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Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio doors undergo wear and tear which can result in lock malfunctions. There are fortunately, a number of simple and effective ways to restore your uPVC patio door's security.

If it's resetting the lock or cleaning the mechanism that locks These simple fixes can make your home more secure.

Clean the Lock

While patio doors are a great option to bring the outside in and keep the elements out, they can also be security risks in the event that your lock isn't operating as it should. With time, wear and tear, hot and cold weather dirt, and other debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. Fortunately, with a little maintenance, you can ensure the locks on your patio door always work properly.

It's important to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This will help remove any grime or coatings that could be preventing your lock from working effectively. Begin by wiping down the moving parts of your patio door's lock with a damp, clean cloth. then use a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub the hard-to-reach parts of the door and frame that are ingrained with dirt. You should then wipe down the entire lock with dry cloths to eliminate any remaining dampness, and allow it to dry completely before making use of it again.

If your patio door is equipped with pin-tumbler locks you can lubricate it by applying powdered Graphite to the key. You can also apply a Teflon oil like WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This kind of lubricant can be applied quickly and will not disintegrate over time. If you are unable to locate the right lubricant for your needs, you can use a pencil with a thick tip. Place the pencil into the lock, then shake it around to spread the graphite.

The tracks for sliding patio doors also require regular maintenance to keep them free of dust, dirt, and debris. They are particularly susceptible to ice and snow which could cause them to become stuck or slack which makes it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.





The sliding rails of the patio door track and rollers can be cleaned by removing any damaged or dirty weather stripping and then cleaning it, before installing it. The rollers for patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed down with an oil that is nonstick.

Lubricate the Moving Parts

uPVC french doors, similar to sliding patio doors, work using 3-4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms which include the handle and lock cylinder operated by keys. They require maintenance and the lubrication of moving parts. This can be done using a thin oil (never WD40) and is recommended to be done at least once per year.

If sagging hinges don't cause the issue, it could be that the door isn't aligned. patio door repair may be rubbing or catching against the strike plate's hole in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate and then use an abrasive chisel to increase the size of the mortise it sits in. This lets the latch sit perfectly in the hole, and also prevents rubbing or catching on the frame.

Once the cylinder is cleared of the way take a measurement of its width using an object or a piece of 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, while the inner measurement runs from the center of the adjustment screw to 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 could be because it's not aligned properly with the strike plate. Check if your door is in a balanced position, and if the hinge screws are in good condition. In most instances, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can solve the issue.

The latch may not engage properly in the event that the strike of the lock is too small. In this case you'll have to increase the opening using a chisel or hammer and then test the latch to make sure that it is able to engage the strike plate in a smooth manner without rubbing against or landing on the door's frame jamb.

Before purchasing a new lock, first determine what kind of mortise lock you have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and noting whether it is square or round. Then, look at the screw holes in the existing lock and note the dimensions of each. This will enable you to find an alternative lock that is the exact same width and fits into the hole that you already have.

In addition to identifying the mortise lock that is currently in use, you should also examine it for any scratches or bends that might require repair. A badly damaged or bent latch is more likely to break than one that's been frequently used, so be sure to replace the lock with a brand new secure and safe version if you find any signs of wear or damage.

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 should be removed from the patio door. Insert the new handle. Start by putting in the interior handle and aligning it with the spindle and then securing it by using the two bolts or screws that hold it. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. Once you've completed these steps then you can test the new handles to make sure they open and close easily and that the latch catches correctly with the strike plate.

Check the door's Strike

The door latch and strike plate are two components of the lock that work together to ensure that the latch locks the door. If these parts aren't aligned correctly and the latch isn't latching the door properly. This is typically easy to solve.

Check the receiving holes of the strike plate to make sure they are clear of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Loosen the keeper screws holding the strike plate in position. This will allow 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 the latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted tighten the screws, and test the door to determine whether it shuts easily with the new adjustment.

Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to access for homeowners who have sliding patio doors, but they're crucial for locking and unlocking your door. The plates made of metal are located between the top and bottom jambs of the door, where they support its latch. Then, the door latch is able to slide into the strike plate, creating the seal when it is closed. If the strike plate has been damaged or rusted, or if it is not properly installed, the latch may not be able to lock the door properly.

The most common reason for a patio door lock to not close or not close is a misalignment between the latch and the strike plate. This can be confirmed using the "lipstick" test. Apply some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt. Then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave a mark when you close the door. This will indicate exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high you can adjust the strike plate.

If your patio door locks for sliding are not working properly they can help keep your home secure from intruders. You must resolve this issue as quickly as possible. By following these easy steps, you'll be able to fix the lock on your patio door and regain its functionality in no time.