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Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors go through wear and tear which can cause locks that fail. Fortunately, there are several simple and efficient ways to restore your uPVC patio door's security.
These quick fixes will make your home safer, whether you realign the lock or clean the mechanism.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are fantastic for bringing the outdoors inside and keeping out the elements. However, they can be risky for security when the lock isn't functioning properly. Over time wear and tear hot and cold weather dirt and debris can cause damage to the lock of your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. Fortunately, with a little care you can ensure that the locks on your patio door always function correctly.
In the beginning, it's important to clean your patio door's lock and all its moving parts. This will help remove any grime or coatings that could be preventing your lock from working effectively. Start by wiping down all the moving parts of your patio door's lock with a damp cloth, then use a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any hard-to-reach parts of the door and frame that are coated with dirt. Then clean the lock with a dry towel to remove any remaining moisture. Let it air dry before using it.
If your patio door is equipped with a pin-tumbler latch you can lubricate it by applying powdered graphite to the key. You can also use a Teflon lubricant such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant is easy to apply and it doesn't dissolve as time passes. If you are unable to find the right lubricant for your needs, you could try using a pencil that has an extremely thick tip. Insert the pencil in the lock, and shake it to distribute the graphite.
The tracks for sliding patio doors also require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dust, dirt, and debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow, ice, and other debris that can cause them get stuck or to bind. This could make it difficult for your patio door to be opened and closed.
patio door repair near me can clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio doors by removing any damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it and replace it. The same applies for rollers on patio doors, which can be cleaned and sprayed with non-stick lubricant to help them move freely.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC French Doors, similar to sliding patios, are operated by using 3 to 4 or sometimes, 5 points locking mechanisms. This includes the lock cylinder and handle which is operated by keys. They also require maintenance, including lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done using the use of a thin oil but not WD40. It is recommended to do it every year, at a minimum.
If hinges that are sagging don't cause the issue, it could be that the door is misaligned. It may be rubbing or catching the strike plate's opening in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate, and then use a sharp chisel to enlarge the mortise it rests in. This will permit the latch to fit properly into the hole and also 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 middle of the cylinder. the inner dimension runs from the center of the adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder.
Check the lock's length
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. Verify that the door is balanced, and if the hinge screws are tight. In a lot of instances, moving the strike plate downwards or upwards could solve the issue.
The latch may not be able to engage properly in the event that the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this case, enlarge the opening using a chisel and hammer. Then, test the latch to ensure that it doesn't rub against the jamb frame of the door or fall on it.
You should identify the type mortise lock that you have before buying a replacement. This can be done by looking at the faceplate on the lock and determining if it is round or square. Look at each screw hole on the existing lock and note their dimensions. This will help you to find the replacement lock that has the exact same width and fits into the hole you have already.
You'll want to identify the mortise lock and examine it for any scratches, bends or other damage that requires to be fixed. A damaged or bent latch is more prone to break than one that hasn't been frequently used, so be sure to replace the lock with a new, secure version if you find any signs of wear or damage.
Once you've inspected the lock and identified which kind of replacement you require now is the time to start working on the actual repair. The old spindle and handle must be removed from the patio door. Insert the new handle. Start by installing the inside handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it into by using two screws or bolts. Once the handle in the interior is installed, put in the handle that is outside and screw it in the position as well. After you've completed these steps then you can test the new handles to ensure that they are able to open and close with ease and that the latch locks correctly with the strike plate.
Make sure the door's strike is checked
The strike plate and the door latch are two components which work together to secure the door. If they are not aligned properly and the latch doesn't latch the door properly. This problem is usually very simple to solve.
First, inspect the strike plate's receiving holes to ensure they are clear of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Release the screws that hold the strike plate in place. This allows it to move vertically but not separate it from the frame. Then, adjust the strike plate to ensure that its holes for receiving are aligned with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted, tighten the screws and then test the door to see whether it shuts easily with the new adjustment.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However they are vital to secure and unlock your door. The plates made of metal are located on the top and bottom jambs of the door where they serve as the support for the latch. The door latch is inserted into the strike plate and forms a seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not installed correctly, it can hinder the latch from locking the door securely.
A misalignment of the strike plate and latch is one common cause for a patio lock to not close or stick. 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 an impression when you close the door. This will indicate exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high you can adjust the strike plate.
Sliding patio door locks help keep your home safe from burglars. If they're not working correctly, you should solve the issue fast. If you follow these steps, you can repair the lock on your patio door and restore its functionality in a matter of minutes.