10 Facts About Patio Door Lock Repair That Can Instantly Put You In A …

Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio doors experience wear and tear that can lead to locks that fail. There are a few simple steps you can take to ensure the security of your uPVC door.

These easy fixes will make your home safer regardless of whether you re-align the lock or clean the locking mechanism.

Clean the Lock

While patio doors are an excellent way to let the outside in 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, hot and cold weather dirt, and other debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little maintenance, you can ensure your patio door's locks will 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 remove any coatings or dirt that could be preventing your lock from functioning effectively. Start by wiping all the moving parts of your emergency patio door repair door lock with a wet cloth. Then, use a scouring cloth or rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested areas of the frame and door. Then wipe the lock with a dry towel to get rid of any moisture. Let it air dry before you use it.

If you have an outdoor door that has pin tumbler latch mechanisms You can apply lubrication to the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or applying a Teflon-based lubricant such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant can be easy to apply and it doesn't dissolve with time. If you're not able to locate a suitable lubricant you could try using a pencil that has a thick tip. Put the pencil in the lock, and shake it around to spread the graphite.

Regular maintenance is also essential to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free of dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow, ice and other debris that could cause them to jam or bind. This could make it difficult for your patio door to open and close.

The sliding rails of the patio door track and rollers can be cleaned by removing any weather stripping that is damaged or dirty and cleaning them before replacing it. Patio door rollers can also be cleaned and sprayed with a nonstick lubricant.

Lubricate the Moving Parts

uPVC French Doors, similar to sliding patios, operate using 3 to 4, or sometimes 5 point locking mechanisms. This includes the handle and lock cylinder that is operated with keys. These doors also need maintenance, and specifically lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done using an oil that is thin (never WD40) and should be done once per year.

If hinges that are sagging aren't the cause, the door may be misaligned and catching or striking the strike plate hole within the frame. Remove the strike plate and use a sharp tool to enlarge the mortise. This will allow the latch to fit properly into the hole, and stop it from scratching against the frame.

While the cylinder is out of the way, measure its width with an object or a piece of wood patio door repair 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 center of the cylinder, while the inner dimension runs from the center of the adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder.

Check the lock's width

If your patio door latch is difficult 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 in a balanced position, and that the hinge screws are in good condition. In many instances, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards will fix the problem.

The most common issue is when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to engage. In this situation, you need to widen the hole with an hammer and chisel. Then, test the latch to ensure that it doesn't rub against the jamb frame of the door or fall the frame.

It is important to identify the type of mortise lock you are using before you purchase an alternative. You can do this by looking at the faceplate of the lock and noting if it is square or round. Look at each screw hole on the existing lock and note the size. This will help you find an alternative lock that is the same width and fits perfectly into the hole that you already have.

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

After you've examined the lock and decided on the kind of replacement you require, it's time to start working on the actual repair. The spindle and handle 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 place using the two bolts or screws. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. After you've completed the steps then you can test the new handles to ensure they can be opened and closed easily and that the latch catches correctly with the strike plate.

Check the door's Strike

The strike plate and door latch are two parts which work together to lock the door. An incorrectly aligned strike plate and door latch will result in the latch not being able to latch the door correctly. This problem is usually very simple to repair.

First, inspect the strike plate's receiving holes to make sure they are free of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Release the screws that hold the strike plate. This will allow it to move vertically, but not separate it from the frame. Then, adjust the strike plate so that its holes for receiving are aligned with the latch hooks on the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted tighten the screws, and then test the door to determine if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment.

Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to access for homeowners who have sliding patio doors, however they're crucial for locking and unlocking your door. The metal plates are situated between the top and bottom jambs of your door, which are where they help support the latch. The door latch is able to slide into the strike plate to form an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate has been damaged or rusted, or if it is not properly installed the latch might not be able to lock the door properly.

A misalignment of the strike plate and latch is one common cause for a patio door repair company near me lock to not close or stick. This can be verified using the "lipstick" test. Apply a little lipstick along 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 high or low it is possible to alter the strike plate.

If your sliding patio door locks aren't working correctly they can help keep your home safe from burglars. You must fix this problem as soon as you can. If you follow these steps, you can repair your patio door's lock and restore its functionality within a short time.