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Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio door wear and tear could cause lock malfunctions. However, there are easy and efficient steps that can help restore your uPVC patio door's security.

These easy fixes will ensure your home is secure regardless of whether you re-align the lock or clean the mechanism.

Clean the Lock

Patio doors are great for letting the outdoors in while keeping out the elements. However they could pose risky for security in the event that the lock isn't working properly. With time wear and tear extreme cold and hot weather dirt and debris could cause damage to the lock of your patio door and make it difficult to open. Fortunately, with a little maintenance you can ensure that the locks on your patio door always work correctly.

It is essential to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. patio door repair will help to remove any grime or coatings that might be hindering your lock from working properly. 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 dirt-infested parts of the frame and door. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock with dry cloth to get rid of any remaining dampness and allow it to air dry prior to applying it to the next time.

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

The tracks for sliding patio doors also require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dirt, dust and other debris. These tracks are especially vulnerable to snow and ice which can cause them be stuck or jammed which makes it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.

Clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio doors by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it, then replace it. The same applies for patio door rollers, which can be wiped down 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 patio doors, operate by using 3-4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms which include the lock cylinder and handle operated by keys. They require maintenance and lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done using an oil that is thin (never WD40) and is recommended to be done at least once per year.

If hinges that are sagging aren't the cause, the door could be misaligned and catching or striking the strike plate hole in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate, and then use an abrasive chisel to increase the size of the mortise it rests in. This will allow the latch to fit into the hole, and stop it from rubbing against the frame.

When the cylinder is out of the way, measure its width with a book or piece of wood that will fit in the gap of adjustment screw above the lock. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of the 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 is hard to turn even after oiling and cleaning it could be because it's not aligned properly with the strike plate. Examine if the door is properly balanced and whether the hinge screws are secure However, in many cases it is possible to move the strike plate up or down can fix the issue.

The latch may not engage properly if the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this situation, you'll need to enlarge the opening using the hammer or chisel 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 frame of the door jamb.

You must identify the kind of mortise lock that you have before purchasing a replacement. This can be done by looking at the faceplate on the lock and noting if it is square or round. Then, take a look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the dimensions of each. This will help you to find a replacement lock that is exactly the same width and will fit in the hole that you already have.

You'll want to identify the mortise lock and inspect it for scratches, bends or other damage that requires to be fixed. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that has been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if you notice indications of damage.

Once you've inspected the lock and determined which kind of replacement you require then it's time to begin working on the actual repair. The spindle and handle should be removed from the doorway to the patio. Insert the new handle. Begin by installing the handle in the interior by aligning it with the spindle and then fixing it by using the two screws or bolts that hold it. Once the interior handle is installed, you can install the handle that is outside and screw it into place as well. After you've completed the steps, you can test the new handles to ensure they open and close easily and that the latch locks correctly when you strike the plate.

Make sure the door's strike is checked





The door latch and strike plate are two components of the lock that work to ensure the latch secures the door. If these are misaligned and the latch doesn't latch the door shut correctly. This is typically easy to solve.

Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to ensure they are free of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Loosen the keeper screws holding the strike plate. This will allow it to move horizontally, but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Then, you can adjust the strike plate until its holes for receiving are aligned with the latch hooks on the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted tighten all screws and test whether the door closes smoothly.

Door strike plates can be difficult to access for homeowners who have sliding patio doors, but they're crucial for locking and unlocking your door. The metal plates are typically located on the top and bottom of the door jamb which is where they are used to support the door's latch. Then, the door latch slides into the strike plate to create an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or is not properly installed the latch may not be able to lock the door properly.

The most common reason for an outdoor door lock to not close or not close is a misalignment between the latch and the strike plate. This can be verified using the "lipstick" test. Apply some lipstick across the edge of the deadbolt, then cover it with masking tape. When you close the door the lipstick will leave marks on the tape, showing exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high it is possible to alter the strike plate.

If your sliding patio door locks aren't functioning properly, they can keep your home secure from intruders. You must resolve this issue as quickly as possible. By following these easy steps, you can repair the lock on your patio door and restore its functionality in no time.