13 Things About Patio Door Lock Repair You May Not Have Known

Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, wear and tear can lead to lock malfunctions. There are fortunately, a number of simple and effective steps that can help restore your uPVC patio door's security.

These easy fixes can make your home safer regardless of whether you re-align the lock or clean the mechanism.

Clean the Lock

While patio doors are an excellent way to let the outside in and keep the elements out however, they can also pose a security risk when your lock isn't functioning as it should. With time, wear and tear, cold and hot weather dirt and debris could affect your patio door's lock and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little effort, you can make sure that your patio door's lock always works in a proper manner.

It is important to first clean the patio doors repair near me door lock as well as all moving parts. This helps get rid of any grime and coatings that could hinder the lock from working as it should. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts of your patio door lock using a damp cloth. Then apply a scouring pad or a damp, rough cloth to scrub the dirt-infested parts of the frame and door. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock using a dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness and allow it to air dry before using it again.

If you have a patio door that uses pin tumbler latch mechanisms it is possible to lubricate the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or using an lubricant based on Teflon like WD-40 Multi-Use. This kind of lubricant can be applied quickly and doesn't dissolve over time. If you're not able to locate the right lubricant for your needs You could try using a pencil that has an extremely sharp tip. Insert the pencil into the lock and move it around a bit to spread the graphite.

The tracks for sliding patio doors repairs doors also require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dust, dirt, and debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow and ice, which can cause them to be stuck or jammed and make it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.

sliding patio door repair near me patio door track rails and rollers can be cleaned by removing weather stripping that is damaged or dirty and cleaning them before reinstalling it. The rollers for patio door repair service near me doors can be cleaned and sprayed with a nonstick lubricant.

Lubricate the Moving Parts

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

If the hinges aren't causing the issue, it could be that the door is not aligned. It could be rubbing or catching the hole of the strike plate in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate and then use an abrasive chisel to increase the size of the mortise it sits in. This will permit the latch to fit properly into the hole, and stop it from scratching against the frame.

While the cylinder is out of the way and out of the way, measure its width using the help of a book or piece wood that will fit in 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, and the inner dimension extends from the center of the adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder.

Check the lock's length

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 properly balanced and that the hinge screws are secure. In a lot of cases, however, simply moving the strike plate downwards or upwards could solve the issue.

The most common issue is when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this situation, you need to widen the opening with a chisel and hammer. Then test the latch to ensure that it doesn't touch the jamb frame of the door or fall on it.

Before purchasing a new lock, it is important to identify the type of mortise lock you have. 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 in the existing lock and note the dimensions of each one. This will assist you in finding an alternative that is the same width and fits perfectly into the hole you have already.

In addition to identifying the current mortise lock you'll also need to check it for any bends or scratches that may require repairing. A badly damaged or bent latch is more likely break than one that's been frequently used, so be sure to replace the lock with a brand new, secure version when you spot any indications of wear or damage.

Once you've inspected the lock and determined which type of replacement you need then it's time to begin working on the actual repair. The old spindle and handle must be removed from the doorway to the patio. Install the new handle. Start by putting in the handle inside, aligning it with the spindle, and then securing it in place by using the two bolts or screws that secure it. Once the handle in the interior is in, install the exterior handle and screw it into the position as well. Once you have completed these steps check the handles to make sure they are able to open and close easily and that the latch works correctly with the strikeplate.

Check the Strike on the door.

The door latch and strike plate are two parts of the lock that work to ensure that the latch is secure the door. If these parts aren't aligned correctly and the latch isn't latching the door shut properly. Fortunately, this problem is usually easy to correct.

First, inspect the holes in the strike plate's receiving to ensure that they are free of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the screws that secure the strike plate in place, allowing it to move vertically but not detaching it from the frame of the door. Then, you can adjust the strike plate so that its receiving holes align with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted then 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 are essential to lock and unlock your door. The metal plates are situated at the top and bottom jambs of the door where they support its latch. The door latch slides onto the strike plate and forms the seal. If the strike plate has been damaged, rusted, or is not installed correctly, the latch may not be able to lock the door properly.

A misalignment of the latch and strike plate is the most common reason for the patio lock to not close or stick. This can be checked with the "lipstick" test. Rub some lipstick across the edge of the deadbolt. Then cover it with masking tape. When you shut the door, the lipstick will leave marks on the tape, showing exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high it is possible to alter the strike plate.

The Sliding Patio Door Repair Service Near Me patio door locks protect your home from burglars. If they're not functioning properly, you need to fix the problem quickly. By following these easy steps, you'll be able to fix the lock on your patio door and get it back to normal in no time.