The Comprehensive Guide To Patio Door Lock Repair

Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, the wear and tear could cause lock malfunctions. There are fortunately, a number of simple and efficient ways to restore your uPVC patio door's security.

Whether it's realigning the lock or cleaning the locking mechanism, these quick fixes can help you make your home more secure.

Clean the Lock

Although patio doors are a great option to let the outside in and keep the elements out but they can also pose security risks if your lock isn't working as it should. Over time, wear and tear, cold and hot weather, dirt and debris can take their toll on the lock on your patio door glass repair door and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little care, you can make sure that your patio door's lock always functions properly.

It is essential to first clean the local patio door repairs door lock and all moving parts. This will help remove any dirt or coatings that may be preventing the lock from working properly. Begin by wiping down the moving parts of your patio door's lock with a damp cloth, then employ a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub the hard-to-reach parts of the door and frame that are ingrained with dirt. Then, wipe the lock down with a dry cloth to get rid of any remaining moisture. Let it air dry before you use it.

If your patio door uses pin-tumbler latches You can apply powdered Graphite on the key. You can also use a Teflon lubricant such as WD-40 Multi Use Product. This type of lubricant is easy to apply, and doesn't break down with time. If you're not able to find a suitable lubricant you could try using a pencil that has an extremely thick tip. Put the pencil in the lock, then shake it around to distribute the graphite.

Regular maintenance is also essential to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors repairs doors clear from dust, dirt and debris. They are particularly susceptible to snow and ice, which could cause them to be stuck or jammed, making it harder for your patio doors to open and close.

Sliding patio door track rails and rollers can be cleaned by removing any dirty or damaged weather stripping and then cleaning it, before replacing it. The same is true to patio door repairs near me door rollers which can be wiped down and then sprayed with a non-stick lubricant to help them move freely.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC French Doors, like sliding patios, are operated with 3 to 4 or sometimes, 5 points locking mechanisms. They include the handle and lock cylinder that is operated with the key. They also require maintenance, and specifically lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished using an oil that is thin (never WD40) and is recommended to be done at least once per year.

If hinges that are sagging don't cause the problem it could be because the door isn't aligned. It may be rubbing against or catching the strike plate's hole in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate and use an abrasive chisel, which will enlarge the mortise it sits in. This allows the latch to fit properly in the hole, and also prevents rubbing 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 will fit in the gap of adjustment screw above the lock. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of door to the center of cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw to the end 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 out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Examine if the door is in balance and if the hinge screws are tight however, in many instances, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can fix the issue.

Most of the time, the issue occurs when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this situation you'll have to increase the opening using the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to ensure that it contacts the strike plate in a smooth manner without rubbing against or landing on the door's frame jamb.

It is important to identify the type of mortise lock you currently have before buying an alternative. You can do this by looking at the faceplate on the lock and noting if it is square or round. Take a look at each screw hole in the existing lock and note the size. This information will assist you in finding an alternative lock that is of the same size and will fit perfectly into the hole you have already.

You'll want to identify the mortise lock and inspect it for any bends, scratches or other damage that needs to be repaired. A badly damaged or bent latch is more likely break than one that hasn't been used much, so be sure to replace the lock with a brand new, secure version if you find any signs of damage or wear.

Once you've identified the type of lock replacement that you require, it's now time to begin the actual repair. The old spindle and handle must be removed from the doorway to the patio. Insert the new handle. Begin by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it in by using two bolts or screws. Once the handle in the interior is installed, you can install the exterior handle and screw it into place, too. After you've completed these steps you can test the new handles to ensure that they are able to open and close with ease and that the latch locks correctly when you strike the 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 that the latch locks the door. A misaligned strike plate or door latches will result in the latch not being able to latch the door in a proper manner. 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. Remove the screws that hold the strike plate in position. This will allow it to move vertically, but not separate it from the frame. Adjust the strike plate to align its holes for receiving with the latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted, tighten the screws and test the door to see if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment.

Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to locate for homeowners with sliding patio doors, but they're essential to lock and unlock your door. These plates are usually placed on the top and bottom of the door jamb, where they serve as the door's latch. The door latch is inserted into this strike plate and creates a seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not properly installed, it could hinder the latch from locking the door securely.

A misalignment between the latch and strike plate is one common cause for a patio screen Door repair Near me lock to not close or remain in place. The easiest method to check for this is to perform the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt and apply masking tape over it. When you shut the door the lipstick will leave an impression on the tape, showing you exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low, you can adjust the strike plate.

If your patio door locks for sliding are not working properly they could be a problem in keeping your home safe from burglars. You need to resolve this issue as quickly as you can. Follow these simple steps to repair your patio door lock and restore it's functionality.