Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, wear and tear can lead to lock malfunctions. However, there are simple and effective ways to restore your uPVC patio door's security.

These quick fixes will ensure your home is secure no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the mechanism.

Clean the Lock

Although patio doors are a great way to let the outside in and keep out the elements, they can also be an issue for security when your lock isn't functioning as it should. Over time, wear and tear, hot and cold weather dirt and debris can cause your patio screen door repair near me door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little care you can make sure that your patio door's locks will always function properly.

It's essential to clean the lock on your patio door and all of its moving parts. This helps to remove any dirt and coatings that may hinder the lock from functioning as it should. Start by wiping down all the moving parts of your patio door's lock with a damp, clean cloth. then make use of a scouring pad, or a rough damp cloth to scrub any hard-to-reach areas of the door or frame that are covered in dirt. Then, wipe the lock down with a dry cloth to remove any remaining moisture. Let it air dry before you use it.

If you have an outdoor door that has a pin tumbler latch mechanism, you can lubricate the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or by using a Teflon-based lubricant like WD-40 Multi-Use. This type of lubricant can be easy to apply and it doesn't dissolve as time passes. If you are unable to find the right lubricant for your lock, you can use a pencil with larger tip. Place the pencil into the lock, and shake it around to spread the graphite.

Regular maintenance is also required to keep the tracks of sliding Patio door lock repair doors free from dirt, dust and debris. These tracks can be especially susceptible to snow and ice, which could cause them to jam or bind and make it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.

Clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio doors by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it, then replace it. Patio door rollers can also be cleaned and sprayed with an oil that is nonstick.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC French Doors, like sliding patios, are operated using 3 to 4, or sometimes, 5 point locking mechanisms. These include the handle and lock cylinder that is operated with a key. They also require maintenance, specifically lubrication on the moving parts. This can be done with an oil that is thin but not WD40. It should be done every year, at a minimum.

If hinges that are sagging don't cause the problem, it could be that the door is not aligned. It may be rubbing or catching the strike plate's hole in the frame. Remove the strike plate and employ a sharp tool expand its mortise. This will allow the latch to fit properly into the hole, and prevent it from hitting the frame.

Take a measurement of the diameter of the cylinder using a piece of wood or a book that can be inserted into the gap above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the middle of the cylinder, while the inner measurement runs from the center of the adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder.

Check the Lock's Width

If your patio door latch isn't able to turn even after cleaning and lubricating, there's a possibility that it is out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Examine if the door is in balance and if the hinge screws are secure however, in many instances shifting the strike plate up or down can correct the issue.

Most of the time, the issue occurs when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to 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 rub against the jamb frame of the door or get caught the frame.

It is important to identify the type of mortise lock you currently have before buying the replacement. This can be done by looking at the faceplate of the lock and determining if it is round or square. Then, look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the size of each one. This will assist you in finding a replacement that is of the same size and will fit perfectly into your existing hole.

In addition to identifying the current mortise lock you'll also need to check it for any scratches or bends that might require repair. A bent or damaged latch is more prone to break than one that's been frequently used, so be sure to replace the lock with a brand new secure and safe version if you find any signs of damage or wear.

Once you've decided on the kind of lock replacement you require It's time to start the actual repair. Remove the old handle and spindle from the patio door, and then insert the new one. Start by installing the inside handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it in place using the two bolts or screws. Once the handle in the interior is installed, put in the handle that is outside tilt and slide patio door repairs near me screw it in the position as well. After you've completed the steps then 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 the door latch are two components which work together to secure the door. A misaligned strike plate or door latch will result in the latch not being able to latch the door in a proper manner. This issue is usually easy to repair.

First, examine the strike plate's receiving holes to make sure they are clear of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Release the screws that hold the strike plate. This will allow it to move vertically but not separate it from the frame. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its holes for receiving with latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted then tighten the screws and then test the door to determine 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 secure and unlock your door. The metal plates are situated on the top and bottom jambs of the door, where they support its latch. The door latch slides into the strike plate to form the seal when it is closed. If the strike plate is damaged or rusted, or if it is not properly installed, the latch may not lock the door properly.

One of the most common reasons for the patio door locks repair door lock to not close or not close is a misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This can be verified using the "lipstick" test. Rub some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt, then cover it with masking tape. When you shut the door, the lipstick will leave an impression on the tape, showing you exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low, you can alter the strike plate.

If your patio door locks for sliding aren't working correctly, they can keep your home safe from burglars. You need to fix this problem as soon as possible. By following these easy steps, you'll be able to fix the lock on your patio door and get it back to normal in a matter of minutes.