dirty, cleaning them, then reinstalling it. The rollers for patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed down with an oil that is nonstick.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC french doors, like sliding patio doors, work using 3 to 4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms which include the handle and lock cylinder operated by a key. They require maintenance and lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done using a thin oil (never WD40) and should be done every year.
If hinges that are sagging don't cause the issue, it could be that the door is misaligned. It may be rubbing or catching against the strike plate's opening in the frame. Remove the strike plate, and use a sharp tool to expand the mortise. This allows the latch to fit perfectly in the hole and prevents scratching or catching on the frame.
When the cylinder is out of the way, measure its width with an object or a piece of wood that can fit into the adjustment screw gap above the lock. 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 Lock's Width
If your
patio doors repair near me door latch is hard to turn even after oiling and cleaning it could be because it's not aligned with the strike plate. Verify that the door is in a balanced position, and if the hinge screws are secure. In a lot of instances, moving the strike plate downwards or upwards could fix the problem.
The latch may not be able to engage properly if the strike of the lock is too small. In this case, enlarge the hole with the hammer and chisel. Then test the latch to ensure that it doesn't rub against the jamb frame of the door or fall the frame.
You must identify the kind of mortise lock you currently have before buying the replacement. You can do this by looking at the faceplate on the lock and noting if it is round or square. Look at each screw hole on the current lock and note their dimensions. This will enable you to find an alternative lock that is exactly the same width and will fit into the hole that you already have.
You'll want to identify the mortise lock, and then examine it for any scratches, bends, or other damage that needs to be fixed. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that has frequently used to break. Replace the lock if it shows indications of damage.
Once you've identified the type of lock replacement you require It's time to begin the actual repair. Remove the old handle and spindle out of your patio door, and then insert the new one. Start by putting in the handle inside and aligning it with the spindle and then securing it in place with the two bolts or screws that secure it. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. After you've completed the steps, you can test the new handles to ensure that they are able to open and close with ease and that the latch is catching properly with the strike plate.
Check the Strike on the door.
The door latch and strike plate are the two parts of the lock that work together to ensure the latch secures the door. Misaligned strike plate and door latches can cause the latch to not latch the door in a proper manner. Fortunately, this problem is often easy to fix.
First, examine the holes in the strike plate's receiving to ensure that they are clear of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Loosen the keeper screws holding the strike plate in place. This allows it to move vertically but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Then, adjust the strike plate to ensure that its receiving holes align with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted then tighten all screws, and test to see whether the door closes smoothly.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding
patio door lock repairs near me doors. However they are vital to secure and unlock your door. The metal plates are situated at the top and bottom jambs of your door, where they support its latch. The door latch slides into this strike plate and creates the seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not installed correctly, it may hinder the latch from locking the door securely.
One common reason for a
patio door glass repair door lock to become stuck or not close is a misalignment between the latch and the strike plate. This can be checked with the "lipstick" test. Apply a little lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt. Then cover it with masking tape. When you shut the door the lipstick will leave marks on the tape that will show exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low it is possible to adjust the strike plate.
The sliding patio door locks keep your home safe from burglars, and if they're not working correctly, you should fix the problem quickly. Follow these simple steps to repair your patio door lock and restore its functionality.
