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Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors go through wear and tear that can cause lock malfunctions. Fortunately, there are several simple and effective methods that can restore your uPVC patio door's security.
It's about realigning the lock or cleaning the locking mechanism these simple fixes will help you make your home more secure.
Clean the Lock
While patio doors are an excellent way to let the outside in and keep the elements out but they can also pose an issue for security when your lock isn't functioning as it should. Over time, wear, tear, cold and hot weather, dirt, and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little effort you can ensure that your patio door's lock is always working properly.
It is essential to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This will help to remove any grime or coatings that might be hindering your lock from working correctly. Start by wiping the moving parts on your patio door lock with an aqueous cloth. Then, use a scouring cloth or a rough damp cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the door and frame. Then clean the lock with a dry towel to get rid of any moisture. Let it air dry before you use it.
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 applying an lubricant based on Teflon such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant can be easy to apply, and it won't disintegrate over time. If you are unable to find the correct lubricant for your lock, you can apply a pencil that has a more of a thicker tip. Put the pencil into the lock and jiggle it around a bit to spread the graphite.
Tracks for sliding patio doors require regular maintenance to ensure they're free of dirt, dust and other debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow, ice, 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 shut.
Clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio doors by removing any weather stripping that is damaged or dirty. Clean it, and then replace it. The same applies for patio door rollers, which can be cleaned and sprayed with a non-stick lubricant to help them move freely.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC french doors, like sliding patio doors, work using 3-4 or occasionally five-point locking mechanisms, which include the lock cylinder and handle operated by keys. Full Posting require maintenance, and specifically lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done using a thin oil but not WD40. This should be done at least once a year.
If sagging hinges don't cause the problem it could be because the door is not aligned. It may be rubbing against or catching the hole of the strike plate in the frame. Remove the strike plate, and employ a sharp tool to expand its mortise. This will permit the latch to fit properly into the hole and stop it from hitting the frame.
Once the cylinder is cleared of the way, measure its width with an object or a piece of wood that can fit into the gap of adjustment screw above the lock. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the middle of the cylinder. the inner dimension extends 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 difficult to turn even after cleaning and lubricating, there's a possibility that it's not in alignment with the strike plate hole. Examine if the door is properly balanced and if the hinge screws are tight however, in many instances it is possible to move the strike plate up or down could fix the problem.
The latch may not engage properly in the event that the strike of the lock is too small. In this instance you'll need to expand the hole with either a hammer or chisel, and then test the latch to ensure that it connects to the strike plate smoothly without rubbing against or landing on the door's frame jamb.
It is important to identify the type of mortise lock that you have before purchasing the replacement. You can do this by looking at the faceplate on the lock and determining whether it is round or square. Look at each screw hole in the existing lock and note the size. This information will allow you to find an alternative lock that is exactly the same width and will fit into your existing hole.
In addition to identifying the current mortise lock you'll also need to check it for any nicks or bends that might require repair. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that has frequently used to break. Replace the lock if it displays indications of damage.
Once you've identified the type of lock replacement that you require, it's now time to start the actual repair. Remove the old handle and spindle from the patio door, and then install the new one. Start by putting in the handle in the interior by aligning it with the spindle and then securing it with the two screws or bolts that hold it. Once the handle in the interior is installed, you can install the handle on the outside and screw it in the position as well. Once you have completed these steps check the handles to make sure they are able to open and close easily and that the latch works properly with the strikeplate.
Check the Door's Strike
The door latch and strike plate are the two components of the lock that work together to ensure that the latch is secure the door. A misaligned strike plate or door latches will result in the latch not being able to latch the door correctly. Fortunately, this problem is usually simple to fix.
Check the receiving holes of the strike plate to ensure they are clear of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Release the screws that hold the strike plate in position. This allows it to move horizontally, but not separate it from the frame. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its holes for receiving with latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate is adjusted tighten all screws and test if the door closes smoothly.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However, they are essential to lock and unlock your door. The metal plates are situated between the top and bottom jambs of the door where they support its latch. The door latch slides into the strike plate, creating the seal when it is closed. If the strike plate is damaged or rusted, or if it is not properly installed, the latch may not properly lock the door.
A misalignment of the strike plate and latch is a common reason for the patio lock to not close or stay. This can be confirmed using the "lipstick" test. Rub some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt and then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave the mark when you close the door. This will indicate exactly where the latch joins the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high you can adjust the strike plate.
If your sliding patio door locks aren't working correctly they could be a problem in keeping your home secure from intruders. You need to fix this problem as soon as possible. Follow these simple steps to repair your patio door lock and restore it's function.
