9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Patio Door Lock Repair

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 take to restore the security of your uPVC door.

These quick fixes will make your home safer regardless of whether you re-align the lock or clean the locking mechanism.

Clean the Lock

While patio doors are a great way to bring the outside in and keep out the elements however, they can also pose a security risk when your lock isn't functioning as it should. As time passes wear and tear extreme cold and hot weather dirt and debris can affect your patio door's lock and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little attention, you can make sure that the lock on your patio door always functions correctly.

In the beginning, it's important to clean your patio door's lock and all the moving parts. This will help get rid of any dirt or coatings that might be hindering your lock from working correctly. Start by wiping the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with an aqueous cloth. Then you can use a scouring paper or a damp, rough cloth to scrub the dirt-infested parts of the door frame and frame. Then wipe the lock using a dry towel to get rid of any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before you use 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 applying a lubricant made of Teflon, like WD-40 Multi-Use. This kind of lubricant can be applied easily and doesn't dissolve over time. If you are unable to find the correct lubricant for your lock, make use of a pencil with a larger tip. Insert the pencil in the lock, and shake it around to spread the graphite.

Tracks for sliding patio doors require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dirt, dust and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to snow, ice and other particles, which can cause them jam or bind. This can make it difficult for your patio door to be opened and closed.

Tracks for sliding patio doors and rollers can be cleaned by removing any dirty or damaged weather stripping and cleaning them before reinstalling it. The same can be done for rollers on patio sliding door repair near me doors, which can be wiped down and sprayed with 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. These include the handle and lock cylinder that is operated with the key. They require maintenance and lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished with the use of a thin oil however, never WD40. It is recommended to do it every year, at a minimum.

If sagging hinges don't cause the issue, it could be that the door is not aligned. It may be rubbing against or catching the strike plate's opening in 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 properly into the hole, and also prevent it from hitting the frame.

Measure the width of the cylinder with a piece of wood or a book that is able to fit into the space above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the center of the cylinder, and the inner dimension 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, there's a possibility that it's not in alignment with the strike plate hole. Verify that the door is properly balanced and if the hinge screws are secure However, in many cases shifting the strike plate up or down could fix the problem.

The latch may not engage properly if the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this case, enlarge the opening using an hammer and chisel. Then test the latch to ensure it doesn't touch the jamb frame of the door or fall on it.

Before buying a replacement lock, it is important to identify the type of mortise lock you have. 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 on the current lock and note the dimensions of each. This information will assist you in finding an alternative lock that is of 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 may require repairing patio doors. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that's frequently used to break. Replace the lock if it shows signs of damage.

After you've determined the type of lock replacement you require Now it's time to begin the actual repair. The old spindle and handle should be removed from the doorway to the patio. Install the new handle. Start by installing the inside handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it in position using two screws or bolts. Once the handle's interior is installed, put in the handle on the outside and screw it in place, too. After you've completed these steps you can test the new handles to ensure that they are able to open and close with ease and that the latch is catching correctly with the strike plate.

Check the Strike on the door.

The strike plate and door latch are two components that work together in order to secure the door. If these are misaligned and the latch isn't latching the door shut properly. This is typically simple to fix.

Check the receiving holes of the strike plate to make sure they are free of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Loosen the keeper screws holding the strike plate in position. This will allow it to move vertically, but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its receiving holes with the latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate has been adjusted, tighten all screws and check if the door closes smoothly.

Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to access for homeowners who have sliding patio doors, but they're crucial to lock and unlock your door. The metal plates are situated at the top and bottom jambs of the door, where they support its latch. Then, the door latch is able to slide into the strike plate, creating an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate has been damaged or rusted, or if it is not properly installed the latch might not properly lock the door.

A misalignment between the latch and strike plate is the most common reason for the patio lock not to close or stick. The easiest way to check for this is by performing the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt, then attach masking tape over it. When you close the door the lipstick will leave an impression on the tape, indicating exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low you can adjust the strike plate.

The sliding patio door repair service near me Patio door lock repair door locks keep your home safe from intruders, and if they're not functioning correctly, you must fix the problem quickly. By following these simple steps, you'll be able to fix the lock on your patio door and regain its functionality in no time.