Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, the wear and tear can cause lock malfunctions. However, there are easy and efficient ways to restore your uPVC patio door's security.
Whether it's realigning the lock or cleaning the mechanism that locks, these quick fixes can make your home more secure.
Clean the Lock
Although patio doors are a great way to let the outside in and keep the elements out, they can also be an issue for security if your lock isn't working as it should. Over time wear and tear, hot and cold weather dirt and debris can cause damage to your patio door's lock and cause it to become difficult to open. Fortunately, with a little maintenance you can ensure that your patio door's locks always work effectively.
It is essential to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This will help get rid of any grime and coatings that may be preventing the lock from functioning as it should. Start by wiping down the moving parts of your patio door's lock using a damp cloth. then employ a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any hard-to-reach parts of the door and frame that are coated with dirt. Then clean the lock using a dry towel to get rid of any moisture. Let it air dry before using it.
If you have an exterior door that is fitted with pin tumbler latch mechanisms You can lubricate the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or applying a Teflon-based lubricant such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This kind of lubricant can be applied easily and will not disintegrate over time. If you're not able to locate the right lubricant for your needs You could try using a pencil that has an extremely sharp tip. Place the pencil into the lock, and shake it around to distribute the graphite.
Sliding patio door tracks also require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dust, dirt, and debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to ice, snow, and other debris, which can cause them get stuck or to bind. This can make it difficult for your patio door to open and close.
Sliding patio door track rails and rollers can be cleaned by removing any weather stripping that is damaged or dirty and then cleaning it, before replacing it. The same is true for patio door rollers, 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, similar to sliding patio doors, operate with 3-4 or sometimes five-point locking mechanisms, which include the handle and lock cylinder operated by a key. They require maintenance and lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done using a thin oil (never WD40) and is recommended to be done at least once per year.
If hinges that are sagging aren't the reason, the door could be skewed and catch or rubbing against the strike plate hole within the frame. Remove the strike plate, and employ a sharp tool expand the mortise. This will allow the latch to fit properly into the hole and also prevent it from rubbing against the frame.
When the cylinder is out of the way take a measurement of its width using the help of a book or piece wood that will fit in 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 until the end cylinder.
Check the width of the lock.
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. Examine if the door is balanced and whether the hinge screws are tight, but in many cases, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can fix the issue.
The latch might not work properly when the strike of the lock is too small. In this instance, you'll need to enlarge the opening using the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to ensure that it connects to the strike plate without rubbing against or catching on the door's frame jamb.
Before you purchase a replacement lock, first determine the mortise type of lock you currently have. This can be done by taking a look at the faceplate of the lock and determining if it is round or square. Then, look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the dimensions of each one. This information will assist you in finding a replacement that is of the same size and fits perfectly into the hole that you already have.
In addition to identifying the mortise lock that is currently in use, you'll also want to inspect it for any scratches or bends that may need repairing. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that's frequently used to break. Replace the lock if it displays indications of damage.
Once replace patio doors 've identified the type of lock replacement that you require, it's now time to start the actual repair. Take the old handle and spindle out of your patio door, and then insert the new one. Begin by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it into position using two screws or bolts. 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.
Check the door's Strike
The door latch and strike plate are the two components of the lock that work together to ensure that the latch locks the door. If these are misaligned, the latch won't latch the door shut correctly. Fortunately, the issue is often easy to fix.
Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to make sure they are clear of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Remove the screws that hold the strike plate. This allows it to move vertically but not separate it from the frame. Adjust the strike plate to align its holes for receiving with the latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted tighten the screws, and then test the door to see whether it locks smoothly after the new adjustment.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However they are vital to lock and unlock your door. These metal plates are usually located at the top and bottom of the door jamb where they support the door's latch. The door latch slides onto the strike plate, and it creates a seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not installed correctly, it may stop the latch from locking the door securely.
A misalignment of the latch and strike plate is the most common reason for the patio lock not to close or remain in place. The easiest way to check for this is with the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick on the edge of the deadbolt and apply masking tape over it. When you shut the door, the lipstick will leave marks on the tape, indicating you exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low, you can adjust the strike plate.
Locks for sliding patio doors help protect your home from burglars, and if they're not working correctly, you should solve the issue fast. By following these simple steps, you'll be able to fix the lock on your patio door and regain its functionality within a short time.