Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, the wear and tear could cause lock malfunctions. However, there are easy and efficient steps that can help restore your uPVC patio 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

Patio doors are ideal to let the outdoors in while keeping the elements out. However, they can be a security threat in the event that the lock isn't working properly. With time, wear and tear, cold and hot weather, dirt, and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. Fortunately, with some minor maintenance you can ensure that your patio door glass repair door's locks will always function effectively.

It is essential to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This will help get rid of any grime and coatings that may hinder the lock from working in the way it should. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts of the lock for your emergency patio door repair door with a damp cloth. Then you can use a scouring paper or a damp, rough cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the door and frame. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock using a dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness and let it to air dry before applying it to the next time.

If you have an outdoor door that has a pin tumbler latch mechanism, you can grease the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or applying an lubricant based on Teflon such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant is easy to apply, and it doesn't dissolve over time. If you're unable to find the right lubricant for your needs you could use a pencil with a thick tip. Insert the pencil into the lock and move it around a bit to distribute the graphite.

Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free of dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks are particularly vulnerable to snow, ice, and other debris that could cause them to block or become stuck. This could make it difficult for your patio door to open and shut.

Tracks for sliding patio doors and rollers can be cleaned by removing any weather stripping that is damaged or dirty and cleaning them before replacing it. Patio door rollers can also be cleaned and sprayed down with an oil that is non-stick.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC french doors, similar to sliding patio door frame repair doors, operate with 3-4 or occasionally 5-point locking mechanisms that include the lock cylinder tilt and slide patio door repairs handle controlled by keys. These doors require maintenance, oiling of the moving parts. This can be accomplished with an oil that is thin however, never WD40. It is recommended to do it at least once a year.

If sagging hinges aren't the cause, the door may be misaligned and caught or striking the strike plate hole within 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 rests in. This will allow the latch to fit into the hole and prevent it from scratching against the frame.

Once the cylinder is cleared of the way, measure its width with the help of a book or piece wood Patio door repair 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, while 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 oiling and cleaning, it's possible that it's not aligned properly with the strike plate. Check to see if the door is properly balanced and if the hinge screws are tight However, in many cases, moving the strike plate up or down can fix the issue.

The latch might not work properly when the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this instance you'll have to increase the hole with a chisel or hammer and then test the latch to make sure that it connects to the strike plate smoothly without rubbing against or catching on the door's frame jamb.

Before you purchase a replacement lock, you should first determine the mortise type of lock you have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate on the lock and determining whether it is round or square. Look at each screw hole on the current lock and note the size. This will assist you in finding an alternative lock that is the same size and is a perfect fit for your existing hole.

You'll need to identify the mortise lock, and then examine it for scratches, bends or other damage that requires to be repaired. A badly damaged or bent latch is more likely to break than one that's been utilized often, so make sure to replace the lock with a new secure and safe version in the event you notice any signs of damage or wear.

Once you've identified the type of lock replacement that you require, it's now time to start the actual repair. Remove the old handle and spindle from your patio door, and then put in the new one. Begin by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it in position using two bolts or screws. Once the handle in the interior is installed, you can install the exterior handle and screw it into place, too. After you've completed these steps, test the handles to ensure that they open and shut easily and that the latch is in contact properly with the strikeplate.

Make sure the door's strike is checked

The door latch and strike plate are two components of the lock that work together to ensure that the latch is secure the door. Misaligned strike plate and door latches will cause the latch to not latch the door properly. Fortunately, this problem is usually simple to fix.

First, examine the strike plate's holes for receiving to ensure they are free of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Release 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 to align its receiving holes with the latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted tighten the screws, and test the door to see whether it locks smoothly after the new adjustment.

Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to locate for homeowners with sliding patio doors, however they're essential to lock and unlock your door. These metal plates are usually placed on the top and bottom of the door jamb where they serve as the door's 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 installed correctly the latch might not be able to lock the door properly.

A misalignment between the latch and strike plate is the most common reason for the patio lock not to close or remain in place. The easiest way to check for this is with the "lipstick test." Apply some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt, and then apply masking tape over it. When you close the door, the lipstick will leave a mark on the tape, indicating you exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high, you can alter the strike plate.

The sliding patio door locks protect your home from intruders, and if they're not working correctly, you should repair the issue quickly. By following these easy steps, you can repair the lock on your patio door and regain its functionality in a matter of minutes.