Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio door wear and tear can lead to lock malfunctions. However, there are simple and efficient ways to restore your uPVC patio door's security.
If it's resetting the lock or cleaning the locking mechanism, these quick fixes can make your home more secure.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are ideal for letting the outdoors inside and keeping the elements out. However they could pose risky for security if the lock doesn't work correctly. With time, wear and tear, hot and cold weather, dirt, and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little care you can make sure that the locks on your patio door always function correctly.
patio door adjustment to clean the lock of your patio door and all of its moving parts. This will help flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that may hinder the lock from functioning in the way it should. Begin by wiping down the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a damp cloth, then make use of a scouring pad, or a rough damp cloth to scrub any hard-to-reach areas of the door and frame that are covered in dirt. Then, wipe the entire lock using a dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness and let it to dry completely before using it again.
If your patio door has a pin-tumbler latch you can lubricate it by applying powdered graphite to the key. You can also use a Teflon lubricant like WD-40 Multi Use Product. This kind of lubricant can be applied easily and doesn't dissolve over time. If you are unable to locate the right lubricant for your needs, you might try using a pencil with an extremely sharp tip. Put the pencil into the lock and move it around a bit to spread the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also required to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free of dust, dirt and debris. They are particularly susceptible to snow, ice and other debris, which can cause them jam or bind. This could make it difficult for your patio door to be opened and closed.
Tracks for sliding patio doors and rollers can be cleaned by removing any damaged or dirty weather stripping and then cleaning it, before installing it. The same is true to 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, like sliding patios, operate with 3 to 4 or occasionally 5 point locking mechanisms. These include the lock cylinder and handle that is operated by keys. These doors also need maintenance, and specifically lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done with the use of a thin oil, but never WD40. It is recommended to do it at least once per year.
If the hinges aren't causing the problem, it could be that the door isn't aligned. It may be rubbing against or catching the hole of the strike plate in the frame. Take off the strike plate and employ a sharp tool increase the size of its mortise. This will allow the latch to fit properly into the hole, and stop it from scratching against the frame.
Once the cylinder is cleared of the way and out of the way, measure its width using a book or piece of wood that fits into the gap of adjustment screw above the lock. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the middle of the cylinder, and 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 lubricating, it's possible that it's not in alignment with the strike plate hole. Check if your door is properly balanced and if the hinge screws are tight. In many cases, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can fix the problem.
Oftentimes, the problem occurs when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this instance, you can widen the opening using the hammer and chisel. Then, test the latch so that it doesn't rub against the jamb frame of the door or fall the frame.
You must identify the kind of mortise lock you have before buying a replacement. This can be done by looking at the end faceplate and observing whether it is round or square. Look at each screw hole on the current lock and note the size. This information will help you find an alternative lock that is of the same size and fits perfectly into your existing hole.
You'll need to identify the mortise lock and inspect it for scratches, bends, or other damage that requires to be repaired. A damaged or bent latch is more likely break than one that's not utilized often, so make sure to replace the lock with a new one that is secure in the event you notice any signs of wear or damage.
Once you've checked the lock and determined which kind of replacement you require now is the time to start working on the actual repair. The spindle and handle should be removed from the patio door. Install the new handle. Start by putting in the handle in the interior, aligning it with the spindle and then securing it with the two bolts or screws that secure it. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. After you've completed the steps then you can test the new handles to make sure they are able to open and close with ease and that the latch locks correctly when you strike the plate.
Check the Strike of the Door.
The strike plate and door latch are two parts that work together to secure the door. If these are misaligned, the latch won't latch the door shut properly. This is typically easy to solve.
First, inspect the strike plate's receiving holes to make sure they are free of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Release the screws that hold the strike plate in position. This will allow it to move horizontally, but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Then, adjust the strike plate to ensure that its holes for receiving align with the latch hooks on the door latch. After the strike plate is adjusted then 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, however they are essential to lock and unlock your door. These plates are usually placed on the top and bottom of the door jamb where they serve as the door's latch. Then, the door latch is placed on the strike plate, creating the seal when it is closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not installed correctly, it can prevent the latch from locking the door securely.
A misalignment between the strike plate and latch is a common reason for the patio lock to not close or remain in place. This can be verified using the "lipstick" test. Rub some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt. Then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave an impression when you close the door. This will show you exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high it is possible to adjust the strike plate.
Locks for sliding patio doors help keep your home safe from intruders, and if they're not working correctly, you should solve the issue fast. Follow these steps to fix your patio door lock and restore it's functionality.