Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, wear and tear can lead to lock malfunctions. There are a few simple steps you can take to restore the security of your uPVC door.
It's about realigning the lock or cleaning the locking mechanism These simple fixes can make your home more secure.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are great to let the outdoors inside and keeping out the elements. However, they can be risky for security when the lock isn't functioning correctly. Over time, wear, tear, hot and cold weather, dirt, and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little care, you can make sure that your lock for your patio door always functions properly.
It's important to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This will help get rid of any dirt or coatings that could be preventing your lock from functioning correctly. Begin by wiping the moving parts of your patio door's lock with a damp cloth, then employ a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub the hard-to-reach areas of the door or frame that are ingrained with dirt. Then clean the lock using a dry towel to remove any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before you use it.
If you have a patio door that uses a pin tumbler latch mechanism You can lubricate the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or by using an lubricant based on Teflon such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant is easy to apply and it doesn't dissolve over time. If you are unable to find a suitable lubricant, you can try using a pencil with a thick tip. Place the pencil in the lock and jiggle it around to spread the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also required to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free from dust, dirt and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to snow, ice, and other debris, which could cause them to get stuck or to bind. This could make it difficult for your patio door to open and shut.
Tracks for sliding patio doors and rollers can be cleaned by removing dirty or damaged weather stripping, cleaning them, then replacing it. The rollers for patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed down with an oil that is nonstick.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC french doors, similar to sliding patio doors, operate by using 3-4 or occasionally 5-point locking mechanisms which include the lock cylinder and handle operated by a key. They require maintenance and lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished using an oil that is thin (never WD40) and should be done every year.
If sagging hinges don't cause the problem, it could be that the door isn't aligned. It may be rubbing or catching against the strike plate's opening in the frame. Remove the strike plate, and employ a sharp tool increase the size of its mortise. This lets the latch sit properly in the hole, and also prevents rubbing or catching on the frame.
Measure the length of the cylinder using an object of book or wood that is able to fit into the space above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of door to the center of cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw to the end cylinder.
Check the width of the lock.
If patio doors repairs is hard to turn even after cleaning and oiling it could be because it's not aligned with the strike plate. Make sure that your door is balanced, and if the hinge screws are tight. In most instances, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can fix the problem.
Oftentimes, the problem occurs when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to engage. In this instance you'll have to increase the hole using either a hammer or chisel, and then test the latch to ensure that it connects to the strike plate smoothly without rubbing against or getting caught on the door's frame jamb.
You should identify the type mortise lock you are using before you purchase the replacement. This can be done by looking at the faceplate of the lock and determining if it is square or round. Then, take a look at the screw holes in the existing lock and note the size of each. This will help you find a replacement that is the same size and will fit perfectly into the hole you have already.
In addition to identifying the mortise lock that is currently in use, you'll also want to inspect it for any nicks or bends that might require repair. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that's been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if it shows signs of damage.
Once you've decided on the kind of lock replacement you require It's time to start the actual repair. Remove the handle and spindle from your patio door, and then insert the new one. Start by installing the inside handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it in by using two screws or bolts. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. Once you've completed these steps, you can test the new handles to make sure they can be opened and closed easily and that the latch is catching correctly with the strike plate.
Check the Strike on the door.
The door latch and strike plate are the two parts of the lock that work to ensure that the latch locks the door. An incorrectly aligned strike plate and door latches will result in the latch not being able to latch the door properly. This issue is usually easy to repair.
Check the receiving holes 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 position. This allows it to move vertically, but not separate it from the frame. Then, you can adjust the strike plate so that its receiving holes 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 whether it shuts easily 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 located at the top and bottom jambs of the door, which are where they help support the latch. The door latch slides onto the strike plate and forms an airtight seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not installed correctly, it may prevent the latch from locking the door securely.
The most common reason for the patio door lock to not close or not close is a misalignment between the latch and the strike plate. This can be verified using the "lipstick" test. Apply some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt, then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave an impression when you close the door. This will reveal exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low it is possible to alter the strike plate.
If your patio door locks for sliding aren't functioning properly they could be a problem in keeping 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 regain its functionality within a short time.