Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio door wear and tear could cause lock malfunctions. There are a few basic steps you can take to restore the security of your uPVC door.
These easy fixes will ensure your home is secure no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the mechanism.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are great to let the outdoors in and keeping out the elements. However they can pose risky for security in the event that the lock isn't working properly. Over time, wear and tear, extreme cold and hot weather dirt and debris can affect the lock of your patio door and make it difficult to open. Fortunately, with a little care you can ensure that your patio door's locks always work effectively.
It's crucial to clean your patio door's lock and all its moving parts. patio door lock repair will help get rid of any dirt or coatings that could be preventing your lock from functioning effectively. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts of your patio door's lock with a damp, clean cloth. then employ a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any hard-to-reach parts of the door and frame that are covered in dirt. Then wipe the lock with a dry cloth to get rid of any moisture. Allow it to air-dry before you use it.
If you have a patio door that uses pin tumbler latch mechanisms You can apply lubrication to the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or by using a lubricant made of Teflon, such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This kind of lubricant is easy to apply, and it doesn't dissolve as time passes. If you're not able to locate the right lubricant for your needs, you might try using a pencil that has a thick tip. Insert the pencil into the lock and jiggle it around to distribute the graphite.
Tracks for sliding patio doors require regular maintenance to keep them free of dirt, dust and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to ice, snow, and other debris that can cause them get stuck or to bind. This could make it difficult for your patio door to open and shut.
You can clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio doors by removing any weather stripping that is damaged or dirty. Clean it, then replace it. The same can be done to patio door rollers which can be cleaned and then sprayed with a non-stick lubricant that will allow them to move freely.
Lubricate the Moving Parts
uPVC French Doors, similar to sliding patios, are operated using 3 to 4, or occasionally 5 point locking mechanisms. These include the lock cylinder and handle that is operated by the key. They require maintenance and lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished using a thin oil (never WD40) and should be done every year.
If sagging hinges aren't a reason, the door could be skewed and catch or rubbing against the strike plate's hole in the frame. Remove the strike plate, and employ a sharp tool increase the size of the mortise. This will allow the latch to fit into the hole, and stop it from scratching against the frame.
While the cylinder is out of the way and out of the way, measure its width using an object or a piece of wood that fits into the gap between the adjustment screw and the lock. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the center of the cylinder, and the inner measurement runs from the center of the adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder.
Check the Lock's Width
If your patio door latch is difficult to turn, even after cleaning and oiling it's possible that it's not aligned properly with the strike plate. Make sure that your door is properly balanced and that the hinge screws are secure. In most cases, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards will fix the problem.
The latch may not be able to engage properly if the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this situation you'll have to increase the hole using either a hammer or chisel, and then test the latch to make sure that it is able to engage the strike plate without rubbing against or landing on the door's frame jamb.
You should identify the type mortise lock you currently have before purchasing a replacement. This can be done by looking at the end faceplate and determining if it is round or square. Take a look at each screw hole in the existing lock and note their dimensions. This will aid you in finding an alternative that is the same size and fits perfectly into your existing hole.
In addition to identifying the mortise lock that is currently in use, you'll also want to inspect it for any bends or scratches that may need repairing. A damaged or bent latch is more prone to break than one that's not used much, so be sure to replace the lock with a new, secure version when you spot any indications of damage or wear.
After you've determined the type of lock replacement you require, it's now time to begin the actual repair. The old spindle and handle must be removed from the doorway to the patio. Insert the new handle. Start by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it into by using two screws or bolts. Once the handle's interior is installed, put in the handle on the outside and screw it in place as well. Once you have completed these steps check the handles to make sure that they are able to open and close easily and that the latch engages correctly with the strikeplate.
Check the door's Strike
The door latch and strike plate are the two parts of the lock that work together to ensure that the latch is secure the door. Misaligned strike plate and door latches will result in the latch not being able to latch the door in a proper manner. Fortunately, this problem is often easy to fix.
First, check the holes in the strike plate's receiving to make sure they are free of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Remove the screws that hold the strike plate. This allows it to move horizontally, but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Adjust the strike plate to align its holes for receiving with the latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate is adjusted, tighten all screws and test whether the door shuts smoothly.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However they are crucial for locking and unlocking your door. The plates made of metal are located between the top and bottom jambs of your door, where they support its latch. The door latch is inserted into this strike plate and creates an airtight seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not installed correctly, it can prevent the latch from locking the door securely.
A misalignment of the latch and strike plate is one common cause for the patio lock to not close or stay. This can be confirmed using the "lipstick" test. Rub some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt and then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave an impression when you shut the door. This will reveal exactly where the latch joins the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low, you can easily adjust the strike plate.
If your patio door locks for sliding aren't functioning properly, they can keep your home safe from burglars. You need to resolve this issue as quickly as possible. If you follow these steps, you can repair the lock on your patio door and get it back to normal in no time.