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.
If it's resetting the lock or cleaning the mechanism that locks these simple fixes will help you make your home more secure.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are ideal for letting the outdoors inside and keeping out the elements. However they can pose a security threat if the lock doesn't work properly. With time, wear and tear, cold and hot weather, dirt, and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little attention you can ensure that the lock on your patio door always works properly.
It's crucial to clean the lock of your patio door and all of its moving parts. This helps flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that may be preventing the lock from working 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 covered in dirt. You should then wipe down the entire lock with a dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness and let it to dry completely before making use of it again.
If your patio door is equipped with pin-tumbler latches, you can lubricate it by applying powdered Graphite to the key. You can also apply a Teflon lubricant like WD-40 Multi Use Product. This type of lubricant is easy to apply and it won't disintegrate over time. If you are unable to find the correct lubricant for your lock, apply a pencil that has a thicker tip. Place the pencil in the lock and jiggle it around to distribute the graphite.
Tracks for sliding patio doors require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dirt, dust and other debris. These tracks are particularly vulnerable to ice, snow, and other debris that could cause them to get stuck or to bind. This can make it difficult for your patio door to open and shut.
repair patio door lock sliding rails of the patio door track and rollers can be cleaned by removing any weather stripping that is damaged or dirty and cleaning them before replacing it. Patio door rollers can also be cleaned and sprayed with an oil that is nonstick.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC french doors, which are similar to sliding patio doors, operate by using 3-4 or occasionally 5-point locking mechanisms that include the handle and lock cylinder controlled by keys. They require maintenance and the lubrication of moving parts. This can be done with an oil that is thin (never WD40) and should be done once per year.
If sagging hinges don't cause the issue it could be because the door is misaligned. It could be rubbing or catching the strike plate's opening in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate and use an abrasive chisel to increase the size of the mortise that it rests in. This will allow the latch to fit into the hole, and stop it from hitting the frame.
Once the cylinder is cleared of the way and out of the way, measure its width using the help of a book or piece wood that can fit into the adjustment screw gap above the lock. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of the door to the center cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw to the end of the of the cylinder.
Check the lock's length
If your patio door latch isn't able to turn, even after cleaning and lubricating, it's possible that it's out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Check to see if the door is properly balanced and if the hinge screws are secure, but in many cases, moving the strike plate up or down can correct the issue.
The most common issue is when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to engage. In this instance, you can widen the hole with a chisel and hammer. Then, test the latch so that it doesn't rub against the jamb frame of the door or fall the frame.
Before purchasing a new lock, first identify the type of mortise lock you currently have. You can do this by taking a look at the faceplate of the lock and determining whether it is square or round. Then, take a look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the size of each one. This information will aid you in finding an alternative that is of the same size and is a perfect fit for the hole you have already.
In addition to identifying the current mortise lock you should also examine it for any scratches or bends that might require repair. 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 determined the type of lock replacement you need Now it's time to start the actual repair. The spindle and handle must be removed from the patio door. Install the new handle. Start by putting in the handle in the interior, aligning it with the spindle, and then securing it in place with the two bolts or screws which hold it. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. After you've completed the steps you can test the new handles to ensure that they open and close 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 two parts of the lock that work to ensure that the latch is secure the door. If these parts aren't aligned correctly and the latch isn't latching the door shut correctly. This problem is usually very easy to fix.
First, inspect the holes in the strike plate's receiving to make sure they are clear of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the screws that hold the strike plate in place, allowing it to move vertically but not separating it from the frame of your door. Then adjust the strike plate so that its holes for receiving align with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted then tighten the screws and then test the door to see if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However they are crucial to secure and unlock your door. These metal plates are located between the top and bottom jambs of your door, where they support its latch. The door latch slides into the strike plate and forms an airtight seal. If the strike plate is damaged or rusted, or if it is not installed correctly, the latch may not properly lock the door.
One of the most common reasons for a patio door lock to not close or not close is a misalignment between the latch and strike plate. This can be checked with the "lipstick" test. Rub some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt. Then cover it with masking tape. When you shut the door the lipstick will leave marks on the tape that will show you exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low, you can easily alter the strike plate.
The sliding patio door locks protect your home from intruders, and if they're not working correctly, you must fix the problem quickly. If you follow these steps, you can repair your patio door's lock and restore its functionality within a short time.