Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, the wear and tear can lead to lock malfunctions. There are fortunately, a number of simple and effective methods that can restore your uPVC patio door's security.

Whether it's realigning the lock or cleaning the locking mechanism, these quick fixes can help you make your home more secure.

Clean the Lock

patio door locks repair doors are great to let the outdoors inside and keeping the elements out. However, they can be an issue for security if the lock doesn't work correctly. 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 effort, you can make sure that the lock on your patio door is always working in a proper manner.

It is important to first clean the patio glass door repair near me door lock and all moving parts. This will help remove any coatings or dirt that might be hindering your lock from working correctly. Start by wiping down all the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a damp cloth, then use a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any difficult-to-access areas of the door and frame that are covered in dirt. Then, wipe the lock down with a dry cloth to remove any remaining moisture. Let it air dry before using it.

If you have a patio door that uses a pin tumbler latch mechanism it is possible to apply lubrication to the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or using an lubricant based on Teflon like WD-40 Multi-Use. This type of lubricant is easy to apply, and it doesn't dissolve over time. If you're unable find the right lubricant for your lock, you can apply a pencil that has a thicker tip. Place the pencil in the lock and move it around a bit to spread the graphite.

Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio door repairs near me patio door locks repair doors clear from dirt, dust and debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to ice and snow, which can cause them 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 damaged or dirty weather stripping, cleaning them, then reinstalling it. The same can be done to patio door rollers which can be cleaned and sprayed with a non-stick lubricant to help them move freely.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC French Doors, similar to sliding patios, are operated by using 3 to 4 or sometimes 5 points locking mechanisms. They include the lock cylinder and handle that is operated by keys. These doors also require maintenance, specifically lubrication on the moving parts. This can be done with the use of a thin oil, but never WD40. It is recommended to do it at least once a year.

If sagging hinges don't cause the problem, it could be that the door is not aligned. It may be rubbing or catching the strike plate's opening in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate, and then use a sharp chisel to enlarge the mortise that it rests in. This will permit the latch to fit properly into the hole and stop it from hitting the frame.

Once the cylinder is cleared of the way take a measurement of its width using a book or piece of wood that will fit in the adjustment screw gap above the lock. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of door to the center cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.

Check the lock's length

If your patio door latch isn't able to turn, even after cleaning and lubricating, there's a possibility that it is out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Check to see if the door is balanced and if the hinge screws are secure however, in many instances it is possible to move the strike plate upwards or downwards can fix the issue.

The most common issue is when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to engage. In this situation, you'll need to enlarge the opening using either a hammer or chisel, and then test the latch to make sure that it connects to the strike plate without rubbing against or catching on the frame of the door jamb.

You should identify the type mortise lock you are using before you purchase an alternative. You can do this by taking a look at the faceplate of the lock and noting if it is square or round. Then, look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the size of each one. This information will allow you to find an alternative lock that is exactly the same size and fits into the hole you have already.

In addition to identifying the current mortise lock you should also examine it for any scratches or bends that may require repairing. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that's been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if it shows evidence of damage.

Once you've decided on the kind of lock replacement you need, it's now time to begin the actual repair. The old spindle and handle should be removed from the patio door. Insert the new handle. Start by putting in the handle inside by aligning it with the spindle and then securing it by using the two bolts or screws which hold it. Once the handle's interior is installed, you can install the exterior handle and screw it in place as well. Once you've completed these steps, you can test the new handles to make sure they are able to open and close with ease and that the latch is catching correctly when you strike the plate.

Make sure the door's strike is checked

The strike plate and door latch are two parts which work together to lock the door. Misaligned strike plate and door latches will result in the latch not being able to latch the door properly. Fortunately, this issue is often 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. Remove the screws that hold the strike plate. This will allow it to move vertically, but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Then, adjust the strike plate to ensure that its holes for receiving align with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted, tighten all screws and check whether the door closes smoothly.

Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to access for homeowners who have sliding patio door repairs near me doors, however they are essential to lock and unlock your door. The plates made of metal are located at the top and bottom jambs of the door, which are where they help support the latch. The door latch is able to slide into the strike plate to create the seal when it is closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not installed correctly, it can prevent the latch from locking the door securely.

The most common reason for a patio door lock to not close or not close is a misalignment of the latch and strike plate. The most effective way to test 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 an impression when you shut the door. This will reveal exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low you can easily adjust the strike plate.

Locks for sliding patio doors help keep your home safe from burglars. If they're not functioning correctly, you must solve the issue fast. By following these easy steps, you can fix the lock on your patio door and restore its functionality within a short time.