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Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, wear and tear can cause lock malfunctions. Fortunately, there are several easy and efficient methods that can restore your uPVC patio door's security.

These simple fixes can make your home safer, whether you realign 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 security risks in the event that your lock isn't operating as it should. Over time wear and tear, extreme cold and hot weather dirt and debris can take their toll on your patio door's lock and make it difficult to open. With a little effort, you can make sure that your patio door's lock always works in a proper manner.

It's important to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This helps to get rid of any grime and coatings that may hinder the lock from functioning as it should. Start by wiping all the moving parts on your patio door lock using a damp cloth. Then, use a scouring cloth or rough damp cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the frame and door. Then, wipe the lock down with a dry cloth to get rid of any moisture. Let it air dry before you use it.

If your patio door is equipped with pin-tumbler locks you can lubricate it by applying powdered graphite to the key. You can also use a Teflon lubricant like WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant is able to be applied easily and will not disintegrate over time. If you're unable find the correct lubricant for your lock, you can use a pencil with larger tip. Place the pencil in the lock and move it around a bit to distribute the graphite.

Tracks for sliding patio doors require regular maintenance to ensure they're free of dirt, dust, and debris. They are particularly susceptible to snow, ice and other debris, which can cause them jam or bind. 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 weather stripping that is dirty or damaged. Clean it and replace it. The same can be done for patio door rollers, which can be wiped down and sprayed with a non-stick lubricant to help them move freely.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC French doors, like sliding patios, operate using 3 to 4, or sometimes 5 point locking mechanisms. They include the lock cylinder and handle which 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 should be done at least once per year.

If hinges that are sagging aren't the cause, the door could be misaligned and catching or rubbing against the strike plate's hole in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate, and then use a sharp chisel to enlarge the mortise it rests in. patio door repair will allow the latch to fit properly into the hole and prevent it from rubbing against the frame.

Take a measurement of the diameter of the cylinder using the help of a piece of wood or a book 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 until the end 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 is out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Verify that the door is properly balanced and if the hinge screws are tight However, in many cases, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can correct the issue.

The latch may not engage properly when the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this situation, you need to widen the opening with an hammer and chisel. Then, test the latch so that it does not rub against the jamb frame of the door or get caught on it.

You must identify the kind of mortise lock you currently have before buying an alternative. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and observing whether it is round or square. Then, look at the screw holes on the existing lock and note the size of each. This information will help you find a replacement 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 then examine it for scratches, bends or other damage that needs to be repaired. A bent or damaged latch is more likely to break than one that hasn't been used much, so be sure to replace the lock with a new, secure version when you spot any indications of wear or damage.

Once you've identified the type of lock replacement you need, it's now time to start the actual repair. The old spindle and handle should be removed from the doorway to the patio. Insert the new handle. Start by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it into place using the two screws or bolts. Once the handle's interior is installed, put in the handle that is outside and screw it in place as well. After you've completed these steps you can test the new handles to ensure that they can be opened and closed easily and that the latch catches correctly with the strike plate.

Make sure the door's strike is checked

The strike plate and the door latch are two parts that work together in order to secure the door. If these are misaligned and the latch doesn't latch the door shut properly. Fortunately, the issue is often easy to fix.

First, check the strike plate's receiving holes to ensure they are free of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Then, loosen the keeper screws that hold the strike plate in place, allowing it to move vertically but not removing it from the frame of the door. Then adjust the strike plate to ensure that its holes for receiving align with the latch hooks on the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted then tighten the screws and then test the door to see if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment.





Door strike plates can be difficult to access for homeowners with sliding patio doors, but they're crucial for locking and unlocking your door. The metal plates are typically located on the top and bottom of the door jamb where they serve as the door's latch. The door latch slides into the strike plate to form a seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or is not installed correctly, the latch may not properly lock the door.

One of the most common reasons for the patio door lock to not close or not close is a misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This can be checked with the "lipstick" test. Apply some lipstick across the edge of the deadbolt. Then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave a mark when you close the door. This will show you exactly where the latch joins the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high, you can alter the strike plate.

If your sliding patio door locks are not working properly, they can keep your home secure from intruders. You must resolve this issue as quickly as possible. Follow these simple steps to repair your patio door lock and restore it's function.