10 Facts About Patio Door Lock Repair That Can Instantly Put You In A Positive Mood
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio door wear and tear could cause lock malfunctions. There are a few simple steps you can take to restore the security of your uPVC door.
These quick fixes can make your home safer no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the locking mechanism.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are fantastic for letting 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, hot and cold weather, dirt, and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little maintenance you can make sure that your patio door's locks will always function correctly.
It's important to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This will help get rid of any coatings or dirt that might be hindering your lock from working properly. Start by wiping down the moving parts of your patio door's lock with a damp cloth, then make use of a scouring pad, or a rough damp cloth to scrub any hard-to-reach areas of the door and frame that are ingrained with dirt. You should then wipe down the entire lock with dry cloth to get rid of any remaining dampness and allow it to dry completely before using it again.
If you have a patio door that uses pin tumbler latch mechanisms, you can lubricate the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or using an lubricant based on Teflon 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 not able to locate an appropriate lubricant You could try using a pencil that has an extremely sharp tip. Insert the pencil in the lock, and shake it around to distribute the graphite.
Sliding patio door tracks also require regular maintenance to ensure they're free of dust, dirt, and debris. They are particularly susceptible to ice, snow, and other debris, which could cause them to block or become stuck. This can make it difficult for your patio door to be opened and closed.
Clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio doors by removing any weather stripping that is dirty or damaged. Clean it and replace it. The same is true for patio door rollers, which can be cleaned and sprayed with non-stick lubricant that will allow them to move freely.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC French Doors, similar to sliding patios, are operated with 3 to 4 or sometimes 5 point locking mechanisms. These include the handle and lock cylinder that is operated by the key. They require maintenance and the lubrication of moving parts. This can be accomplished with a thin oil but not WD40. It is recommended to do it at least once a year.
If sagging hinges aren't the reason, the door could be misaligned and caught or rubbing against the strike plate hole in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate and use a sharp chisel to enlarge the mortise it rests in. This will allow the latch to fit into the hole, and prevent it from scratching against the frame.
While the cylinder is out of the way take a measurement of its width using a book or piece of wood that can fit into the adjustment screw gap above the lock. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the center of the cylinder. the inner measurement runs from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.
Verify the width of the lock.
If your patio door latch is hard to turn, even after cleaning and oiling it's possible that it's not aligned with the strike plate. Verify that the door is in a balanced position, and that the hinge screws are secure. In many cases, however, simply 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 engage. In patio door lock repairs near me 'll need to expand the hole with the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to make sure that it connects to the strike plate in a smooth manner without rubbing against or landing on the door's frame jamb.
It is important to identify the type of mortise lock you have before purchasing the replacement. This can be done by taking a look at the faceplate of the lock and determining whether it is round or square. Then, look at the screw holes in the existing lock and note the size of each one. This will help you find an alternative lock that is of the same size 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 needs to be repaired. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that has been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if it shows indications of damage.
Once you've identified the type of lock replacement that you require Now it's time to begin the actual repair. Remove the old handle and spindle from your patio door, and then put in the new one. Start by putting in the interior handle by aligning it with the spindle, and then securing it by using the two screws or bolts which hold it. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. After you've completed these steps, test the handles to ensure 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 the door latch are two parts that work together to lock the door. If they are not aligned properly and the latch isn't latching the door properly. This issue is usually simple to repair.
First, inspect the strike plate's holes for receiving to make sure they are clear of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the keeper screws that secure the strike plate in place and allow it to move horizontally, but not detaching it from the frame of your door. Then adjust the strike plate so that its holes for receiving are aligned with the latch hooks on the door latch. After the strike plate is adjusted, tighten all screws and test to see whether the door closes smoothly.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However they are vital to lock and unlock your door. The metal plates are situated on the top and bottom jambs of your door, where they support its latch. The door latch slides into the strike plate and forms a seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not installed correctly, it may stop the latch from locking the door securely.
The most common reason for a patio door lock to become stuck or not close is a misalignment between the latch and strike plate. This can be verified using the "lipstick" test. Apply a little lipstick across the edge of the deadbolt and then cover it with masking tape. When you shut the door, the lipstick will leave a mark on the tape that will show you exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low it is possible to alter the strike plate.
Locks for sliding patio doors help protect your home from burglars. If they're not functioning properly, you need to solve the issue fast. Follow these easy steps to fix your patio door lock and restore it's functionality.