13 Things About Patio Door Lock Repair You May Not Have Known

Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio doors undergo wear and tear which can cause lock malfunctions. There are fortunately, a number of easy and efficient steps that can help restore your uPVC patio door's security.

These easy fixes can make your home safer no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the locking mechanism.

Clean the Lock

Patio doors are ideal for bringing the outdoors inside and keeping the elements out. However they could pose a security threat in the event that the lock isn't working correctly. Over time, wear, tear, cold and hot weather dirt, and other debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little maintenance you can ensure that your patio door's locks will always perform properly.

It is essential to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This helps to remove any dirt and coatings that could be preventing the lock from functioning in the way it should. Begin by wiping all the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a damp, clean cloth. then make use of a scouring pad, or a rough damp cloth to scrub any hard-to-reach areas of the door or frame that are covered in dirt. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock with dry cloths to eliminate any remaining dampness and let it to dry completely before using it again.

If your patio door uses pin-tumbler locks, you can apply powdered graphite to the key. You can also apply a Teflon oil like WD-40 Multi Use Product. This kind of lubricant is easy to apply and it doesn't dissolve over time. If you're unable to find the correct lubricant for your lock, you can use a pencil with larger tip. Put the pencil into the lock and move it around to distribute the graphite.

Regular maintenance is also required to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear of dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow and ice, which can cause them to be stuck or jammed, making it harder for your patio doors to open and close.

Sliding patio door track rails and rollers can be cleaned by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping, cleaning them, then installing it. Patio door rollers can also be cleaned and sprayed with an oil that is non-stick.

Lubricate the moving parts

upvc patio door repairs near me french doors, like sliding patio door lock repair patio doors, work with 3-4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms that include the handle and lock cylinder operated by keys. These doors also require maintenance, including lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done using a thin oil (never WD40) and is recommended to be done at least once per year.

If sagging hinges don't cause the issue, it could be that the door is not aligned. It may be rubbing or catching the strike plate's opening in the frame. Remove the strike plate, and employ a sharp tool enlarge its mortise. This allows the latch to sit perfectly in the hole, and also prevents scratching or catching on the frame.

Take a measurement of the width of the cylinder with the help of a piece of book or wood that is able to fit into the space 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.

Check the width of the lock.

If your patio door latch isn't able to turn, even after cleaning and lubricating, it's possible that it's not in alignment with the strike plate hole. Make sure that your door is properly balanced and if the hinge screws are in good condition. In many instances, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can solve the issue.

The most common issue is when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to engage. In this case you'll need to expand the hole using the hammer or chisel and then test the latch how to repair patio door lock make sure that it contacts the strike plate without rubbing against or getting caught on the door's frame jamb.

Before you purchase a replacement lock, you should first identify the type of mortise lock you have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate on the lock and determining whether it is round or square. Examine each screw hole on the current lock and note their dimensions. This information will aid you in finding an alternative lock that is of the same size and will fit perfectly into the hole you have already.

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

Once you've identified the type of lock replacement you need It's time to begin the actual repair. The old spindle and handle must be removed from the doorway to the patio. Install the new handle. Begin by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it into by using two screws or bolts. Once the handle's interior is in, install the handle on the outside and screw it in the position as well. After you've completed these steps Test the handles to ensure that they can be shut and open easily and that the latch works correctly with the strikeplate.

Make sure you check the Strike of the door.

The strike plate and the door latch are two components that work together to lock the door. If these are misaligned, the latch won't latch the door properly. Fortunately, this problem is often easy to fix.

First, examine the holes in the strike plate's receiving to ensure they are free of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Release the screws that hold the strike plate in place. This will allow it to move horizontally, but not separate it from the frame. Then, adjust the strike plate so that its holes for receiving align with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted then tighten the screws and then test the door to determine if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment.

These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding glass patio doors repair patio doors. However they are crucial to lock and unlock your door. The metal plates are situated at the top and bottom jambs of the door, which are where they help support the latch. Then, the door latch slides into the strike plate to form the seal when it is closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not installed correctly, it can stop the latch from locking the door securely.

A misalignment of the latch and strike plate is one common cause for the patio lock to not close or stick. This can be verified using the "lipstick" test. Rub some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt. Then cover it with masking tape. When you shut the door the lipstick will leave marks on the tape that will show exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high, you can easily adjust the strike plate.

If your sliding patio doors repair patio door locks are not working properly they could be a problem in keeping your home secure from intruders. You need to fix this problem as soon as possible. If you follow these steps, you'll be able to fix your patio door's lock and regain its functionality within a short time.