Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio door wear and tear can cause lock malfunctions. There are a few easy steps you can follow to restore the security of your uPVC door.
These simple fixes will make your home safer regardless of whether you re-align the lock or clean the locking mechanism.
Clean the Lock
Although patio doors are a great way to let the outside in and keep out the elements, they can also be security risks if your lock isn't working as it should. Over time, wear and tear, hot and cold weather, dirt, and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little attention you can ensure that your lock for your patio door always functions correctly.
It is essential to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This will help get rid of any dirt or coatings that may be preventing your lock from working effectively. Begin by wiping all the moving parts of your patio door's lock with a damp, clean cloth. then employ a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub the hard-to-reach areas of the door or frame that are coated with dirt. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock with dry cloths to eliminate any remaining dampness and let it to air dry before applying it to the next time.
If you have an outdoor door that has pin tumbler latch mechanisms, you can grease the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or by using a lubricant made of Teflon, like WD-40 Multi-Use. This kind of lubricant is easy to apply, and it won't disintegrate with time. If you're not able to find an appropriate lubricant You can try using a pencil with an extremely thick tip. Put the pencil in the lock, and shake it to distribute the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free of dust, dirt and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to snow, ice, and other debris that could cause them to jam or bind. This could make it difficult for your patio door to open and close.
Sliding patio door track rails and rollers can be cleaned by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping and then cleaning it, before replacing it. Patio door rollers can also be cleaned and sprayed down with a nonstick lubricant.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC french doors, like sliding patio doors, operate by using 3-4 or sometimes five-point locking mechanisms, which include the handle and lock cylinder controlled by a key. These doors also require maintenance, specifically lubrication on the moving parts. This can be accomplished using an oil that is thin (never WD40) and is recommended to be done at least once per year.
If hinges that are sagging aren't the reason, the door could be misaligned and caught or striking the strike plate hole within the frame. Remove the strike plate and use a sharp tool to enlarge the mortise. This allows the latch to sit perfectly in the hole and prevents scratching or catching on the frame.
Find the width of the cylinder with an object of wood or a book that is able to fit into the space above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of door to the center cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.
Check the lock's width
If your patio door latch isn't able to turn even after cleaning and oiling it's possible that it's not aligned properly with the strike plate. Check to see if the door is in balance and whether the hinge screws are tight, but in many cases shifting the strike plate upwards or downwards can correct the issue.
Oftentimes, the problem occurs when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to engage. In this instance, you can widen the opening with a chisel and hammer. Then, test the latch to ensure it doesn't touch the jamb frame of the door or get caught the frame.
Before purchasing a new lock, first determine the mortise type of lock you have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and determining if it is round or square. Take a look at each screw hole in the existing lock and note the size. This will help you find an alternative that is the same width and is a perfect fit for your existing hole.
You'll want to identify the mortise lock and examine it for scratches, bends, or other damage that requires to be fixed. A badly damaged or bent latch is more likely to break than one that's not frequently used, so be sure to replace the lock with a new secure and safe version in the event you notice any signs of wear or damage.
Once you've decided on the kind of lock replacement you need It's time to start the actual repair. Remove the old handle and spindle from the patio door, and then put in the new one. Begin by installing the handle inside, aligning it with the spindle and then securing it in place with the two bolts or screws that secure it. Once the interior handle is in, install the handle that is outside and screw it into place as well. Once you have completed these steps check the handles to ensure that they open and shut easily and that the latch is in contact properly with the strikeplate.
Check the Strike of the Door.
The door latch and strike plate are two parts of the lock that work to ensure that the latch locks the door. If these parts aren't aligned correctly and the latch doesn't latch the door properly. Fortunately, the issue is usually simple to fix.
First, check 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 in place. This will allow it to move vertically, but not separate it 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 is adjusted then tighten all screws, and test to see whether the door closes smoothly.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However, they are 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. The door latch slides into the strike plate to form the seal when it is closed. If the strike plate is damaged or rusted, or if it is not properly installed the latch might not be able to lock the door properly.
A misalignment of the strike plate and latch is a common reason for a patio lock to not close or stay. This can be verified using the "lipstick" test. Apply patio door repairs near me across the edge of the deadbolt. Then cover it with masking tape. When you close the door, the lipstick will leave a mark on the tape, showing exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high you can easily alter the strike plate.
The sliding patio door locks keep your home safe from burglars. If they're not working properly, you need to solve the issue fast. Follow these easy steps to repair your patio door lock and restore it's functionality.