Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, wear and tear could cause lock malfunctions. However, there are simple and efficient methods that can restore your uPVC patio door's security.

These simple fixes will ensure your home is secure, whether you realign the lock or clean the mechanism.

Clean the Lock

Patio doors are fantastic for letting the outdoors in while keeping the elements out. However, they can be an issue for security if the lock doesn't work properly. With time wear and tear, hot and cold weather, dirt and debris can affect the lock of your patio door and make it difficult to open. With a little attention, you can make sure that the lock on your patio door is always working correctly.

It's essential to clean the lock on your patio door and all of its moving parts. This will help to remove any dirt or coatings that could be preventing the lock from working properly. Start by wiping all the moving parts of your patio door lock using an aqueous cloth. Then you can use a scouring paper or rough damp cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the door frame and frame. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock using dry cloth to get rid of any remaining dampness and let it to air dry before applying it to the next time.

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 powdered graphite to the key or by using an lubricant based on Teflon such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant can be applied quickly and doesn't dissolve over time. If you are unable to find a suitable lubricant You can try using a pencil that has a thick tip. Place the pencil into the lock, and shake it around to spread the graphite.

The tracks for sliding patio door lock repair patio door frame repair doors also require regular maintenance to ensure they're free of dirt, dust, and debris. These tracks are especially vulnerable to snow and ice which can cause them to be stuck or jammed and make it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.

Clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio doors by removing any weather stripping that is damaged or dirty. Clean it, then replace it. The same can be done for patio door rollers, which can be cleaned and sprayed with non-stick lubricant that will allow them to move freely.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC French doors, like sliding patios, are operated using 3 to 4, or sometimes 5 points locking mechanisms. They include the lock cylinder and handle that is operated by keys. These doors require maintenance, oiling of the moving parts. This can be done using a thin oil, but never WD40. It should be done at least once per year.

If hinges that are sagging aren't the cause, the door could be misaligned and catching or striking the strike plate hole within the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate and then use an abrasive chisel, which will enlarge the mortise it sits in. This will allow the latch to fit into the hole, and stop it from scratching against the frame.

When the cylinder is out of the way take a measurement of its width using an object or a piece of wood that will fit in the gap of adjustment screw above the lock. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the middle of the cylinder. the inner measurement runs from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.

Check the width of the lock.

If your patio door latch is difficult to turn even after cleaning and lubricating, it's possible that it is out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Examine if the door is properly balanced and whether the hinge screws are secure, but in many cases, moving the strike plate up or down can correct the issue.

Most of the time, the issue occurs when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to engage. In this case, enlarge the hole with an hammer and chisel. Then test the latch to ensure it doesn't rub against the door jamb frame or catch the frame.

Before purchasing a new lock, first identify the type of mortise lock you have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and determining if it is square or round. Then, look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the dimensions of each one. This information will help you find a replacement that is of the same size and fits perfectly into the hole you have already.

In addition to identifying the current mortise lock, you'll also need to check it for any nicks or bends that might require repair. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that's frequently used to break. Replace the lock if it displays signs of 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 should be removed from the doorway to the patio. Install the new handle. Begin by installing the interior handle by aligning it with the spindle and then fixing it with the two screws or bolts that hold it. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. After you've completed the steps then you can test the new handles to ensure that they are able to open and close with ease and that the latch locks correctly when you strike the plate.

Make sure you check the Strike of the door.

The door latch and strike plate are two components of the lock that work to ensure that the latch is secure the door. An incorrectly aligned strike plate and door latch will result in the latch not being able to latch the door in a proper manner. Fortunately, this issue is often easy to fix.

First, examine the strike plate's holes for receiving to ensure that they are clear of obstructions like 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. Then, you can adjust the strike plate until its holes for receiving align with the latch hooks on the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted, tighten the screws and 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 usually placed on the top and bottom of the door jamb where they serve as the door's latch. The door latch slides onto the strike plate and forms the seal. If the strike plate is damaged or rusted, or if it is not installed correctly, the latch may not lock the door properly.

A misalignment between the latch and strike plate is the most common reason for the patio lock not to close or remain in place. This can be confirmed using the "lipstick" test. Apply a little lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt. Then cover it with masking tape. When you shut the door the lipstick will leave a mark on the tape, indicating you exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high, you can easily adjust the strike plate.

The sliding patio door locks protect your home from intruders, and if they're not functioning properly, you need to repair the issue quickly. By following these simple steps, you can repair your patio door's lock and get it back how to repair patio door lock normal in a matter of minutes.