Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors undergo wear and tear that can lead to lock malfunctions. Fortunately, there are several simple and effective methods that can restore your uPVC patio door's security.
These quick fixes will make your home safer regardless of whether you re-align the lock or clean the mechanism.
Clean the Lock
Although patio doors are an excellent way to let in the outside and keep the elements out however, they can also pose an issue for security if your lock isn't working as it should. Over time, wear and tear, hot and cold weather dirt, and other debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little attention you can ensure that your patio door's lock always works in a proper manner.
To begin with, 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 functioning in the way it should. Start by wiping down all the moving parts of the lock for your patio door using a damp cloth. then use a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any hard-to-reach areas of the door and frame that are covered in dirt. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock using a dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness, and allow it to air dry prior to using it again.
If Repair My Windows And Doors have a patio door that uses a pin tumbler latch mechanism, you can grease the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or by using a Teflon-based lubricant such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant is able to be applied easily and doesn't dissolve over time. If you're 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 move it around a bit to distribute the graphite.
The tracks for sliding patio doors also require regular maintenance to ensure they're free of dirt, dust, and debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow, ice, and other particles, which can cause them block or become stuck. This can make it difficult for your patio door to be opened and closed.
Sliding patio door track rails and rollers can be cleaned by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping and then cleaning it, before reinstalling it. Patio door rollers can also be cleaned and sprayed with an oil that is non-stick.
Lubricate the Moving Parts
uPVC french doors, which are similar to sliding patio doors, operate with 3-4 or occasionally five-point locking mechanisms, which include the lock cylinder and handle operated by keys. These doors require maintenance, lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished using an oil that is thin (never WD40) and should be done every year.
If the hinges aren't causing the issue it could be because the door is not aligned. It could be rubbing or catching the strike plate's opening in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate, and then use an abrasive chisel, which will enlarge the mortise that it rests in. This will permit the latch to fit properly into the hole, and also prevent it from hitting the frame.
When the cylinder is out of the way take a measurement of its width using a book or piece of wood that will fit in the gap of adjustment screw above the lock. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the middle 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, it's possible that it is out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Verify that the door is properly balanced and if the hinge screws are secure. In many instances, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can solve the issue.
The latch might not work properly in the event that the strike of the lock is too small. In this case you'll have to increase the hole using a chisel or hammer and then test the latch to ensure that it is able to engage the strike plate in a smooth manner without rubbing against or landing on the frame of the door jamb.
You should identify the type 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. Look at each screw hole on the current lock and note the size. This information will aid you in finding a replacement that is of the same size and is a perfect fit for the hole you have already.
In addition to identifying the current mortise lock, you should also examine it for any nicks or bends that may need repairing. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that's frequently used to break. Replace the lock if it displays evidence of damage.
After you've determined the type of lock replacement you require, it's now time to begin the actual repair. The old handle and spindle should be removed from the doorway to the patio. 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 bolts or screws which hold it. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. After 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 is catching properly with the strike plate.
Check the Strike of the Door.
The door latch and strike plate are two components of the lock that work to ensure that the latch locks the door. A misaligned strike plate or door latch will cause the latch to not latch the door properly. Fortunately, the issue is often easy to fix.
First, inspect the strike plate's receiving holes to ensure that they are free of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Remove the screws that hold the strike plate. 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. After the strike plate has been adjusted tighten all screws and test to see whether the door closes smoothly.
Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to access for homeowners with sliding patio doors, but they're essential to lock and unlock your door. These metal plates are located between the top and bottom jambs of your door, where they support its latch. Then, the door latch is able to slide into the strike plate to create the seal when it is closed. If the strike plate is damaged or rusted or not installed correctly the latch may not properly lock the door.
A misalignment of the latch and strike plate is a common reason for a patio lock to not close or stick. The easiest way to check for this is to perform the "lipstick test." Apply some lipstick on the edge of the deadbolt, and then apply masking tape over it. When you close the door, the lipstick will leave an impression on the tape, showing you exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high, you can adjust the strike plate.
Sliding patio door locks help keep your home safe from burglars. If they're not functioning properly, you need to repair the issue quickly. Follow these steps to repair your patio door lock and restore it's functionality.