Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio doors experience wear and tear that could cause lock malfunctions. There are a few simple steps you can follow to restore the security of your uPVC door.

These easy fixes will make your home safer, whether you realign the lock or clean the locking mechanism.

Clean the Lock

While patio doors are an excellent way to bring the outside in and keep out the elements, they can also be a security risk if your lock isn't working as it should. Over time, wear, tear, cold and hot weather, dirt, and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little care, you can make sure that the lock on your patio door glass repair door always works properly.

In the beginning, it's essential to clean the lock on your patio door and all the moving parts. This will help to remove any grime or coatings that could be preventing your lock from working correctly. Start by wiping the moving parts of your patio door lock using an aqueous cloth. Then apply a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the frame and door. Then wipe the lock with a dry towel to remove any remaining moisture. Let it air dry before using it.

If you have an exterior door that is fitted with a pin tumbler latch mechanism, you can grease the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or by using a lubricant made of Teflon, such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant can be easy to apply, and it won't disintegrate with time. If you're not able to locate an appropriate lubricant, you might try using a pencil with an extremely thick tip. Insert the pencil into the lock and jiggle it around a bit to distribute the graphite.

Sliding patio door tracks also require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dirt, dust, and debris. These tracks are especially vulnerable to snow and ice, which could cause them to be stuck or jammed which makes it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.

Clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio door repair service near me doors by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it, then replace it. Patio door rollers can also be cleaned and sprayed with an oil that is nonstick.

Lubricate the Moving Parts

uPVC french doors, like sliding patio doors, operate with 3-4 or sometimes five-point locking mechanisms, which include the handle and lock cylinder controlled by a key. These doors also need maintenance, specifically lubrication on the moving parts. This can be done using an oil that is thin (never WD40) and should be done every year.

If hinges that are sagging don't cause the issue it could be because the door is not aligned. It may be rubbing or catching against the hole of the strike plate in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate, and then use an abrasive chisel, which will enlarge the mortise it sits in. This lets the latch sit correctly in the hole and prevents getting caught or rubbing against the frame.

While the cylinder is out of the way, measure its width with a book or piece of wood that will fit in the gap between the adjustment screw and 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 to the end of the cylinder.

Check the lock's width

If your patio door latch is hard to turn even after oiling and cleaning, it's possible that it's not aligned properly with the strike plate. Verify that the door is properly balanced tilt and slide patio door repairs near me if the hinge screws are tight However, in many cases, moving the strike plate up or down could fix the problem.

The latch might not work properly if the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this situation, you need to widen the hole with a chisel and hammer. Then test the latch to ensure it doesn't touch the jamb frame of the door or get caught on it.

Before buying a replacement lock, you should first determine what kind of mortise lock you currently have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and determining if it is square or round. Look at each screw hole on the current lock and note their dimensions. This will help you find an alternative that is the same width and is a perfect fit for the hole that you already have.

You'll need to identify the mortise lock and examine it for scratches, bends or other damage that requires to be repaired. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that's frequently used to break. Replace the lock if you notice signs of damage.

Once you've decided on the kind of lock replacement you require It's time to start the actual repair. Take the old handle and spindle out of your patio door, and then insert the new one. Start by putting in the handle in the interior and aligning it with the spindle, and then securing it in place with the two screws or bolts that hold it. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. After you've completed these steps, test the handles to make sure that they can be shut and open easily and that the latch engages correctly with the strikeplate.

Check the Strike of the Door.

The door latch and strike plate are two components of the lock that work together to ensure that the latch locks the door. Misaligned strike plate and door latch will cause the latch to not latch the door properly. Fortunately, the issue is usually easy to correct.

Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to make sure they are free of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Release the screws that hold the strike plate in place. This will allow it to move vertically, but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Then 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 test the door to determine whether it locks smoothly after the new adjustment.

Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to access for homeowners who have sliding patio door repair near me patio doors, but they're essential for locking and unlocking your door. These metal plates are located between the top and bottom jambs of your door, where they support its latch. The door latch slides into the strike plate and forms an airtight seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not properly installed, it could prevent the latch from locking the door securely.

A misalignment of the strike plate and latch is one common cause for the patio lock to not close or remain in place. This can be verified using the "lipstick" test. Rub some lipstick along 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, showing exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high, you can adjust the strike plate.

The sliding patio door locks keep your home safe from burglars, and if they're not working correctly, you must fix the problem quickly. By following these easy steps, you'll be able to fix the lock on your patio door and get it back to normal within a short time.