Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio door wear and tear could cause lock malfunctions. There are a few simple steps you can take to ensure the security of your uPVC door.
These simple fixes can make your home safer regardless of whether you re-align the lock or clean the locking mechanism.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are great for letting the outdoors inside and keeping out the elements. However they can pose risky for security in the event that the lock isn't working properly. With time, wear and tear, cold and hot weather, dirt, and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With some minor maintenance, you can ensure your patio door's locks will always work correctly.
It is important to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This helps to remove any dirt and coatings that may be preventing the lock from working as it should. Start by wiping down the moving parts of your patio door's lock with a damp cloth, then employ a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any difficult-to-access parts of the door and frame that are ingrained with dirt. Then, wipe the lock down with a dry towel to get rid of any moisture. Allow it to air-dry before using it.
If you have an exterior door that is fitted with pin tumbler latch mechanisms, you can grease the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or by using a Teflon-based lubricant such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant can be applied with ease and doesn't dissolve over time. If you're not able to locate the right lubricant for your needs You can use a pencil with a thick tip. Place the pencil in the lock and jiggle it around a bit to spread the graphite.
The tracks for sliding patio doors also require regular maintenance to ensure they're free of dust, dirt, and debris. They are particularly susceptible to ice and snow, which could cause them to jam or bind and make it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.
Sliding patio door track rails and rollers can be cleaned by removing any damaged or dirty weather stripping, cleaning them, then reinstalling it. Patio door rollers can also be cleaned and sprayed down with a nonstick lubricant.
Lubricate the Moving Parts
uPVC french doors, which are similar to sliding patio doors, work by using 3-4 or occasionally 5-point locking mechanisms which include the handle and lock cylinder controlled by a key. These doors require maintenance, lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished with an oil that is thin however, never WD40. It should be done at least once per year.
If hinges that are sagging don't cause the issue it could be because the door is misaligned. It may be rubbing or catching against the hole of the strike plate in the frame. Take off the strike plate and employ a sharp tool increase the size of 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 and out of the way, measure its width using the help of a book or piece wood that can fit into the gap between the adjustment screw and the lock. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of the door to the center cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.
Verify the width of the lock.
If sliding patio door repair near me is hard to turn even after cleaning and oiling it's possible that it's not aligned with the strike plate. Verify that the door is in balance and if the hinge screws are secure however, in many instances shifting the strike plate upwards or downwards could fix the problem.
Oftentimes, the problem occurs when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this instance, you'll need to enlarge the opening using the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to make sure that it contacts the strike plate in a smooth manner without rubbing against or landing on the door's frame jamb.
Before buying a replacement lock, first identify the type of mortise lock you currently have. 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 existing lock and note their dimensions. This will help you to locate a replacement lock that is exactly the same size and fits into your existing hole.
You'll need to identify the mortise lock and examine it for scratches, bends, or other damage that requires to be repaired. A bent or damaged latch is more likely break than one that's been frequently used, so be sure to replace the lock with a new secure and safe version if you find any signs of wear or damage.
After you've examined the lock and decided on the kind of replacement you require now is the time to start working on the actual repair. Remove the old handle and spindle out of your patio door, and then put in the new one. Begin by installing the handle inside, aligning it with the spindle, and then fixing it by using the two bolts or screws that secure it. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. After you've completed these steps, test the handles to make sure they open and shut easily and that the latch is in contact properly with the strikeplate.
Make sure the door's strike is checked
The door latch and strike plate are two components of the lock that work to ensure the latch secures the door. If these parts aren't aligned correctly, the latch won't latch the door shut properly. This issue is usually simple to repair.
Check the holes for receiving of the strike plate to ensure they are free of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the screws that secure the strike plate in place, allowing it to move vertically, but not detaching it from the frame of your door. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its holes for receiving with latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted then tighten all screws, and check whether the door closes smoothly.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However they are crucial to secure and unlock your door. The plates made of metal are located on the top and bottom jambs of the door where they serve as the support for 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 or rusted or not properly installed the latch might not lock the door properly.
The most common reason for the patio door lock to stick or not close is a misalignment of the latch and strike plate. The most effective way to test for this is by performing the "lipstick test." Apply some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt, and then apply masking tape over it. When you close the door the lipstick will leave an impression on the tape, indicating exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low you can easily adjust the strike plate.
Locks for sliding patio doors help protect your home from burglars, and if they're not working correctly, you must fix the problem quickly. If you follow these steps, you can fix the lock on your patio door and get it back to normal within a short time.