Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors undergo wear and tear which can cause lock malfunctions. However, there are simple and effective ways to restore your uPVC patio door's security.
Whether it's realigning the lock or cleaning the locking mechanism, these quick fixes can make your home more secure.
Clean the Lock
Although patio doors are a great way to let in the outside and keep the elements out but they can also pose a security risk if your lock isn't working as it should. As time passes wear and tear cold and hot weather dirt and debris could take their toll on your patio door's lock and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little effort, you can make sure that your lock for your patio door always works properly.
In the beginning, it's crucial to clean your patio door's lock and all the moving parts. This will help remove any grime or coatings that could be preventing the lock from working effectively. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts on the lock for your patio door with a wet cloth. Then apply a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested areas of the frame and door. Then, wipe the lock down with a dry cloth to remove any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before using it.
If you have an outdoor door that has a pin tumbler latch mechanism You can lubricate the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or applying a Teflon-based lubricant like WD-40 Multi-Use. This type of lubricant is easy to apply, and doesn't break down over time. If you are unable to find the right lubricant for your lock, you can use a pencil with thicker tip. Place the pencil into the lock, then shake it to distribute the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also required to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear from dirt, dust and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to ice, snow, and other debris that could cause them to block or become stuck. This could make it difficult for your patio door to be opened and closed.
Tracks for sliding patio doors and rollers can be cleaned by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping, cleaning them, then installing it. The same is true for rollers on patio doors, which can be wiped down and then sprayed with a non-stick lubricant to help them move freely.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC French Doors, similar to
sliding glass patio doors repair patios, operate using 3 to 4, or occasionally 5 point locking mechanisms. These include the handle and lock cylinder which is operated by keys. These doors require maintenance, lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done using an oil that is thin (never WD40) and should be done every year.
If hinges that are sagging aren't the cause, the door may be misaligned and catching or hitting the strike plate hole within the frame. Remove the strike plate and employ a sharp tool to increase the size of the mortise. This will allow the latch to fit into the hole, and stop it from scratching against the frame.
While the cylinder is out of the way take a measurement of its width using an object or a piece of wood that will fit in the adjustment screw gap above the lock. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the center of the cylinder, and the inner dimension extends from the center of the adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder.
Verify 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 is out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Check to see if the door is properly balanced and whether the hinge screws are tight, but in many cases, moving the strike plate up or down can fix the issue.
The latch might not work properly in the event that the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this instance you'll have to increase the opening using the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to ensure that it is able to engage the strike plate without rubbing against or landing on the door's frame jamb.
Before purchasing a new lock, you should first determine the mortise type of lock you currently have. This can be done by looking at the end faceplate and observing whether it is square or round. Look at each screw hole on the current lock and note their dimensions. This information will assist you in finding an alternative lock that is of the same size and fits perfectly into the hole that you already have.
In addition to identifying the mortise lock that is currently in use, you'll also want to inspect it for any scratches or bends that may need repairing. A badly 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 and safe version when you spot any indications of damage or wear.
Once you've identified the type of lock replacement that you require It's time to begin the actual repair. The old spindle and handle must be removed from the
patio glass repair door. Introduce the new handle. Start by putting in the handle in the interior, aligning it with the spindle and then fixing it with the two bolts or screws which hold it. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. Once you have completed these steps check the handles to make sure they are able to open and close easily and that the latch is in contact properly with the strikeplate.
Make sure the door's strike is checked
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 shut correctly. Fortunately, this problem is usually simple to fix.
First, examine the strike plate's holes for receiving to ensure that they are clear of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Remove the screws that hold the strike plate. This allows it
how To repair tilt and slide patio door move vertically, but not separate it from the frame. Then, adjust the strike plate to ensure 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 test the door to see if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment.
Door strike plates can be difficult to access for homeowners with sliding patio doors, but they're crucial to lock and unlock your door. These metal plates are usually placed on the top and bottom of the door jamb, where they support the door's latch. The door latch slides onto the strike plate, and it creates the seal. If the strike plate has been damaged or rusted, or if it is not properly installed the latch may not be able to lock the door properly.
One of the most common reasons for an outdoor door lock to stick or not close is a misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This can be checked with 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 show you exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low it is possible to alter the strike plate.
The sliding
patio doors repair near me door locks protect your home from burglars, and if they're not functioning properly, you need to solve the issue fast. Follow these simple steps to repair your patio door lock and restore its function.