Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio doors undergo wear and tear that can result in locks that fail. There are a few simple steps you can take to restore the security of your uPVC door.

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

Clean the Lock

While patio sliding door repair doors are a great option to let in the outside and keep the elements out however, they can also pose security risks when your lock isn't functioning as it should. With time wear and tear, extreme cold and hot weather, dirt and debris can take their toll on the lock on your patio door and make it difficult to open. With a little care, you can make sure that your lock for your patio door is always working properly.

To begin with, it's crucial how to repair patio door lock clean the lock of your patio door and all the moving parts. This helps to get rid of any grime and coatings that could be preventing the lock from functioning as it should. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts on the lock for your patio door with an aqueous cloth. Then you can use a scouring paper or a rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested areas of the door and frame. Then clean the lock using a dry towel to get rid of any 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 powdered graphite to the key or using an lubricant based on Teflon such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This kind of lubricant can be applied quickly and does not dissolve over time. If you are unable to find the correct lubricant for your lock, use a pencil with thicker tip. Place the pencil into the lock, and shake it around to spread the graphite.

Regular maintenance is also essential to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free of dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks can be especially vulnerable to snow and ice which can cause them become stuck or slack which makes it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.

Tracks for sliding patio doors and rollers can be cleaned by removing dirty or damaged weather stripping and cleaning them before replacing it. The same can be done for patio door rollers, which can be cleaned and sprayed with a non-stick lubricant that will allow them to move freely.

Lubricate the Moving Parts

uPVC french doors, like sliding patio doors, work by using 3 to 4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms which include the handle and lock cylinder operated by the key. These doors also require maintenance, and specifically lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done with a thin oil (never WD40) and is recommended to be done at least once per year.

If sagging hinges aren't the cause, the door may be skewed and catch or hitting the strike plate's hole in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate and then use an abrasive chisel, which will enlarge the mortise it sits in. This will permit the latch to fit into the hole and stop it from rubbing against the frame.

Measure the length 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 center of the cylinder. the inner dimension extends from the center of the adjustment screw to 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's not in alignment with the strike plate hole. Check if your door is properly balanced and if the hinge screws are tight. In most cases, however, simply moving the strike plate upwards or downwards will solve the issue.

The latch may not engage properly when the strike of the lock is too small. In this situation you'll have to increase the hole using a chisel or hammer and then test the latch to make sure that it contacts the strike plate smoothly without rubbing against or getting caught on the frame of the door jamb.

It is important to identify the type of mortise lock you have before buying the replacement. You can do this by looking at the faceplate on the lock and determining if it is square or round. Then, look at the screw holes on the existing lock and note the dimensions of each one. This will enable you to locate the replacement lock that has the exact same width and fits into the hole that you already have.

In addition to identifying the current mortise lock you'll also want to inspect it for any scratches or bends that might require repair. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that has been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if it displays signs of damage.

After you've examined the lock and decided on the kind of replacement you require, it's time to start working on the actual repair. Take the old handle and spindle out of your patio door, and then install the new one. Begin by installing the handle in the interior, aligning it with the spindle and then securing it by using the two bolts or screws which hold it. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. After you've completed these steps, test the handles to make sure that they can be shut and open easily and that the latch engages properly with the strikeplate.

Check the door's Strike

The strike plate and the door latch are two components that work together in order to secure the door. If they are not aligned properly and the latch doesn't latch the door properly. This is typically simple to fix.

Check the receiving holes of the strike plate to ensure they are clear of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the keeper screws that keep the strike plate in place, allowing it to move horizontally, but not detaching it from the frame of your door. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its holes for receiving with the latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate has been adjusted tighten all screws and test to see whether the door closes smoothly.

Door strike plates can be difficult to access for homeowners with sliding patio door repair near me patio doors, but they are essential for locking and unlocking your door. These metal plates are located on the top and bottom jambs of the door where they serve as the support for the latch. The door latch is inserted into the strike plate and forms the seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not installed correctly, it may stop the latch from locking the door securely.

A misalignment between the latch and strike plate is a common reason for a patio Door lock repair lock to not close or stick. This can be checked with the "lipstick" test. Apply a little lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt. Then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave the mark when you close the door. This will indicate exactly where the latch joins the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low it is possible to 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 can repair your patio door's lock and regain its functionality within a short time.