Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors undergo wear and tear that could result in locks that fail. There are a few simple steps you can take to restore the security of your uPVC door.
It's about realigning the lock or cleaning the locking mechanism These simple fixes can increase the security of your home.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are great for letting the outdoors in while keeping the elements out. However they can pose risky for security if the lock doesn't work properly. 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 care, you can ensure your patio door's locks always perform effectively.
It's crucial to clean your patio door's lock and all of its moving parts. This will help to remove any dirt or coatings that might be hindering the lock from working correctly. Start by wiping down the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a damp, clean cloth. then employ a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub the hard-to-reach areas of the door or frame that are coated with dirt. You should then wipe down the entire lock using dry cloths to eliminate any remaining dampness and let it to air dry before applying it to the next time.
If your patio door uses a pin-tumbler latch you can apply powdered Graphite to the key. You can also use a Teflon lubricant like WD-40 Multi Use Product. This kind of lubricant is easy to apply, and it won't disintegrate over time. If you're unable to find the right lubricant to use with your lock, you can make use of a pencil with a more of a thicker tip. Put the pencil in the lock, then shake it around to distribute the graphite.
Sliding patio door tracks also require regular maintenance to ensure they're free of dirt, dust and other debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow, ice and other particles, which can cause them jam or bind. This could make it difficult for your patio door to open and close.
Clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio doors by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it, then replace it. Patio door rollers can also be cleaned and sprayed with an oil that is non-stick.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC french doors, like sliding patio doors, operate by using 3-4 or sometimes five-point locking mechanisms, which include the handle and lock cylinder operated by keys. These doors require maintenance, the lubrication of moving parts. This can be done using an oil that is thin (never WD40) and is recommended to be done at least once per year.
If the hinges aren't causing the issue, it could be that the door is misaligned. It may be rubbing against or catching the hole of the strike plate in the frame. Remove the strike plate and employ a sharp tool enlarge its mortise. This allows the latch to fit correctly in the hole, and also prevents scratching or catching on the frame.
When the cylinder is out of the way and out of the way, measure its width using the help of a book or piece wood that will fit in the adjustment screw gap above the lock. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the center 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 isn't able to turn even after cleaning and lubricating, it's possible that it's out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Verify that the door is properly balanced and that the hinge screws are secure. In most cases, however, simply moving the strike plate upwards or downwards will solve the issue.
The latch may not engage properly when the strike of the lock is too small. In this instance you'll need to expand the hole with the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to make sure that it contacts the strike plate smoothly without rubbing against or getting caught on the frame of the door jamb.
You must identify the kind of mortise lock you have before purchasing an alternative. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and noting whether it is round or square. Then, take a look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the dimensions of each. This information will assist you in finding an alternative lock 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 need to check it for any bends or scratches that might require repair. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that has frequently used to break. Replace the lock if it displays signs of damage.
Once you've decided on the kind of lock replacement you need, it's now time to start the actual repair. The old spindle and handle should be removed from the doorway to the patio. Insert 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 screws or bolts which hold it. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. After you've completed these steps you can test the new handles to ensure that they are able to open and close with ease and that the latch locks properly with the strike plate.
Make sure the door's strike is checked
The door latch and strike plate are two components of the lock that work to ensure that the latch locks the door. If they are not aligned properly and the latch doesn't latch the door shut properly. This is typically simple to solve.
Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to make sure they are free 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 so that it aligns its holes for receiving with latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted, tighten the screws and then test the door to determine if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However, they are essential to lock and unlock your door. These plates are usually located at the top and bottom of the door jamb, which is where they are used to support the door's latch. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors into the strike plate, and it creates the seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not installed correctly, it may prevent the latch from locking the door securely.
A misalignment of the strike plate and latch is one common cause for a patio lock to not close or remain in place. The easiest method to check for this is to perform the "lipstick test." Apply some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt, then apply masking tape over it. The lipstick will leave the mark when you close the door. This will indicate exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low you can alter the strike plate.
The sliding patio door locks keep your home safe from burglars, and if they're not functioning correctly, you must solve the issue fast. Follow these steps to fix your patio door lock and restore it's functionality.