Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, the wear and tear can cause lock malfunctions. There are a few simple steps you can take to restore the security of your uPVC door.

Whether it's realigning the lock or cleaning the locking mechanism these simple fixes will make your home more secure.

Clean the Lock

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

It's important to first clean the patio door lock repairs near me door lock and all moving parts. This helps to remove any dirt and coatings that could 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 employ a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any hard-to-reach areas of the door or frame that are coated with dirt. Then, wipe the entire lock using dry cloth to get rid of any remaining dampness, and allow it to air dry prior to making use of it again.

If you have a patio door that uses pin tumbler latch mechanisms, you can grease the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or by using an lubricant based on Teflon like WD-40 Multi-Use. This type of lubricant is able to be applied quickly and will not disintegrate over time. If you're unable to find the correct lubricant for your lock, you can use a pencil with more of a thicker tip. Insert the pencil in the lock, and shake it around to spread the graphite.

Regular maintenance is also required to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free of dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow, ice, and other particles, which can cause them get stuck or to bind. This could make it difficult for your patio door companies to open and shut.

Sliding patio door track rails and rollers can be cleaned by removing weather stripping that is damaged or dirty, cleaning them, then replacing 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, like sliding patio doors, operate by using 3 to 4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms which include the handle and lock cylinder operated by a key. These doors require maintenance, lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done with an oil that is thin however, never WD40. It should be done every year, at a minimum.

If hinges that are sagging don't cause the issue, it could be that the door is not aligned. It may be rubbing against or catching the hole of the strike plate in the frame. Take off the strike plate and use a sharp tool to expand its mortise. This will permit the latch to fit properly into the hole, and also prevent it from rubbing 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 can fit into the gap of adjustment screw above the lock. 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 width of the lock.

If your patio door latch isn't able 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 properly balanced and whether the hinge screws are secure However, in many cases, moving the strike plate up or down can correct the issue.

The latch may not engage properly in the event that the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this instance you'll have to increase the opening using a chisel or hammer and then test the latch to ensure that it connects to the strike plate without rubbing against or catching on the door's frame jamb.

Before buying a replacement lock, it is important to determine what kind of mortise lock you currently have. You can do this by taking a look at the faceplate of the lock and noting if it is square or round. Then, take a look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the size of each one. This will assist you in finding an alternative lock that is the same size and will fit perfectly into the hole that you already have.

In addition to identifying the mortise lock that is currently in use, you'll also want to inspect it for any nicks or bends that may need repairing. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that's been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if it displays evidence of damage.

Once you've decided on the kind of lock replacement that you require Now it's time to start the actual repair. The spindle and handle must be removed from the doorway how to repair patio door lock the patio. Insert the new handle. Start by installing the inside handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it into position using two screws or bolts. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. Once you've completed these steps you can test the new handles to make sure they open and close easily and that the latch locks correctly when you strike the plate.

Check the door's Strike

The door latch and strike plate are the two parts of the lock that work together to ensure the latch secures the door. A misaligned strike plate or door latches will cause the latch to not latch the door in a proper manner. This is typically simple to solve.

First, inspect the holes in the strike plate's receiving to make sure they are clear of obstructions such as 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 holes for receiving are aligned with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted then tighten the screws and then test the door to determine whether it locks smoothly after the new adjustment.

Door strike plates can be difficult to access for homeowners with sliding patio door repair service patio doors, but they're crucial for locking and unlocking your door. The metal plates are situated between the top and bottom jambs of the door where they serve as the support for the latch. The door latch slides onto this strike plate and creates the seal. If the strike plate has been damaged, rusted, or is not properly installed, the latch may not be able to lock the door properly.

A misalignment between the strike plate and latch is one common cause for the patio lock to not close or stick. The easiest way to check for this is by performing the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt and apply masking tape over it. When you close the door, the lipstick will leave an impression 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.

If your sliding patio door locks are not working properly they can help keep your home safe from burglars. You need to repair the issue as soon as you can. By following these easy steps, you can fix the lock on your patio door and regain its functionality in no time.