Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors experience wear and tear that could cause lock malfunctions. There are fortunately, a number of simple and effective methods that can restore your uPVC patio door's security.
These quick fixes can make your home safer no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the locking mechanism.
Clean the Lock
Although patio doors are an excellent way to let in the outside and keep the elements out but they can also pose an issue for security when your lock isn't functioning as it should. With time, wear and tear, cold and hot weather dirt, and other debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. Fortunately, with some minor maintenance you can make sure that your patio door's locks will always work properly.
It's important to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This will help to remove any grime or coatings that could be preventing your lock from working properly. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts on your patio door lock with an aqueous cloth. Then you can use a scouring paper or a rough damp cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the door frame and frame. Then, wipe the lock down with a dry towel to get rid of any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before you use it.
If you have an exterior door that is fitted with a pin tumbler latch mechanism, you can lubricate 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 applied with ease and will not disintegrate over time. If you're unable find the right lubricant to use with your lock, apply a pencil that has a thicker tip. Put the pencil into the lock and jiggle it around a bit to spread the graphite.
Tracks for sliding patio doors require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dust, dirt and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to snow and ice, which can cause them to be stuck or jammed and make it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.
Clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio doors by removing any weather stripping that is damaged or dirty. Clean it, then replace it. Patio door rollers can also be cleaned and sprayed with a nonstick lubricant.
Lubricate the Moving Parts
uPVC french doors, similar to sliding patio doors, work using 3-4 or occasionally 5-point locking mechanisms that include the lock cylinder and handle controlled by the key. These doors also need maintenance, specifically lubrication on the moving parts. This can be done using the use of a thin oil, but never WD40. This should be done at least once a year.
If sagging hinges don't cause the issue, it could be that the door is not aligned. 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 use a sharp chisel to enlarge the mortise it sits in. This will allow the latch to fit into the hole and stop it from scratching against the frame.
Find the length of the cylinder using the help of a piece of book or wood that fits into the gap above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of the door to the center cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder.
Check the width of the lock.
If repairmywindowsanddoors is hard to turn, even after oiling and cleaning, it's possible that it's not aligned with the strike plate. Make sure that your door is balanced, and that the hinge screws are in good condition. In most instances, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can solve the issue.
Most of the time, the issue occurs when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this case, enlarge the opening with a chisel and hammer. Then test the latch so that it doesn't rub against the jamb frame of the door or fall on it.
You should identify the type mortise lock you currently are using before you purchase a replacement. You can do this by looking at the faceplate on the lock and determining if it is square or round. Then, look at the screw holes on the existing lock and note the size of each. This information will assist you in finding an alternative lock that is of the same size and will fit perfectly into your existing hole.
You'll need to locate the mortise lock and examine it for any scratches, bends, or other damage that requires to be fixed. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that has been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if it shows signs of damage.
Once you've inspected the lock and decided on the kind of replacement you require now is the time to start working on 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 interior handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it into place using the two bolts or screws. Once the handle in the interior is installed, put in the exterior handle and screw it in the position as well. Once you have completed these steps check the handles to make sure that they open and shut easily and that the latch is in contact correctly with the strikeplate.
Check the Door's Strike
The strike plate and door latch are two pieces which work together to secure the door. Misaligned strike plate and door latches will cause the latch to not latch the door correctly. This issue is usually easy to solve.
Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to make sure they are free of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the keeper screws that keep the strike plate in place, allowing it to move vertically, but not separating it from the door frame. Then, you can adjust the strike plate so that its holes for receiving are aligned with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted then tighten the screws and then test the door to see if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However they are crucial to secure and unlock your door. These 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 to create a seal when closed. If the strike plate has been damaged or rusted, or if it is not properly installed, the latch may not properly lock the door.
A misalignment of the latch and strike plate is the most common reason for the patio lock to not close or remain in place. This can be verified using the "lipstick" test. Rub some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt. Then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave a mark when you close the door. This will reveal exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high, you can easily adjust the strike plate.
Sliding patio door locks help keep your home safe from intruders, and if they're not functioning properly, you need to solve the issue fast. Follow these easy steps to repair your patio door lock and restore it's function.