Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, wear and tear can cause lock malfunctions. There are a few basic steps you can take to restore the security of your uPVC door.

If it's resetting the lock or cleaning the locking mechanism, these quick fixes can make your home more secure.

Clean the Lock

Patio doors are ideal to let the outdoors in while keeping the elements out. However they could pose a security threat if the lock doesn't work correctly. Over time, wear and tear, hot and cold weather, dirt, and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little maintenance, you can ensure the locks on your patio door always work correctly.

To begin with, it's important to clean the lock on your patio door and all of its moving parts. This helps to flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that could hinder the lock from working in the way it should. Begin by wiping all the moving parts of your patio door's lock with a damp, clean cloth. then make use of a scouring pad, or a rough damp cloth to scrub any hard-to-reach areas of the door and frame that are ingrained with dirt. Then, wipe the lock down with a dry towel to remove any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before you use it.

If you have an exterior door that is fitted with a pin tumbler latch mechanism, you can grease 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 kind of lubricant is easy to apply, and it doesn't dissolve over time. If you're unable find the right lubricant to use with your lock, make use of a pencil with a thicker tip. Place the pencil in the lock and jiggle it around to spread the graphite.

Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear from dirt, dust and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to ice and snow which can cause them to be stuck or jammed, making it harder for your patio doors to open and close.

The sliding rails of the patio door track and rollers can be cleaned by removing any dirty or damaged weather stripping and then cleaning it, before replacing it. The same is true for rollers on patio doors, 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 patio door lock repair patio doors, work using 3-4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms which include the lock cylinder and handle controlled by keys. These doors also require maintenance, including lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done with an oil that is thin (never WD40) and should be done once per year.

If sagging hinges aren't the reason, the door could be misaligned and caught or rubbing against the strike plate hole in the frame. Remove the strike plate, and employ a sharp tool expand the mortise. This will permit the latch to fit properly into the hole and prevent it from rubbing against the frame.

Measure the width of the cylinder with the help of a piece of book or wood that fits into the gap above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of door to the center of cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.

Check the width of the lock.

If your patio door latch isn't able 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 balanced and if the hinge screws are secure However, in many cases shifting the strike plate upwards or downwards can correct the issue.

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

You should identify the type mortise lock you currently have before buying an alternative. You can do this by looking at the faceplate of the lock and determining if it is square or round. Take a look at each screw hole in the existing lock, and note their size. This information will assist you in finding an alternative that is the same size and is a perfect fit for your existing hole.

In addition to identifying the current mortise lock, you'll also want to inspect it for any bends or scratches that may need repairing. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that's frequently used to break. Replace the lock if you notice evidence of damage.

Once you've inspected the lock and identified which type of replacement you'll need, it's time to start working on the actual repair patio doors. The old handle and spindle must be removed from the Patio Door Lock Repair door. Insert the new handle. Start by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it into place using the two screws or bolts. Once the handle's interior is installed, you can install the exterior handle and screw it in place as well. After you've completed these steps check the handles to make sure that they can be shut and open easily and that the latch works correctly with the strikeplate.

Make sure you check the Strike of the door.

The strike plate and the door latch are two components which work together to lock the door. A misaligned strike plate or door latches will cause the latch to not latch the door correctly. This issue is usually simple to solve.

Check the holes for receiving of the strike plate to ensure they are clear of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Loosen the keeper screws holding the strike plate in place. This will allow it to move horizontally, but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Then, you can adjust the strike plate until its receiving holes align with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted tighten the screws, and then test the door to determine whether it shuts easily with the new adjustment.

Door strike plates can be difficult to access for homeowners with sliding glass patio door repair patio doors, however they are essential for locking and unlocking your door. The metal plates are typically located at the top and bottom of the door jamb, where they support the door's latch. Then, the door latch is able to slide into the strike plate to form an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not installed correctly, it may prevent the latch from locking the door securely.

The most common reason for a patio door lock to become stuck or not close is a misalignment of the latch and strike plate. The easiest method to check for this is to perform the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt, and then attach masking tape over it. When you shut the door, the lipstick will leave an impression on the tape, indicating exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high it is possible to adjust the strike plate.

If your sliding patio door repair door locks aren't functioning properly they could be a problem in keeping your home safe from burglars. It is imperative to fix this problem as soon as possible. Follow these simple steps to fix your patio door lock and restore it's function.