Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors go through wear and tear that could result in locks that fail. There are a few easy steps you can follow to restore the security of your uPVC door.
Whether it's realigning the lock or cleaning the locking mechanism, these quick fixes can help you make your home more secure.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are ideal for letting the outdoors inside and keeping the elements out. However, they can be a security threat when the lock isn't functioning correctly. Over patio doors repair near me , wear and tear, hot and cold weather dirt and debris can take their toll on the lock of your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little attention you can ensure that the lock on your patio door is always working correctly.
It's essential to clean your patio door's lock and all its moving parts. This helps get rid of any grime and coatings that may hinder the lock from functioning as it should. Begin by wiping down the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a damp cloth, then use a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any difficult-to-access parts of the door and frame that are ingrained with dirt. You should then wipe down the entire lock using dry cloths to eliminate any remaining dampness and let it to dry completely before making use of it again.
If you have an exterior door that is fitted with pin tumbler latch mechanisms it is possible to 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 over time. If you're unable to find the right lubricant for your lock, use a pencil with more of a thicker tip. Put the pencil into the lock and move it around a bit to distribute the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free from dirt, dust and other debris. These tracks can be especially vulnerable to snow and ice, which can cause them become stuck or slack, making it harder for your patio doors to open and close.
You can clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio doors by removing any damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it, then replace it. The rollers of patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed down with a nonstick lubricant.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC french doors, which are similar to sliding patio doors, operate using 3-4 or occasionally 5-point locking mechanisms which include the handle and lock cylinder controlled by keys. These doors also need maintenance, and specifically lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished using a thin oil (never WD40) and should be done once per year.
If hinges that are sagging aren't the reason, the door could be misaligned and caught or striking the strike plate hole within the frame. Take off the strike plate and use a sharp tool to increase the size of the mortise. This will permit the latch to fit into the hole, and stop it from scratching against the frame.
Once the cylinder is cleared of the way, measure its width with a book or piece of wood that can fit into the gap between the adjustment screw and the lock. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of door to the center cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.
Check the Lock's Width
If your patio door latch is hard to turn, even after oiling and cleaning it could be because it's not aligned properly with the strike plate. Check if your door is balanced, and if the hinge screws are secure. In many cases, moving the strike plate downwards or upwards could fix the problem.
Most of the time, the issue occurs when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this instance, you'll need to enlarge the opening using either a 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 you purchase a replacement lock, you should first identify the type of mortise lock you currently have. This can be done by looking at the end faceplate and noting whether it is square or round. Then, look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the size of each. This will enable you to locate an alternative lock that is exactly the same width and will fit in the hole you have already.
In addition to identifying the current mortise lock you should also examine it for any nicks or bends that may need repairing. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that has been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if it displays indications of damage.
After you've examined the lock and determined which kind of replacement you require then it's time to begin working on the actual repair. The old handle and spindle must be removed from the doorway to the patio. Insert the new handle. Start by putting in the handle in the interior and aligning it with the spindle and then securing it in place by using the two screws or bolts that hold it. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. After you've completed these steps check the handles to make sure they are able to open and close easily and that the latch works properly with the strikeplate.
Check the Door's Strike
The strike plate and door latch are two parts which work together to lock the door. If these parts aren't aligned correctly and the latch doesn't latch the door shut correctly. Fortunately, this problem is often easy to fix.
First, inspect the strike plate's receiving holes to ensure that they are free of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the keeper screws that secure the strike plate in place and allow it to move vertically, but not separating it from the frame of the door. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its holes for receiving with the latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted then tighten all screws, and test whether the door closes smoothly.
Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to access for homeowners with sliding patio doors, however they're crucial to lock and unlock your door. The metal plates are situated on the top and bottom jambs of the door where they support its latch. The door latch is inserted into this strike plate and creates the seal. If the strike plate has been damaged or rusted or not installed correctly, the latch may not properly lock the door.
One common reason for a patio door lock to become stuck or not close is a misalignment of the latch and strike plate. The easiest way to check for this is with the "lipstick test." Apply some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt and attach masking tape over it. The lipstick will leave an impression when you close the door. This will show you 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 can keep your home secure from intruders. You must repair the issue as soon as you can. If you follow these steps, you'll be able to fix the lock on your patio door and regain its functionality in no time.