Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio doors experience wear and tear that could lead to locks that fail. There are a few easy steps you can follow to restore the security of your uPVC door.

If it's resetting the lock or cleaning the locking mechanism, these quick fixes can help you make your home more secure.

Clean the Lock

Although patio doors are an excellent way to let the outside in and keep the elements out however, they can also pose a security risk in the event that your lock isn't operating as it should. As time passes wear and tear cold and hot weather dirt and debris could cause damage to your patio door's lock and make it difficult to open. With a little effort, you can make sure that the lock on your patio door always works correctly.

It is essential to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This will help remove any dirt or coatings that may be preventing the lock from working correctly. Start by wiping down all the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a damp, clean cloth. then use a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub the hard-to-reach areas of the door and frame that are covered in dirt. Then, wipe the lock down with a dry towel to get rid of any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before using it.

If your patio door uses pin-tumbler locks You can lubricate it by applying powdered graphite to the key. You can also apply a Teflon lubricant such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant is able to be applied with ease and will not disintegrate over time. If you're unable to find a suitable lubricant You can use a pencil with an extremely thick tip. Put the pencil in the lock, and shake it around to distribute the graphite.

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

Tracks for sliding patio glass repair near me doors and rollers can be cleaned by removing weather stripping that is damaged or dirty and then cleaning it, before replacing it. The same applies for rollers on patio doors, which can be cleaned and then sprayed with a non-stick lubricant that will allow them to move freely.

Lubricate the moving parts

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

If the hinges aren't causing the problem it could be because the door is misaligned. 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 to increase the size of the mortise it sits in. This allows the latch to sit correctly in the hole, and also prevents rubbing or catching on the frame.

While the cylinder is out of the way, measure its width with a book or piece of wood that can fit into the gap between the adjustment screw and the lock. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the middle of the cylinder, and the inner dimension extends from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.

Check the lock's width

If your patio door latch is difficult to turn even after cleaning and oiling it could be because it is not aligned with the strike plate. Examine if the door is balanced and if the hinge screws are tight however, in many instances, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can fix the issue.

The latch might not work properly in the event that the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this case, enlarge the hole with an hammer and chisel. Then test the latch to ensure it doesn't touch the jamb frame of the door or fall on it.

You should identify the type mortise lock that you have before buying an alternative. This can be done by looking at the end faceplate and noting whether it is round or square. Then, look at the screw holes in the existing lock and note the dimensions of each. This information will help you find an alternative lock that is the same size and fits perfectly into the hole that you already have.

In addition to identifying the current mortise lock you'll also need to check it for any scratches or bends that may need repairing. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that has frequently used to break. Replace the lock if it shows indications of damage.

After you've determined the type of lock replacement you need It's time to begin the actual repair. The spindle and handle should be removed from the patio repair near me door. Install the new handle. Begin by installing the interior handle by aligning it with the spindle and then securing it with the two bolts or screws that secure it. Once the handle's interior is in, install the exterior handle and screw it in place, too. After you've completed these steps you can test the new handles to ensure they can be opened and closed easily and that the latch locks properly with the strike plate.

Check the Strike on the door.

The strike plate and door latch are two pieces that work together in order to secure the door. If they are not aligned properly and the latch doesn't latch the door properly. Fortunately, this issue is often easy to fix.

First, check 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 in position. This allows it to move vertically, but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Adjust the strike plate to align its holes for receiving with latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate has been adjusted then tighten all screws, and check if the door closes smoothly.

These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio door repairs doors. However they are vital to secure and unlock your door. The metal plates are situated between the top and bottom jambs of the door where they serve as the support for the latch. Then, the door latch is placed on the strike plate to create an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate has been damaged or rusted or not properly installed, the latch may not lock the door properly.

One of the most common reasons for an outdoor door lock to become stuck or not close is a misalignment of the latch and the strike plate. The most effective way to test for this is to perform the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt and put masking tape on it. When you close the door the lipstick will leave an impression on the tape that will show exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low it is possible to adjust the strike plate.

If your patio door locks for sliding aren't working correctly, they can keep your home secure from intruders. It is imperative to repair the issue as soon as possible. Follow these easy steps to fix your patio door lock and restore its function.