Holmsears6083

Patio Door Lock Repairs





Over time, patio doors undergo wear and tear that could lead to lock malfunctions. There are a few simple steps you can take to ensure the security of your uPVC door.

If it's resetting the lock or cleaning the mechanism for locking, these quick fixes can make your home more secure.

Clean the Lock

Patio doors are great for bringing the outdoors in and keeping out the elements. However they could pose a security threat when the lock isn't functioning correctly. As time passes, wear and tear, hot and cold weather dirt and debris could take their toll on your patio door's lock and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little effort you can ensure that your lock for your patio door is always working properly.

It is important to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This helps to remove any dirt and coatings that may be preventing the lock from working as it should. Start by wiping all the moving parts on your patio door lock with an aqueous cloth. Then you can use a scouring paper or a rough damp cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the door frame and frame. Then clean the lock with a dry cloth to get rid of any moisture. Let it air dry before you use it.

If your patio door has pin-tumbler latches, you can apply powdered graphite to the key. You can also apply a Teflon lubricant such as WD-40 Multi Use Product. This type of lubricant is able to be applied quickly and doesn't dissolve over time. If you're unable to find the correct lubricant for your lock, apply a pencil that has a thicker tip. Insert the pencil into the lock and jiggle it around to distribute the graphite.

Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free from dirt, dust and debris. They are particularly susceptible to snow and ice, which can cause them to be stuck or jammed which makes it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.

Sliding patio door track rails and rollers can be cleaned by removing dirty or damaged weather stripping, cleaning them, then installing it. The same can be done for patio door rollers, which can be wiped down and 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 sometimes 5 point locking mechanisms. They include the handle and lock cylinder that is operated by the key. These doors require maintenance, oiling of the moving parts. This can be done using an oil that is thin (never WD40) and should be done every year.

If the hinges aren't causing the issue, it could be that the door is misaligned. It could be rubbing against or catching the strike plate's hole in the frame. Take off the strike plate and use a sharp tool to enlarge its mortise. This will permit the latch to fit into the hole and prevent it from rubbing against the frame.

Once the cylinder is cleared of the way and out of the way, measure its width using the help of a book or piece wood that can fit into 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, and the inner dimension extends from the center of the adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder.

Verify the width of the lock.

If your patio door latch isn't able to turn even after cleaning and oiling it's possible that it is not aligned with the strike plate. Verify that the door is properly balanced and whether the hinge screws are tight however, in many instances it is possible to move the strike plate up or down could fix the problem.

The latch may not engage properly in the event that the strike of the lock is too small. In this instance, you'll need to enlarge the opening using a chisel or hammer and then test the latch to make sure that it contacts the strike plate without rubbing against or catching on the frame of the door jamb.

You should identify the type mortise lock you have before purchasing an alternative. This can be done by looking at the faceplate on the lock and determining if it is square or round. Take a look at each screw hole on the current lock and note their dimensions. This information will allow you to locate a replacement lock that is the exact same width and will fit in the hole you have already.

In addition to identifying the current mortise lock, you'll also need to check it for any nicks or bends that might require repair. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that has been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if it displays signs of damage.

Once you've checked the lock and decided on the type of replacement you need, it's time to start working on the actual repair. Remove the old handle and spindle from the patio door, and then insert the new one. Start by putting in the handle in the interior, aligning it with the spindle, and then fixing it with the two screws or bolts that secure it. Once the interior handle is in, install the handle on the outside and screw it into the position as well. After you've completed the steps you can test the new handles to make sure they can be opened and closed easily and that the latch catches correctly when you strike the plate.

Check the Strike of the Door.

The door latch and strike plate are the two components of the lock that work to ensure the latch secures the door. Misaligned strike plate and door latches will result in the latch not being able to latch the door properly. This issue is usually simple to repair.

Check the holes for receiving of the strike plate to make sure they are free of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Loosen patio door repairs holding the strike plate in position. This allows it to move vertically 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 then tighten all screws, and test if the door closes smoothly.

Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to access for homeowners who have sliding patio doors, however they're crucial to lock and unlock your door. The plates made of metal are located on the top and bottom jambs of the door which are where they help support the latch. The door latch slides onto this strike plate and creates the seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not installed correctly, it can hinder the latch from locking the door securely.

The most common reason for an outdoor door lock to not close or not close is a misalignment between the latch and strike plate. This can be verified using the "lipstick" test. Rub 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 high or low, you can adjust the strike plate.

If your patio door locks for sliding aren't functioning properly, they can keep your home secure from intruders. You need to repair the issue as soon as possible. Follow these simple steps to repair your patio door lock and restore it's function.