Patio Door Lock Repair: The Ugly Truth About Patio Door Lock Repair

emergency patio door repair Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio door wear and tear can cause lock malfunctions. There are a few simple steps you can follow to ensure the security of your upvc patio door repairs door.

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

Clean the Lock

Patio doors are great for bringing the outdoors inside and keeping the elements out. However, they can be risky for security if the lock doesn't work correctly. Over time, wear, tear, hot and cold weather dirt, and other debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. Fortunately, with some minor maintenance, you can ensure your patio door's locks will always perform correctly.

It's important to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This will help get rid of any coatings or dirt that may be preventing your lock from working effectively. Start by wiping all the moving parts on the lock for your patio door with an aqueous cloth. Then apply a scouring pad or a rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested parts of the frame and door. Then, wipe the lock down using a dry towel to get rid of any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before using it.

If your patio door is equipped with a pin-tumbler latch, 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 is easy to apply and it doesn't dissolve with time. If you're unable to find the correct lubricant for your lock, apply a pencil that has a thicker tip. Put the pencil into the lock and jiggle 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 debris. These tracks can be especially susceptible to ice and snow which could cause them to become stuck or slack, making it harder for your patio doors to open and close.

The sliding rails of the patio door repair near me door track and rollers can be cleaned by removing any damaged or dirty weather stripping and then cleaning it, before reinstalling it. The rollers for patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed with an oil that is non-stick.

Lubricate the Moving Parts

uPVC french doors, similar to sliding patio doors, work using 3-4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms which include the handle and lock cylinder operated by a key. They require maintenance and the lubrication of moving parts. This can be accomplished with a thin oil, but never WD40. It should be done at least once a year.

If sagging hinges don't cause the problem, it could be that the door is misaligned. It may be rubbing against or catching the strike plate's opening in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate and use an abrasive chisel to increase the size of the mortise it rests in. This will allow the latch to fit properly into the hole, and stop it from rubbing against the frame.

Measure the diameter of the cylinder using an object of book or wood that is able to fit into the space 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 cylinder.

Check the Lock's Width

If your patio door latch is difficult to turn even after cleaning and lubricating, it's possible that it is out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Check if your door is balanced, and that the hinge screws are tight. In most cases, moving the strike plate downwards or upwards could fix the problem.

The most common issue is when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to engage. In this instance, you can widen the opening with an hammer and chisel. Then test the latch to ensure it does not rub against the jamb frame of the door or fall the frame.

Before purchasing a new lock, it is important to identify the type of mortise lock you currently have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and observing whether it is round or square. Then, look at the screw holes on the existing lock and note the dimensions of each. This will enable you to find the replacement lock that has exactly the same width and will fit in your existing hole.

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 bent or damaged latch is more likely to break than one that hasn't been utilized often, so make sure to replace the lock with a brand new secure and safe version in the event you notice any signs of wear or damage.

After you've examined the lock and determined which kind of replacement you require now is the time to start working on the actual repair. The spindle and handle should be removed from the doorway to the patio. Introduce the new handle. Begin by installing the handle inside, aligning it with the spindle, and then fixing it by using the two screws or bolts that secure it. Once the interior handle is installed, put in the exterior handle and screw it into place as well. After you've completed these steps then you can test the new handles to ensure they are able to open and close with ease and that the latch catches correctly with the strike plate.

Make sure you check the Strike of the door.

The door latch and strike plate are two components of the lock that work together to ensure the latch secures the door. An incorrectly aligned strike plate and door latches will cause the latch to not latch the door in a proper manner. Fortunately, this problem is usually easy to correct.

First, inspect the strike plate's holes for receiving to make sure they are free of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the keeper screws that secure the strike plate in place, allowing it to move horizontally, but not detaching it from the door frame. Then, adjust the strike plate until its receiving holes align with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted, tighten the screws and test the door to see whether it shuts easily with the new adjustment.

These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However they are crucial to lock and unlock your door. The metal plates are typically located at the top and bottom of the door jamb where they serve as the door's latch. The door latch is able to slide into the strike plate, creating a seal when closed. If the strike plate has been damaged, rusted, or is not installed correctly the latch may not properly lock the door.

A misalignment of the latch and strike plate is the most common reason for the patio lock to not close or remain in place. This can be verified using the "lipstick" test. Apply some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt, then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave a mark when you close the door. This will indicate exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low it is possible to alter the strike plate.

If your sliding patio door locks are not working properly, they can keep your home secure from intruders. It is imperative to resolve this issue as quickly as you can. Follow these simple steps to repair your patio door lock and restore it's functionality.