Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio doors go through wear and tear that could result in locks that fail. However, there are simple and effective methods that can restore your uPVC patio door's security.

It's about realigning the lock or cleaning the mechanism for locking these simple fixes will increase the security of your home.

Clean the Lock

Although patio doors are an excellent way to let in the outside and keep out the elements, they can also be an issue for security if your lock isn't working as it should. With time wear and tear, cold and hot weather dirt and debris could affect the lock of your patio door and make it difficult to open. Fortunately, with a little care you can ensure that the locks on your patio door always work effectively.

To begin with, it's essential to clean the lock of your patio door and all its moving parts. This will help to remove any coatings or dirt that could be preventing the lock from working effectively. Start by wiping the moving parts of your patio door lock using a wet cloth. Then, use a scouring cloth or rough damp cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the door frame and frame. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock using dry cloth to get rid of any remaining dampness and let it to air dry prior to making use of it again.

If your local Patio door repairs door has pin-tumbler latches, you can apply powdered Graphite to the key. You can also apply a Teflon lubricant like WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This kind of lubricant is easy to apply, and it won't disintegrate over time. If you're unable to find an appropriate lubricant, you might try using a pencil with an extremely sharp tip. Put the pencil into the lock and move it around a bit to distribute the graphite.

Regular maintenance is also essential to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free from dirt, dust and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to ice, snow, and other particles, which could cause them to get stuck or to bind. This can make it difficult for your patio screen door repair near me door to be opened and closed.

Clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio glass repair doors by removing weather stripping that is dirty or damaged. Clean it, and then replace it. The same can be done for rollers on patio doors, which can be wiped down and then sprayed with a non-stick lubricant in order to allow them to move freely.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC French doors, like sliding patios, operate using 3 to 4, or occasionally 5 points locking mechanisms. They include the handle and lock cylinder that is operated with keys. They require maintenance and lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done using a thin oil (never WD40) and should be done once per year.

If sagging hinges aren't the cause, the door may be skewed and catch or striking the strike plate's hole in the frame. Take off the strike plate and use a sharp tool to enlarge its mortise. This will permit the latch to fit properly into the hole, and prevent it from scratching against the frame.

Find the width of the cylinder with an object of book or wood that fits into the gap above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of the door to the center of cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw until the end cylinder.

Verify the width of the lock.

If your patio door latch is difficult to turn even after oiling and cleaning it's possible that it's not aligned with the strike plate. Verify that the door is in a balanced position, and if the hinge screws are tight. In a lot of instances, moving the strike plate downwards or upwards could solve the issue.

The latch might not work properly if the strike of the lock is too small. In this situation you'll have to increase the opening using either a hammer or chisel, and then test the latch to ensure that it is able to engage the strike plate smoothly without rubbing against or landing on the door's frame jamb.

You should identify the type mortise lock that you have before purchasing a replacement. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and determining if it is round or square. Take a look at each screw hole on the current lock and note their dimensions. This information will assist you in finding an alternative that is the same size and fits perfectly into the hole you have already.

You'll want to identify the mortise lock and examine it for scratches, bends or other damage that need to be fixed. A damaged or bent latch is more likely to break than one that's been used much, so be sure to replace the lock with a brand new, secure version in the event you notice any signs of damage or wear.

Once you've decided on the kind of lock replacement you need, it's now time to start the actual repair. Take the old handle and spindle from your patio door, and then install the new one. Start by putting in the handle inside, aligning it with the spindle, and then securing it by using the two bolts or screws which hold it. Once the handle's interior is installed, put in the handle that is outside and screw it in the position as well. Once you've completed these steps then you can test the new handles to ensure they can be opened and closed easily and that the latch catches properly with the strike plate.

Make sure you check the Strike of the door.

The strike plate and door latch are two pieces that work together in order to lock the door. Misaligned strike plate and door latches will cause the latch to not latch the door properly. Fortunately, the issue is usually easy to correct.

Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to make sure they are free of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Loosen the keeper screws holding the strike plate in place. This allows it to move vertically but not separate it from the frame. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its receiving holes with the latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate has been adjusted, tighten all screws and test to see whether the door closes smoothly.

These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However they are vital to secure and unlock your door. These metal plates are usually located on the top and bottom of the door jamb which is where they are used to support the door's latch. The door latch is inserted into this strike plate and creates a seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not installed correctly, it can hinder the latch from locking the door securely.

One common reason for an outdoor door lock to not close or not close is a misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This can be verified using the "lipstick" test. Apply a little lipstick across the edge of the deadbolt. Then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave the mark when you shut the door. This will indicate exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high you can alter the strike plate.

The sliding patio door locks keep your home safe from burglars. If they're not functioning correctly, you should solve the issue fast. Follow these simple steps to repair your patio door lock and restore its functionality.