This Week's Most Remarkable Stories Concerning Patio Door Lock Repair

Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio doors undergo wear and tear that could cause locks that fail. There are fortunately, a number of simple and efficient methods that can restore your uPVC patio doors repair door's security.

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

Clean the Lock

Although patio doors are a great option to let in the outside and keep out the elements, they can also be an issue for security if your lock isn't working as it should. As time passes wear and tear, cold and hot weather dirt and debris can take their toll on the lock of your patio door and make it difficult to open. With a little care you can ensure that your patio door's lock always works correctly.

It's important to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This helps flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that may be preventing the lock from functioning as it should. Start by wiping the moving parts on your patio door lock using a damp cloth. Then, use a scouring cloth or a damp, rough cloth to scrub the dirt-infested areas of the door and frame. Then clean the lock using a dry towel to remove any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before using it.

If you have an exterior door that is fitted with pin tumbler latch mechanisms it is possible to apply lubrication to the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or applying a Teflon-based lubricant such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant can be applied with ease and will not disintegrate over time. If you're not able to find a suitable lubricant You could use a pencil with an extremely thick tip. Insert the pencil into the lock and move it around a bit to spread the graphite.

Sliding patio door tracks also require regular maintenance to keep them free of dust, dirt, and debris. They are particularly susceptible to ice, snow, and other debris, which could cause them to get stuck or to bind. This can make it difficult for your patio door to be opened and closed.

Tracks for sliding patio doors and rollers can be cleaned by removing any dirty or damaged weather stripping and then cleaning it, before reinstalling it. The same is true for rollers on patio doors, which can be wiped down and sprayed with a non-stick lubricant to help them move freely.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC French Doors, like sliding patios, are operated with 3 to 4 or sometimes, 5 point locking mechanisms. This includes the handle and lock cylinder which is operated by a key. These doors require maintenance, oiling of the moving parts. This can be done with an oil that is thin (never WD40) and should be done every year.

If sagging hinges don't cause the problem it could be because the door is not aligned. It could be rubbing against or catching the strike plate's opening in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate and use a sharp chisel to enlarge the mortise it sits in. This allows the latch to fit perfectly in the hole and avoids rubbing or catching on the frame.

Once the cylinder is cleared of the way and out of the way, measure its width using a book or piece of wood patio door repair that fits 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 until the end cylinder.

Verify the lock's width

If your patio door latch isn't able to turn even after oiling and cleaning it could be because it's not aligned with the strike plate. Verify that the door is in balance and if the hinge screws are secure however, in many instances it is possible to move the strike plate upwards or downwards could fix the problem.

The latch may not engage properly when the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this instance you'll need to expand the hole with either a hammer or chisel, and then test the latch to ensure that it is able to engage the strike plate in a smooth manner without rubbing against or getting caught on the frame of the door jamb.

You must identify the kind of mortise lock you currently have before purchasing the replacement. This can be done by looking at the end faceplate and observing whether it is round or square. Then, look at the screw holes on the existing lock and note the size of each one. This will help you to find the replacement lock that has exactly the same size and will fit in the hole you have already.

You'll need to identify the mortise lock and inspect it for any scratches, bends, or other damage that needs to be repaired. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that has been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if it shows signs of damage.

After you've examined the lock and determined which type of replacement you'll need then it's time to begin working on the actual repair. The old spindle and handle must be removed from the patio door. Introduce the new handle. Start by putting in the handle inside and aligning it with the spindle, and then securing it by using the two screws or bolts which hold it. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. Once you've completed these steps you can test the new handles to make sure they are able to open and close with ease and that the latch catches properly with the strike plate.

Check the Door's Strike

The strike plate and the door latch are two pieces which work together to lock the door. If these are misaligned and the latch doesn't latch the door shut correctly. This problem is usually very simple to repair.

Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to make sure they are free of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then, loosen the keeper screws that hold the strike plate in place, allowing it to move vertically, but not detaching it from the door frame. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its holes for receiving with latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted then tighten all screws, and check whether the door closes smoothly.

Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to access for homeowners who have sliding patio doors, however they're crucial for locking and unlocking your door. These metal plates are usually placed on the top and bottom of the door jamb, where they support the door's latch. The door latch slides into the strike plate, and it creates a seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or is not properly installed, the latch may not be able to lock the door properly.

A misalignment of the latch and strike plate is a common reason for the patio lock not to close or remain in place. This can be confirmed using the "lipstick" test. Rub some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt. Then cover it with masking tape. When you close the door, the lipstick will leave marks on the tape, indicating you exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high it is possible to adjust the strike plate.

Sliding patio door locks help protect your home from intruders, and if they're not working properly, you need to repair the issue quickly. Follow these simple steps to fix your patio door lock and restore it's functionality.