9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Patio Door Lock Repair

Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio doors go through wear and tear that can result in lock malfunctions. There are a few basic steps you can take to ensure the security of your uPVC door.

These simple fixes will ensure your home is secure, whether you realign the lock or clean the mechanism.

Clean the Lock

Patio doors are great to let the outdoors inside and keeping the elements out. However they can pose an issue for security when the lock isn't functioning properly. Over time wear and tear cold and hot weather dirt and debris can cause damage to your patio door's lock and cause it to become difficult to open. Fortunately, with some minor maintenance you can make sure that your patio door's locks will always function properly.

It's important to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This helps remove any dirt and coatings that may be preventing the lock from functioning in the way it should. Start by wiping down all the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a damp, clean cloth. then make use of a scouring pad, or a rough damp cloth to scrub any difficult-to-access areas of the door and frame that are coated with dirt. You should then wipe down the entire lock using dry cloths to eliminate any remaining dampness, and allow it to dry completely before applying it to the next time.

If your patio door is equipped with pin-tumbler latches you can apply powdered Graphite on the key. You can also use a Teflon lubricant like WD-40 Multi Use Product. This kind of lubricant can be applied quickly and will not disintegrate over time. If you're unable find the right lubricant to use with your lock, use a pencil with larger 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 clear from dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to ice, snow, and other particles, which could cause them to get stuck or to bind. This can make it difficult for your patio door to open and close.

You can clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio doors by removing any weather stripping that is dirty or damaged. Clean it, then replace it. patio door Lock repair door rollers can also be cleaned and sprayed with an oil that is nonstick.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC French Doors, like sliding patio door repair service patios, operate by using 3 to 4 or sometimes 5 point locking mechanisms. These include the lock cylinder and handle that is operated by the key. They also require maintenance, and specifically lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished using a thin oil (never WD40) and should be done once per year.

If sagging hinges don't cause the problem, it could be that the door is misaligned. It could be rubbing or catching against the strike plate's opening in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate and use a sharp chisel to enlarge the mortise it sits in. This lets the latch sit correctly in the hole, and also prevents rubbing or catching on the frame.

When the cylinder is out of the way take a measurement of its width using an object or a piece of wood that fits into the adjustment screw gap above 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.

Verify the width of the lock.

If your patio door locks repair door latch isn't able to turn even after cleaning and oiling it could be because it's not aligned properly with the strike plate. Verify that the door is properly balanced and whether the hinge screws are secure, but in many cases it is possible to move 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 situation, you need to widen the hole with an hammer and chisel. Then, test the latch so that it doesn't touch the door jamb frame or catch on it.

You should identify the type mortise lock that you are using before you purchase an alternative. This can be done by looking at the end faceplate and determining if it is square or round. Then, look at the screw holes in the existing lock and note the size of each. This information will allow you to find the replacement lock that has exactly the same size and fits into your existing hole.

You'll need to identify the mortise lock and examine it for any scratches, bends, or other damage that need to be fixed. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that has frequently used to break. Replace the lock if you notice evidence of damage.

After you've examined the lock and determined which kind of replacement you require then it's time to begin working on the actual repair. The old handle and spindle must be removed from the patio door. Introduce the new handle. Start by installing the inside handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it in by using two screws or bolts. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. After you've completed these steps, test the handles to ensure that they can be shut and open easily and that the latch is in contact properly with the strikeplate.

Check the Door's Strike

The door latch and strike plate are two components of the lock that work to ensure that the latch locks the door. Misaligned strike plate and door latch will result in the latch not being able to latch the door correctly. Fortunately, the issue is usually simple to fix.

First, inspect the holes in the strike plate's receiving to ensure they are free of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the keeper screws that keep the strike plate in place, allowing it to move horizontally, but not removing it from the frame of your door. Adjust the strike plate to align its holes for receiving with the latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted, tighten all screws and test whether the door closes smoothly.

Door strike plates can be difficult how to repair tilt and slide patio door locate for homeowners with sliding patio doors, but they're crucial to lock and unlock your door. The plates made of metal are located on the top and bottom jambs of your door, which are where they help support the latch. The door latch slides into this strike plate and creates a seal. If the strike plate has been damaged, rusted, or is not installed correctly, the latch may not be able to lock the door properly.

The most common reason for the patio door lock to stick or not close is a misalignment of the latch and the strike plate. The most effective way to test for this is by performing the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt, and then attach masking tape over it. When you close the door the lipstick will leave an impression on the tape that will show exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low it is possible to adjust the strike plate.

The sliding patio door locks keep your home safe from burglars. If they're not working correctly, you should solve the issue fast. Follow these steps to repair your patio door lock and restore it's function.