patio door lock repair RepairMyWindowsAndDoors
Over time, the wear and tear can cause lock malfunctions. There are a few simple steps you can take to ensure the security of your uPVC door.
Whether it's realigning the lock or cleaning the mechanism that locks these simple fixes will increase the security of your home.
Clean the Lock
Although patio doors are a great way to let the outside in and keep the elements out, they can also be security risks 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 can take their toll on the lock on your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. Fortunately, with a little maintenance, you can ensure the locks on your patio door always work effectively.
In the beginning, it's important to clean your patio door's lock and all the moving parts. This will help to remove any dirt or coatings that may be preventing the lock from working properly. Start by wiping the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a wet cloth. Then, use a scouring cloth or rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested parts of the door frame and frame. Then, wipe the lock down using a dry towel to get rid of any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before you use it.
If your patio door is equipped with pin-tumbler locks you can apply 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 locate the right lubricant for your needs You can try using a pencil that has an extremely thick tip. Insert the pencil into the lock and move it around to distribute the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also required to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free from dirt, dust and debris. They are particularly susceptible to ice and snow which could cause them to jam or bind which makes it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.
You can clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio doors by removing any damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it, and then replace it. The rollers for patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed with an oil that is non-stick.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC French doors, like sliding patios, are operated using 3 to 4, or occasionally 5 points locking mechanisms. This includes the handle and lock cylinder that is operated with a key. They require maintenance and the lubrication of moving parts. This can be done using an oil that is thin (never WD40) and should be done once per year.
If hinges that are sagging don't cause the issue, it could be that the door is misaligned. 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 rests in. This allows the latch to fit correctly in the hole and prevents getting caught or rubbing against the frame.
Measure the diameter of the cylinder using the help of a piece of wood or a book that can be inserted into the gap above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of the door to the center of cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.
Check the width of the lock.
If your patio door latch is difficult 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 whether the hinge screws are tight, but in many cases it is possible to move the strike plate up or down could fix the problem.
The most common issue is when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to engage. In this case you'll need to expand the hole using a chisel or hammer and then test the latch to ensure that it contacts the strike plate without rubbing against or getting caught on the frame of the door jamb.
You must identify the kind of mortise lock that you have before buying a replacement. This can be done by looking at the end faceplate and determining if it is round or square. Then, look at the screw holes on the existing lock and note the size of each. This will assist you in finding an alternative that is the same width and is a perfect fit for the hole that you already have.
You'll want to identify the mortise lock and inspect it for scratches, bends, or other damage that need to be fixed. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that has frequently used to break. Replace the lock if you notice indications of damage.
After you've determined the type of lock replacement you need It's time to start the actual repair. The old spindle and handle must be removed from the doorway to the patio. Install the new handle. Start by installing the inside handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it in place using the two screws or bolts. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. After you've completed these steps check the handles to ensure that they can be shut and open easily and that the latch engages correctly with the strikeplate.
Check the door's Strike
The door latch and strike plate are the two parts of the lock that work together to ensure the latch secures the door. Misaligned strike plate and door latches will result in the latch not being able to latch the door properly. Fortunately, the issue is usually simple to fix.
Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to make sure they are free of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Loosen the keeper screws holding the strike plate in position. This allows it to move vertically but not separate it from the frame. Then, adjust the strike plate so that its receiving holes align with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted tighten the screws, and test the door to determine if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment.
Door strike plates can be difficult to access for homeowners who have sliding patio doors, however they're essential to lock and unlock your door. These metal plates are usually located at the top and bottom of the door jamb which is where they are used to support the door's latch. Then, the door latch is placed on the strike plate, creating the seal when it is closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not installed correctly, it can hinder the latch from locking the door securely.
One of the most common reasons for a patio door lock to stick or not close is a misalignment between the latch and the strike plate. This can be verified using the "lipstick" test. Apply a little lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt and then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave a mark when you close the door. This will reveal exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low, you can adjust the strike plate.
Locks for sliding patio doors help protect your home from intruders, and if they're not functioning properly, you need to repair the issue quickly. Follow these easy steps to fix your patio door lock and restore it's function.