This Is The Ugly Truth About Patio Door Lock Repair

Patio Door Lock Repairs Over time, wear and tear can cause lock malfunctions. Fortunately, there are several simple and effective methods that can 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 While patio doors are a great way to let the outside in and keep out the elements, they can also be a security risk in the event that your lock isn't operating as it should. Over time wear and tear cold and hot weather dirt and debris can affect the lock on your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little care, you can make sure that your patio door's lock always works properly. It's important to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This will help remove any coatings or dirt that may be preventing the lock from working properly. Start by wiping all the moving parts of your patio door lock using an aqueous cloth. Then, use a scouring cloth or a rough damp cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the frame and door. Then, wipe the entire lock with a dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness and let it to air dry before applying it to the next time. If your patio door uses pin-tumbler locks You can lubricate it by applying powdered Graphite on the key. You can also use a Teflon lubricant like WD-40 Multi Use Product. This type of lubricant can be applied easily and will not disintegrate over time. If you're unable to locate the right lubricant for your needs, you could try using a pencil with an extremely sharp tip. Insert the pencil into the lock and jiggle it around a bit to spread the graphite. Regular maintenance is also essential to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free from dirt, dust and debris. These tracks are especially vulnerable to snow and ice, which can cause them be stuck or jammed, making it harder for your patio doors to open and close. You can clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio doors by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it, and then replace it. The same is true for patio door rollers, which can be wiped down and sprayed with a non-stick lubricant in order to allow them to move freely. Lubricate the moving parts uPVC French Doors, like sliding patios, are operated using 3 to 4, or sometimes 5 point locking mechanisms. This includes the lock cylinder and handle which is operated by the key. These doors also need maintenance, including lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done with an oil that is thin, but never WD40. This should be done at least once a year. If sagging hinges aren't the cause, the door may be skewed and catch or striking the strike plate hole within the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate and use an abrasive chisel to increase the size of the mortise it sits in. This lets the latch sit properly in the hole and prevents scratching or catching on 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 gap of adjustment screw above the lock. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the middle of the cylinder. the inner measurement runs from the center of the adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder. Verify the lock's width 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. Check if your door is in a balanced position, and that the hinge screws are in good condition. In a lot of instances, moving the strike plate downwards or upwards could solve the issue. Oftentimes, the problem occurs when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this case, enlarge the opening using an hammer and chisel. Then test the latch to ensure it doesn't touch the door jamb frame or catch the frame. It is important to identify the type of mortise lock you have before purchasing a replacement. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and determining if it is square or round. Examine each screw hole in the existing lock, and note their size. This will help you to locate a replacement lock that is the exact same width and will fit in your existing hole. You'll want to identify the mortise lock and inspect it for bends, scratches or other damage that requires to be repaired. A badly damaged or bent latch is more likely to break than one that hasn't been used much, so be sure to replace the lock with a brand new one that is secure when you spot any indications of wear or damage. After you've examined the lock and decided on the type of replacement you need, it's time to start working on the actual repair. Remove the handle and spindle out of your patio door, and then insert the new one. Start by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it in by using two screws or bolts. Once the interior handle is in, install the exterior handle and screw it in place, too. Once you have completed these steps Test the handles to ensure that they open and shut easily and that the latch is in contact correctly with the strikeplate. Check the door's Strike The door latch and strike plate are two parts of the lock that work together to ensure that the latch is secure the door. Misaligned strike plate and door latch will cause the latch to not latch the door in a proper manner. This issue is usually easy to solve. Check the receiving holes of the strike plate to ensure they are clear of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Then, loosen the keeper screws that hold the strike plate in place, allowing it to move horizontally, but not separating it from the door frame. Then adjust the strike plate to ensure that its receiving holes align with the latch hooks on the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted then tighten the screws and then test the door to see if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment. Door strike plates can be difficult to locate for homeowners with sliding patio doors, however they're crucial for locking and unlocking your door. Repair My Windows And Doors are usually placed on the top and bottom of the door jamb where they serve as the door's latch. The door latch slides onto the strike plate, and it creates an airtight seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not installed correctly, it may stop the latch from locking the door securely. One of the most common reasons for the patio door lock to not close or not close is a misalignment between the latch and strike plate. The easiest way to check for this is to perform the “lipstick test.” Rub some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt, then apply masking tape over it. When you shut the door, the lipstick will leave marks 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. The sliding patio door locks protect your home from intruders, and if they're not working correctly, you must repair the issue quickly. Follow these steps to fix your patio door lock and restore its function.