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Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, the wear and tear can cause lock malfunctions. There are a few easy steps you can take to restore the security of your uPVC door.
If it's resetting the lock or cleaning the mechanism for locking, these quick fixes can make your home more secure.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are ideal for letting the outdoors in and keeping the elements out. However, they can be an issue for security if the lock doesn't work correctly. With time, wear and tear, extreme cold and hot weather dirt and debris can cause damage to the lock of your patio door and make it difficult to open. Fortunately, with some minor maintenance you can ensure that the locks on your patio door always function effectively.
It is important to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This will help to remove any grime or coatings that might be hindering your lock from working properly. Start by wiping down all the moving parts of your patio door's lock with a damp cloth, then employ a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any difficult-to-access areas of the door and frame that are ingrained with dirt. You should then wipe down the entire lock using 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 apply lubrication to the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or applying a Teflon-based lubricant like WD-40 Multi-Use. This kind of lubricant is easy to apply, and doesn't break down over time. If you're not able to find a suitable lubricant, you might use a pencil with an extremely sharp tip. Insert the pencil into the lock and move it around a bit to spread the graphite.
Sliding patio door tracks also require regular maintenance to ensure they're free of dust, dirt, and debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow, ice, and other debris that can cause them jam or bind. This can make it difficult for your patio door to be opened and closed.
Tracks for sliding patio doors and rollers can be cleaned by removing any weather stripping that is damaged or dirty, cleaning them, then replacing it. patio door repair near me can also be cleaned and sprayed down with a nonstick lubricant.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC French Doors, like sliding patios, are operated by using 3 to 4 or sometimes, 5 point locking mechanisms. They include the lock cylinder and handle which is operated by keys. These doors require maintenance, oiling of the moving parts. This can be done using a thin oil, but never WD40. This should be done at least once a year.
If the hinges aren't causing the issue, it could be that the door isn't aligned. It could be rubbing against or catching the strike plate's hole in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate and use an abrasive chisel, which will enlarge the mortise it rests in. This will allow the latch to fit into the hole and also prevent it from scratching against the frame.
Once the cylinder is cleared of the way, measure its width with an object or a piece of wood that fits into the adjustment screw gap above the lock. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of door to the center cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw to the end of the of the cylinder.
Check the lock's width
If your patio door latch isn't able to turn, even after cleaning and oiling, it's possible that it's not aligned properly with the strike plate. Make sure that your door is in a balanced position, and that the hinge screws are secure. In most cases, moving the strike plate downwards or upwards could solve the issue.
The most common issue is when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to engage. In this situation, you'll need to enlarge the opening using either a hammer or chisel, and then test the latch to ensure that it connects to the strike plate in a smooth manner without rubbing against or landing on the frame of the door jamb.
Before purchasing a new lock, first identify the type of mortise lock you have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and determining if it is square or round. Take a look at each screw hole on the current lock and note the size. This will enable you to locate the replacement lock that has exactly the same size and will fit into the hole you have already.
In addition to identifying the current mortise lock, you'll also need to check it for any nicks or bends that may require repairing. 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, it's now time to begin the actual repair. Remove the old handle and spindle from the patio door, and then install the new one. Begin by installing the interior handle by aligning it with the spindle, and then fixing it by using the two screws or bolts which hold it. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. Once you've completed these steps then you can test the new handles to ensure that they open and close easily and that the latch catches properly with the strike plate.
Make sure the door's strike is checked
The door latch and strike plate are the two components of the lock that work to ensure that the latch locks the door. Misaligned strike plate and door latches can result in the latch not being able to latch the door correctly. Fortunately, this problem is usually easy to correct.
First, examine the holes in the strike plate's receiving to ensure they are clear of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the keeper screws that keep the strike plate in place, allowing it to move horizontally, but not detaching it from the door frame. Then, you can adjust the strike plate so that its receiving holes align with the latch hooks on the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted tighten all screws and test if the door closes smoothly.
Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to access for homeowners with sliding patio doors, however they are essential for locking and unlocking your door. These metal plates are usually located at the top and bottom of the door jamb, where they support the door's latch. The door latch is inserted into the strike plate and forms an airtight seal. If the strike plate has been damaged or rusted, or if it is not installed correctly the latch might not lock the door properly.
The most common reason for a patio door lock to not close or not close is a misalignment between the latch and strike plate. The most effective way to test for this is to perform the "lipstick test." Apply some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt, and then put masking tape on it. The lipstick will leave a mark when you close the door. This will indicate 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.
If your patio door locks for sliding aren't functioning properly, they can keep your home safe from burglars. You must repair the issue as soon as you can. If you follow these steps, you can fix the lock on your patio door and regain its functionality in no time.
