This Week s Top Stories About Patio Door Lock Repair

Patio Door Lock Repairs

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

These simple fixes can make your home safer no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the mechanism.

Clean the Lock

While patio doors are an excellent way to bring the outside in and keep the elements out but they can also pose security risks when your lock isn't functioning as it should. Over time, wear and tear, cold and hot weather dirt and debris can cause your patio repair near me door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little attention you can ensure that your patio door's lock is always working correctly.

It is essential to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This will help remove any coatings or dirt that may be preventing the lock from working correctly. Start by wiping the moving parts on the lock for your patio door with a damp cloth. Then you can use a scouring paper or rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested parts of the door and frame. Then wipe the lock with a dry cloth to get rid of any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before using it.

If you have a patio door that uses pin tumbler latch mechanisms 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 type of lubricant can be applied quickly and will not disintegrate over time. If you're unable to find an appropriate lubricant you might use a pencil with an extremely sharp tip. Place the pencil in the lock and jiggle it around to distribute the graphite.

Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear of dust, dirt and debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to ice and snow, which can cause them to jam or bind which makes it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.

You can clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio doors by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it and replace it. The same can be done to patio door lock repairs near me door rollers which can be cleaned and then sprayed with a non-stick lubricant in order to allow them to move freely.

Lubricate the moving parts

upvc patio door repairs french doors, like sliding patio doors, operate with 3-4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms which include the lock cylinder and handle controlled by a key. They require maintenance and oiling of the moving parts. This can be done using an oil that is thin however, never WD40. It is recommended to do it at least once a year.

If sagging hinges don't cause the issue, it could be that the door is not aligned. It may be rubbing or catching the hole of the strike plate in the frame. Remove the strike plate, and employ a sharp tool to increase the size of its mortise. This allows the latch to sit correctly in the hole, and also prevents rubbing or catching on the frame.

While the cylinder is out of the way take a measurement of its width using the help of a book or piece wood that will fit in the adjustment screw gap 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 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's not in alignment with the strike plate hole. Check to see if the door is in balance and if the hinge screws are tight, but in many cases shifting the strike plate up or down could fix the problem.

The latch might not work properly in the event that the strike of the lock is too small. In this case, enlarge the hole 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 buying a replacement lock, first determine the mortise type of lock you have. You can do this by looking at the faceplate of the lock and determining if it is square or round. Take a look at each screw hole on the existing lock and note the size. This will aid you in finding an alternative that is the same size and fits perfectly into the hole that you already have.

You'll want to identify the mortise lock and inspect it for scratches, bends or other damage that requires to be repaired. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that has been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if you notice evidence of damage.

Once you've identified the type of lock replacement you need, it's now time to start the actual repair. Remove the old handle and spindle from your patio door, and then install the new one. Begin by installing the interior handle and aligning it with the spindle and then securing it in place with the two screws or bolts which hold it. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. After you've completed these steps then you can test the new handles to ensure that they are able to open and close with ease and that the latch is catching properly with the strike plate.

Check the door's Strike

The door latch and strike plate are two components of the lock that work together to ensure that the latch is secure the door. A misaligned strike plate or door latches can result in the latch not being able to latch the door correctly. This problem is usually very easy to fix.

Check the receiving holes of the strike plate to ensure they are free of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Remove the screws that hold the strike plate in place. This will allow it to move horizontally, but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Then, adjust the strike plate so that its holes for receiving align with the latch hooks on the door latch. After the strike plate is adjusted then tighten all screws, and test whether the door closes smoothly.

Door strike plates can be difficult to locate for homeowners with sliding patio doors, but they are essential for locking and unlocking your door. These metal plates are located at the top and bottom jambs of the door which are where they help support the latch. Then, the door latch slides into the strike plate to create an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not installed correctly, it may stop the latch from locking the door securely.

A misalignment of the strike plate and latch is one common cause for a patio lock to not close or stay. This can be verified using the "lipstick" test. Apply a little lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt, then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave an impression when you close the door. This will indicate exactly where the latch joins the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low, you can easily alter the strike plate.

The sliding patio door locks keep your home safe from burglars. If they're not functioning correctly, you must solve the issue fast. Follow these easy steps to repair your patio door lock and restore its function.