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Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors go through wear and tear which can result in lock malfunctions. There are a few easy steps you can take to ensure the security of your uPVC door.
These easy fixes can make your home safer, whether you realign the lock or clean the locking mechanism.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are ideal to let the outdoors in and keeping out the elements. However they could pose a security threat if the lock doesn't work correctly. 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 effort you can ensure that the lock on your patio door always works in a proper manner.
To begin with, it's important to clean the lock of your patio door and all of its moving parts. This will help to remove any coatings or dirt that may be preventing your lock from working properly. Start by wiping the moving parts on your patio door lock using a damp cloth. Then you can use a scouring paper or rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested areas of the door and frame. Then, wipe the entire lock with dry cloth to get rid of any remaining dampness and allow it to air dry before making use of it again.
If you have an outdoor door that has pin tumbler latch mechanisms it is possible to grease the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or by using an lubricant based on Teflon such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant is able to be applied quickly and does not dissolve over time. If you're unable to locate an appropriate lubricant you might try using a pencil that has an extremely sharp tip. Insert the pencil into the lock and move it around a bit to spread the graphite.
Tracks for sliding patio doors require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dirt, dust, and debris. These tracks are particularly vulnerable to snow, ice and other debris, which could cause them to block or become stuck. This can make it difficult for your patio door to open and shut.
Clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio doors by removing weather stripping that is dirty or damaged. Clean it, and then replace it. The rollers for patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed down with a nonstick lubricant.
Lubricate the Moving Parts
uPVC french doors, similar to sliding patio doors, operate by using 3-4 or sometimes five-point locking mechanisms, which include the lock cylinder and handle controlled by keys. They require maintenance and lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done using an oil that is thin (never WD40) and is recommended to be done at least once per year.
If sagging hinges aren't the reason, the door could be misaligned and caught or striking the strike plate's hole in the frame. Remove the strike plate and use a sharp tool to increase the size of the mortise. This allows the latch to fit perfectly in the hole, and also prevents getting caught or rubbing against the frame.
Measure the diameter of the cylinder using the help of a piece of book or wood that can be inserted into the gap above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of door to the center of cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw to the end of the of the cylinder.
Check the width of the lock.
If your patio door latch is difficult to turn, even after cleaning and lubricating, there's a possibility that it's out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Make sure that your door is balanced, and that the hinge screws are secure. In most instances, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can fix the problem.
Oftentimes, the problem occurs when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to engage. In this situation you'll need to expand the hole with a chisel or hammer and then test the latch to make sure that it connects to the strike plate smoothly without rubbing against or catching on the door's frame jamb.
Before buying a replacement lock, it is important to determine what kind of mortise lock you currently have. This can be done by looking at the end faceplate and noting whether it is square or round. Then, take a look at the screw holes on the existing lock and note the dimensions of each. This will assist you in finding a replacement that is of the same size and fits perfectly into the hole you have already.
You'll need to identify the mortise lock and examine it for any scratches, bends or other damage that need to be fixed. patio doors repairs damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that's been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if it displays indications of damage.
Once you've checked the lock and determined which kind of replacement you require, it's time to start working on the actual repair. The spindle and handle must be removed from the doorway to the patio. Install the new handle. Begin by installing the interior handle, aligning it with the spindle and then securing it with the two bolts or screws that secure it. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. After you've completed these steps, test the handles to make sure they are able to open and close easily and that the latch is in contact 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 that the latch is secure the door. If these parts aren't aligned correctly and the latch isn't latching the door properly. Fortunately, the issue is usually simple to fix.
First, examine the strike plate's holes for receiving to ensure they are free of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Remove the screws that hold the strike plate. This allows it to move vertically but not separate it from the frame. 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 then tighten the screws and test the door to see whether it locks smoothly after the new adjustment.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However they are vital to secure and unlock your door. The metal plates are situated at the top and bottom jambs of the door, where they serve as the support for the latch. The door latch is able to slide into the strike plate to create the seal when it is closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not installed correctly, it may prevent the latch from locking the door securely.
One common reason for the patio door lock to not close or not close is a misalignment between the latch and the strike plate. The easiest method to check for this is to perform the "lipstick test." Apply some lipstick on the edge of the deadbolt, then put masking tape on it. When you close the door, the lipstick will leave marks on the tape, indicating exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low it is possible to alter the strike plate.
Sliding patio door locks help protect your home from burglars, and if they're not functioning correctly, you should solve the issue fast. If you follow these steps, you can fix the lock on your patio door and regain its functionality within a short time.
