Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio door wear and tear can cause lock malfunctions. However, there are easy and efficient steps that can help restore your uPVC patio door's security.
It's about realigning the lock or cleaning the mechanism that locks These simple fixes can make your home more secure.
Clean the Lock
While patio doors are an excellent way to bring the outside in and keep out the elements but they can also pose an issue for security in the event that your lock isn't operating as it should. Over time, wear, tear, hot and cold weather dirt, and other debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. Fortunately, with a little maintenance, you can ensure your
glass patio door repair door's locks will always work effectively.
It is essential to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This helps to remove any dirt and coatings that may be preventing the lock from functioning in the way it should. Begin by wiping down the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a damp cloth, then use a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any hard-to-reach areas of the door or frame that are coated with dirt. You should then wipe down the entire lock using dry cloths to eliminate any remaining dampness and allow it to air dry before applying it to the next time.
If your patio door has a pin-tumbler latch you can apply powdered Graphite to the key. You can also use a Teflon lubricant such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant can be easy to apply, and doesn't break down as time passes. If you are unable to find the right lubricant for your lock, make use of a pencil with a thicker tip. Insert the pencil into the lock and jiggle it around a bit to spread the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear from dust, dirt and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to snow, ice and other particles, which can cause them block or become stuck. This could make it difficult for your patio door to open and shut.
Tracks for
sliding patio doors repairs patio doors and rollers can be cleaned by removing any damaged or dirty weather stripping and then cleaning it, before installing 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, similar to sliding patio doors, work by using 3-4 or occasionally five-point locking mechanisms, which include the handle and lock cylinder controlled by the key. These doors also require maintenance, specifically lubrication on the moving parts. This can be done with the use of a thin oil but not WD40. It is recommended to do it every year, at a minimum.
If sagging hinges don't cause the issue it could be because the door isn't aligned. It could be rubbing against or catching the hole of the strike plate in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate and then use a sharp chisel to enlarge the mortise it sits in. This will allow the latch to fit properly into the hole, and also prevent it from hitting the frame.
Take a measurement of the width of the cylinder with the help of a piece of book or wood 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. the inner dimension runs from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.
Verify the lock's width
If your patio door latch is difficult to turn even after cleaning and lubricating, there's a possibility that it is out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Verify that the door is in balance and if the hinge screws are secure However, in many cases, moving the strike plate up or down could fix the problem.
The latch may not be able to engage properly if the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this instance you'll need to expand the hole with a chisel or hammer and then test the latch to make sure that it contacts the strike plate without rubbing against or getting caught on the door's frame jamb.
Before purchasing a
new lock, it is important to determine what kind of mortise lock you currently have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate on 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 dimensions of each one. This information will assist you in finding an alternative that is of the same size and will fit perfectly into the hole that you already have.
You'll want to identify the mortise lock, and then examine it for bends, scratches or other damage that needs to be repaired. A damaged or bent latch is more likely to break than one that's not used much, so be sure to replace the lock with a new one that is secure if you find any signs of wear or damage.
After you've determined the type of lock replacement that you require, it's now time to start the actual repair. Remove the handle and spindle from your patio door, and then put in the new one. Start by putting in the handle inside, aligning it with the spindle and then securing it in place with the two bolts or screws which hold it. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. Once you've completed these steps you can test the new handles to ensure they open and close easily and that the latch locks properly with the strike plate.
Check the door's Strike
The strike plate and door latch are two parts that work together in order to secure the door. If these parts aren't aligned correctly, the latch won't latch the door shut correctly. Fortunately, this issue is usually simple to fix.
Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to ensure they are clear of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Release the screws that hold the strike plate in position. This will allow it to move vertically but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its receiving holes with the latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted, tighten the screws and test the door to determine if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However they are vital to secure and unlock your door. The metal plates are situated between the top and bottom jambs of your door, which are where they help support the latch. The door latch slides onto the strike plate, and it creates a seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not installed correctly, it can prevent the latch from locking the door securely.
A misalignment between the latch and strike plate is one common cause for the patio lock not to close or stick. This can be verified using the "lipstick" test. Apply a little lipstick across the edge of the deadbolt, then cover it with masking tape. When you shut the door the lipstick will leave a mark on the tape that will show you exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high, you can adjust the strike plate.
If your patio door locks for sliding aren't working correctly they could be a problem in keeping your home secure from intruders. You need to fix this problem as soon as you can. By following these simple steps, you'll be able to fix your patio door's lock and restore its functionality in no time.