Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors experience wear and tear which can cause locks that fail. Fortunately, there are several simple and effective methods that can restore your uPVC patio door's security.
Whether it's realigning the lock or cleaning the mechanism for locking these simple fixes will help you make your home more secure.
Clean the Lock
Although patio doors are an excellent way to bring the outside in and keep out the elements, they can also be security risks in the event that your lock isn't operating as it should. Over time, wear, tear, cold and hot weather dirt, and other debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. Fortunately, with some minor maintenance you can ensure that the locks on your patio door always perform correctly.
It's important to clean the lock on your patio door and all the moving parts. This will help remove any coatings or dirt that could be preventing the lock from working properly. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts of your patio door's lock using a damp cloth. then make use of a scouring pad, or a rough damp cloth to scrub the hard-to-reach areas of the door or frame that are ingrained with dirt. Then clean the lock with a dry towel to remove any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before you use it.
If you have a patio door that uses a pin tumbler latch mechanism, you can lubricate the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or using a lubricant made of Teflon, such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors of lubricant can be easy to apply and doesn't break down as time passes. If you're unable find the right lubricant to use with your lock, use a pencil with more of a thicker tip. Put the pencil into the lock and move it around to distribute the graphite.
Sliding patio door tracks also require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dust, dirt, and debris. These tracks are particularly vulnerable to ice, snow, and other particles, which can cause them jam or bind. This can make it difficult for your patio door to open and shut.
You can clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio doors by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it and replace it. Patio door rollers can also be cleaned and sprayed down with a nonstick lubricant.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC French doors, like sliding patios, are operated with 3 to 4 or occasionally 5 points locking mechanisms. They include the lock cylinder and handle which is operated by a key. These doors require maintenance, lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done with an oil that is thin but not WD40. This should be done every year, at a minimum.
If sagging hinges don't cause the issue, it could be that the door isn't aligned. It could be rubbing against or catching the strike plate's hole in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate and then use an abrasive chisel, which will enlarge the mortise that it rests in. This will allow the latch to fit into the hole, and stop it from rubbing against the frame.
Measure the width of the cylinder with a piece of wood or a book that is able to fit into the space above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the middle of the cylinder, while 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 isn't able to turn, even after cleaning and oiling, it's possible that it's not aligned properly with the strike plate. Check if your door is properly balanced and that the hinge screws are secure. In a lot of cases, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards will fix the problem.
Oftentimes, the problem occurs when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this situation you'll need to expand the hole using the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to make sure that it contacts the strike plate smoothly without rubbing against or landing on the frame of the door jamb.
It is important to identify the type of mortise lock you currently are using before you purchase an alternative. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and determining if it is round or square. Look at each screw hole on the existing lock and note the size. This will help you to find an alternative lock that is exactly the same size and will fit in your existing hole.
You'll need to locate the mortise lock and inspect it for scratches, bends or other damage that requires to be repaired. A bent or damaged latch is more likely break than one that hasn't been used much, so be sure to replace the lock with a new one that is secure in the event you notice any signs of damage or wear.
Once you've inspected the lock and identified which type of replacement you'll need then it's time to begin working on the actual repair. Take the old handle and spindle out of your patio door, and then install the new one. Start by putting in the interior handle by aligning it with the spindle and then securing it with the two screws or bolts that secure it. Once the interior handle is installed, you can install the handle that is outside and screw it in place as well. Once you have completed these steps check the handles to make sure that they open and shut easily and that the latch engages properly with the strikeplate.
Check the door's Strike
The strike plate and the door latch are two parts that work together in order to lock the door. If these are misaligned, the latch won't latch the door properly. Fortunately, this problem is usually simple to fix.
Check the receiving holes of the strike plate to make sure they are free of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the screws that secure the strike plate in place, allowing it to move vertically but not separating it from the door frame. Then adjust the strike plate to ensure that its receiving holes align with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate has been adjusted, tighten all screws and test to see whether the door closes smoothly.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However they are vital to secure and unlock your door. The metal plates are situated on the top and bottom jambs of the door, where they serve as the support for the latch. The door latch is able to slide into the strike plate, creating an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not installed correctly, it can stop the latch from locking the door securely.
One of the most common reasons for the patio door lock to become stuck or not close is a misalignment between the latch and strike plate. The most effective way to test for this is with the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt, and then apply masking tape over it. When you shut the door, the lipstick will leave a mark on the tape that will show you exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low it is possible to alter the strike plate.
If your patio door locks for sliding aren't functioning properly, they can keep your home secure from intruders. It is imperative to resolve this issue as quickly as possible. By following these easy steps, you can repair the lock on your patio door and regain its functionality in a matter of minutes.