The 9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Patio Door Lock Repair

Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio doors go through wear and tear which can cause lock malfunctions. Fortunately, there are several simple and efficient ways to restore your uPVC patio door's security.

These simple fixes will ensure your home is secure no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the mechanism.

Clean the Lock

Although patio door repairs near me doors are an excellent way to let the outside in and keep the elements out but they can also pose security risks in the event that your lock isn't operating as it should. As time passes wear and tear, cold and hot weather, dirt and debris can affect the lock on your patio door tilt and slide patio door repairs near me cause it to become difficult to open. With a little care you can ensure that your patio door's lock is always working in a proper manner.

It is essential to first clean the Patio door lock repair door lock as well as all moving parts. This will help get rid of any grime and coatings that may hinder the lock from functioning in the way it should. Start by wiping the moving parts on the lock for your patio door with an aqueous cloth. Then you can use a scouring paper or a rough damp cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the door and frame. You should then wipe down the entire lock with a dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness, and allow it to dry completely before making use of it again.

If you have an exterior door that is fitted with a pin tumbler latch mechanism You can grease the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or by using an lubricant based on Teflon like WD-40 Multi-Use. This type of lubricant can be easy to apply, and doesn't break down with time. If you're unable to find the right lubricant for your needs You could try using a pencil that has an extremely sharp tip. Insert the pencil into the lock and jiggle it around a bit to distribute the graphite.

Tracks for sliding patio doors require regular maintenance to keep them free of dirt, dust, and debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to ice and snow, which can cause them jam or bind and make it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.

Tracks for sliding patio doors and rollers can be cleaned by removing dirty or damaged weather stripping, cleaning them, then installing it. The rollers of patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed down with an oil that is non-stick.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC french doors, like sliding patio doors, operate with 3-4 or occasionally five-point locking mechanisms, which include the handle and lock cylinder operated by keys. They also require maintenance, and specifically lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done using an oil that is thin however, never WD40. It is recommended to do it at least once per year.

If sagging hinges aren't a cause, the door may be misaligned and catching or hitting the strike plate hole in the frame. Remove the strike plate, and use a sharp tool to expand its mortise. This will permit the latch to fit properly into the hole, and 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 gap of adjustment screw 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 until the end of the cylinder.

Verify the lock's width

If your aluminium patio door repairs door latch isn't able to turn, even after cleaning and oiling, it's possible that it is not aligned with the strike plate. Verify that the door is in a balanced position, and that the hinge screws are in good condition. In a lot of cases, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can fix the problem.

The most common issue is when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to engage. In this situation you'll have to increase the hole using a chisel or hammer and then test the latch to make sure that it contacts the strike plate without rubbing against or landing on the frame of the door jamb.

Before you purchase a replacement lock, it is important to determine the mortise type of lock you have. You can do this by looking at the faceplate of the lock and determining 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 aid you in finding an alternative lock that is the same size and fits perfectly into your existing hole.

You'll need to identify the mortise lock and examine it for scratches, bends or other damage that needs to be repaired. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that has frequently used to break. Replace the lock if it shows indications of damage.

Once you've decided on the kind of lock replacement you need Now it's time to begin the actual repair. The old handle and spindle should be removed from the patio door. Insert the new handle. Start by installing the inside handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it into by using two screws or bolts. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. Once you have completed these steps check the handles to make sure that they can be shut and open easily and that the latch works properly with the strikeplate.

Make sure the door's strike is checked

The door latch and strike plate are the two parts of the lock that work together to ensure the latch secures the door. An incorrectly aligned strike plate and door latch will cause the latch to not latch the door properly. Fortunately, this issue is usually easy to correct.

Check the holes for receiving 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 place. This allows it to move vertically but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Adjust the strike plate to align its receiving holes with the latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate has been adjusted, tighten all screws and check if the door closes smoothly.

These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However they are crucial for locking and unlocking your door. These metal plates are located at the top and bottom jambs of the door, where they support its latch. The door latch is inserted into this strike plate and creates the seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not properly installed, it could prevent the latch from locking the door securely.

One of the most common reasons for a patio door lock to stick or not close is a misalignment between the latch and the strike plate. This can be confirmed using the "lipstick" test. Apply a little lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt and then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave the mark when you close the door. This will reveal exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high you can easily alter the strike plate.

Locks for sliding patio doors help protect your home from burglars, and if they're not working properly, you need to solve the issue fast. Follow these simple steps to repair your patio door lock and restore its function.