Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio doors go through wear and tear that can cause lock malfunctions. There are a few simple steps you can take to restore the security of your uPVC door.

These simple fixes will ensure your home is secure no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the locking mechanism.

Clean the Lock

Patio doors are great for bringing the outdoors inside and keeping the elements out. However, they can be a security threat in the event that the lock isn't working correctly. Over 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 effort you can ensure that the lock on your patio door always functions correctly.

To begin with, it's essential to clean the lock of your patio door and all the moving parts. This helps to remove any dirt and coatings that could be preventing the lock from functioning as it should. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts on your patio door lock using a wet cloth. Then you can use a scouring paper or a damp, rough cloth to scrub the dirt-infested parts of the frame and door. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock with a dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness and allow it to air dry prior to applying it to the next time.

If your glass patio door repair door has pin-tumbler locks, you can apply powdered graphite to the key. You can also use a Teflon lubricant such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant can be applied quickly and does not dissolve over time. If you are unable to find the right lubricant to use with your lock, you can apply a pencil that has a more of a thicker tip. Put the pencil into the lock and jiggle it around a bit to spread the graphite.

Sliding patio door tracks also require regular maintenance to keep them free of dirt, dust, and debris. They are particularly susceptible to snow and ice which can cause them to jam or bind and make it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.

Tracks for sliding patio doors and rollers can be cleaned by removing dirty or damaged weather stripping and then cleaning it, before reinstalling it. The same applies for rollers on patio doors, which can be cleaned and sprayed with a non-stick lubricant that will allow them to move freely.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC french doors, similar to sliding patio doors, operate by using 3 to 4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms which include the handle and lock cylinder operated by a key. They require maintenance and oiling of the moving parts. This can be accomplished with a thin oil however, never WD40. This should be done every year, at a minimum.

If the hinges aren't causing the problem, it could be that the door isn't aligned. It may be rubbing against or catching the strike plate's opening in the frame. Remove the strike plate, and use a sharp tool to expand its mortise. This will permit the latch to fit properly into the hole and prevent it from rubbing against the frame.

Once the cylinder is cleared of the way, measure its width with the help of a book or piece wood patio door Repair that can fit into the adjustment screw gap above the lock. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the middle of the cylinder, tilt and slide patio door repairs near me the inner measurement runs from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.

Check the lock's width

If your patio door latch is difficult to turn even after cleaning and oiling, it's possible that it's not aligned with the strike plate. Make sure that your door is balanced, and that the hinge screws are in good condition. In most cases, moving the strike plate downwards or upwards could solve the issue.

The latch may not be able to engage properly if the strike of the lock is too small. In this instance, you can widen the hole with a chisel and hammer. Then test the latch so that it does not rub against the jamb frame of the door or get caught on it.

You should identify the type mortise lock you currently have before buying the replacement. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and observing 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 will aid you in finding an alternative lock that is of the same size and is a perfect fit for the hole you have already.

You'll need to identify the mortise lock and inspect it for scratches, bends, or other damage that needs to be fixed. A bent or damaged latch is more likely to break than one that hasn't been frequently used, so be sure to replace the lock with a new one that is secure if you find any signs of wear or damage.

Once you've inspected the lock and decided on the kind of replacement you require, it's time to start working on the actual repair. The old spindle and handle must be removed from the patio door. Introduce the new handle. Start by installing the inside handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it into position using two screws or bolts. Once the handle's interior is in, install the handle that is outside and screw it into the position as well. Once you have completed these steps Test the handles to ensure that they are able to open and close easily and that the latch is in contact properly with the strikeplate.

Check the Strike on the door.

The strike plate and the door latch are two parts that work together in order to lock the door. A misaligned strike plate or door latches will cause the latch to not latch the door in a proper manner. Fortunately, the issue is often easy to fix.

First, examine the strike plate's receiving holes to ensure that 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 horizontally, but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Adjust the strike plate to align its receiving holes with the latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate has been adjusted tighten all screws and check whether the door shuts smoothly.

Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to access for homeowners who have sliding patio door repair patio doors, however they are essential to lock and unlock your door. The metal plates are situated on the top and bottom jambs of your door, which are where they help support the latch. Then, the door latch slides into the strike plate to create a seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or is not properly installed the latch may not lock the door properly.

A misalignment of the latch and strike plate is the most common reason for the patio lock to not close or stay. This can be verified using the "lipstick" test. Apply a little lipstick across the edge of the deadbolt and then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave a mark when you close the door. This will show you exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high you can adjust the strike plate.

If your patio door locks for sliding aren't working correctly, they can keep your home secure from intruders. You need to fix this problem as soon as possible. If you follow these steps, you'll be able to fix the lock on your patio door and regain its functionality in a matter of minutes.