A Provocative Rant About Patio Door Lock Repair

Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio doors undergo wear and tear that could result in lock malfunctions. There are a few basic steps you can follow to restore the security of your uPVC door.

These quick fixes can make your home safer no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the locking mechanism.

Clean the Lock

Patio doors are fantastic for letting the outdoors in while keeping out the elements. However they can pose a security threat when the lock isn't functioning correctly. With time wear and tear cold and hot weather dirt and debris could take their toll on the lock of your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. Fortunately, with some minor maintenance you can make sure that the locks on your patio door always function correctly.

To begin with, it's important to clean the lock on your patio door and all of its moving parts. This will help get rid of any grime and coatings that may be preventing the lock from functioning in the way it should. Start by wiping the moving parts of your patio door lock with a wet cloth. Then, use a scouring cloth or a damp, rough cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the door and frame. Then wipe the lock with a dry cloth to get rid of any remaining moisture. Let it air dry before using it.

If your patio door is equipped with pin-tumbler locks you can apply powdered Graphite to the key. You can also apply a Teflon lubricant such as WD-40 Multi Use Product. This kind of lubricant can be applied quickly and doesn't dissolve over time. If you're not able to find a suitable lubricant you might use a pencil with a thick tip. Place the pencil into the lock, and shake it around to spread the graphite.

Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free of dust, dirt and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to ice, snow, and other particles, which can cause them jam or bind. This could make it difficult for your patio door to open and close.

You can clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio doors by removing weather stripping that is dirty or damaged. Clean it, then replace it. Patio door rollers can also be cleaned and sprayed with an oil that is nonstick.

Lubricate the Moving Parts

uPVC french doors, which are similar to sliding patio doors, work by using 3-4 or sometimes five-point locking mechanisms, which include the lock cylinder and handle operated by a key. These doors require maintenance, lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done using a thin oil however, never WD40. It is recommended to do it every year, at a minimum.

If sagging hinges aren't a cause, the door could be misaligned and caught or striking the strike plate's hole in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate and then use an abrasive chisel, which will enlarge the mortise it sits in. This lets the latch sit correctly in the hole, and also prevents getting caught or rubbing against the frame.

When the cylinder is out of the way, measure its width with the help of a book or piece wood that fits into the gap between the adjustment screw and the lock. 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.

Verify the lock's width

If your patio door latch is difficult to turn, even after oiling and cleaning, it's possible that it's not aligned properly with the strike plate. Verify that the door is balanced and if the hinge screws are secure, but in many cases shifting the strike plate up or down can correct the issue.

Oftentimes, the problem occurs when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this situation, you need to widen the opening with an hammer and chisel. Then test the latch so that it doesn't touch the door jamb frame or catch the frame.

Before you purchase a replacement lock, you should first determine the mortise type of lock you have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and observing whether it is square or round. Then, look at the screw holes on the existing lock and note the size of each. This will assist you in finding a replacement that is the same width and fits perfectly into the hole that you already have.

You'll need to locate the mortise lock and inspect it for any scratches, bends or other damage that requires to be fixed. A badly bent or damaged 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 checked the lock and determined which kind of replacement you require, it's time to start working on the actual repair. Remove the old handle and spindle out of your patio door, and then install the new one. Begin by installing the handle inside, aligning it with the spindle and then fixing it by using the two screws or bolts that secure it. Once the handle's interior is in, install the handle that is outside and screw it in the position as well. Once you have completed these steps check the handles to ensure that they can be shut and open easily and that the latch engages correctly with the strikeplate.

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 the latch secures the door. If these parts aren't aligned correctly and the latch isn't latching the door properly. Fortunately, this problem is often easy to fix.

First, examine the holes in the strike plate's receiving to make sure they are clear of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then, loosen the keeper screws that secure the strike plate in place, allowing it to move vertically but not separating it from the frame of your door. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its holes for receiving with the latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted tighten the screws, and then test the door to see if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment.

Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to access for homeowners with sliding patio doors, but 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. The door latch slides into the strike plate to create an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged or rusted or not installed correctly, the latch may not properly lock the door.

A misalignment of the latch and strike plate is one common cause for the patio lock not to close or stick. 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 close the door, the lipstick will leave a mark on the tape that will show exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If  upvc patio door repairs  is too low or high, you can easily adjust the strike plate.

Sliding patio door locks help protect your home from intruders, and if they're not working properly, you need to solve the issue fast. Follow these steps to repair your patio door lock and restore its function.