9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Patio Door Lock Repair

Patio Door Lock Repairs

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

It's about realigning the lock or cleaning the mechanism for locking these simple fixes will increase the security of your home.

Clean the Lock

Patio doors are ideal for bringing the outdoors inside and keeping the elements out. However, they can be an issue for security when the lock isn't functioning correctly. Over time, wear, tear, hot and cold weather dirt, and other debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With some minor maintenance you can ensure that the locks on your patio door always function properly.

In the beginning, it's essential to clean the lock of your patio door and all of its moving parts. This helps to remove any dirt and coatings that may hinder the lock from working in the way it should. Start by wiping all the moving parts on your patio door lock using an aqueous cloth. Then apply a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested areas of the frame and door. Then clean the lock using a dry towel to get rid of any remaining moisture. Let it air dry before using it.

If your patio door is equipped with a pin-tumbler latch you can apply powdered Graphite to the key. You can also apply a Teflon lubricant like WD-40 Multi Use Product. This type of lubricant can be easy to apply and it won't disintegrate with time. If you're unable to find the right lubricant for your needs you could try using a pencil with an extremely thick tip. Put the pencil in the lock, and shake it to distribute the graphite.

Regular maintenance is also required to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free from dust, dirt and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to snow and ice which can cause them jam or bind which makes it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.

Clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio doors by removing any damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it, then replace it. The same applies for rollers on patio doors, which can be wiped down and then sprayed with a non-stick lubricant in order to allow them to move freely.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC French Doors, similar to sliding patios, are operated with 3 to 4 or occasionally 5 point locking mechanisms. They include the handle and lock cylinder that is operated with a key. They require maintenance and oiling of the moving parts. This can be done with an oil that is thin but not WD40. It is recommended to do it at least once per year.

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 strike plate's hole in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate and then use an abrasive chisel, which will enlarge the mortise that it rests in. This lets the latch sit correctly in the hole, and also prevents rubbing or catching on the frame.

Once the cylinder is cleared of the way take a measurement of its width using the help of a book or piece wood that can fit into the adjustment screw gap above the lock. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of the door to the center cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.

Verify the lock's width

If your patio door latch isn't able to turn, even after cleaning and oiling, it's possible that it's not aligned properly with the strike plate. Check to see if the door is in balance and if the hinge screws are secure, but in many cases shifting the strike plate up or down can correct the issue.

The latch may not be able to engage properly in the event that the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this situation, you need to widen the opening with a chisel and hammer. Then test the latch to ensure it does not rub against the jamb frame of the door or get caught the frame.

You must identify the kind of mortise lock you currently have before buying an alternative. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and observing whether it is square or round. Then, take a look at the screw holes on the existing lock and note the size of each one. This information will allow you to find a replacement lock that is the exact same width and fits into the hole that you already have.

In addition to identifying the current mortise lock you'll also need to check it for any nicks or bends that may need repairing. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that's been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if it displays signs of damage.

Once you've identified the type of lock replacement you need Now it's time to start the actual repair. The spindle and handle must be removed from the doorway to the patio. Introduce the new handle. Begin by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it in by using two bolts or screws. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. After you've completed the steps, you can test the new handles to make sure they are able to open and close with ease and that the latch is catching correctly when you strike the plate.

Check the Strike of the Door.

The strike plate and the door latch are two pieces that work together in order to lock the door. Misaligned strike plate and door latch will cause the latch to not latch the door correctly. This is typically simple to solve.

Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to ensure they are clear of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the keeper screws that secure the strike plate in place and allow it to move horizontally, but not removing it from the door frame. Then, you can 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, tighten the screws and then test the door to see whether it shuts easily with the new adjustment.

These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However they are crucial for locking and unlocking your door. These metal plates are located between the top and bottom jambs of the door where they support its latch. Then, the door latch slides into the strike plate, creating the seal when it is closed. If the strike plate has been damaged or rusted, or if it is not properly installed the latch might not lock the door properly.

One common reason for the patio door lock to stick or not close is a misalignment of the latch and the strike plate. This can be checked with the "lipstick" test. Apply some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt, then cover it with masking tape. When you shut the door the lipstick will leave marks on the tape, showing exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low, you can easily alter the strike plate.

If your patio door locks for sliding patio doors repairs are not working properly, they can keep your home safe from burglars. It is imperative to repair the issue as soon as possible. By following these simple steps, you can fix the lock on your patio door track repair door and get it back to normal in a matter of minutes.