Patio Door Lock Repairs

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

These easy fixes will ensure your home is secure no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the mechanism.

Clean the Lock

While patio doors are a great way to let the outside in and keep out the elements however, they can also pose a security risk when your lock isn't functioning as it should. As time passes wear and tear cold and hot weather dirt and debris can affect the lock of your patio door and make it difficult to open. Fortunately, with a little care you can ensure that the locks on your patio door always perform correctly.

It's important to clean your patio door lock repair door's lock and all its moving parts. This will help remove any dirt or coatings that might be hindering your lock from functioning effectively. Start by wiping all the moving parts on your patio door lock using a wet cloth. Then you can use a scouring paper or a damp, rough cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the door and frame. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock with a dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness and let it to air dry prior to applying it to the next time.

If you have an exterior door that is fitted with pin tumbler latch mechanisms, you can lubricate the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or using a Teflon-based lubricant like WD-40 Multi-Use. This kind of lubricant can be applied quickly and doesn't dissolve over time. If you're unable to find a suitable lubricant You could use a pencil with an extremely thick tip. Put the pencil into the lock and jiggle it around to spread the graphite.

sliding patio doors repairs patio door tracks also require regular maintenance to ensure they're free of dirt, dust and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to snow and ice which can cause them to be stuck or jammed, making it harder for your patio doors to open and close.

sliding glass patio door repair patio sliding door repair near me door track rails and rollers can be cleaned by removing any dirty or damaged weather stripping, cleaning them, then replacing it. The same is true for rollers on patio doors, which can be wiped down and then sprayed with a non-stick lubricant to help them move freely.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC french doors, which are similar to sliding local patio door repairs doors, operate with 3-4 or occasionally 5-point locking mechanisms which include the lock cylinder and handle operated by a key. These doors require maintenance, lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done with an oil that is thin (never WD40) and should be done every year.

If sagging hinges aren't a reason, the door could be skewed and catch or hitting the strike plate hole within the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate and use a sharp chisel to enlarge the mortise it sits in. This will permit the latch to fit into the hole and prevent it from rubbing against the frame.

Measure the width of the cylinder with the help of a piece of wood or a book that is able to fit into the space above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of door to the center cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.

Check the width of the lock.

If your patio door latch is hard to turn, even after oiling and cleaning, it's possible that it's not aligned properly with the strike plate. Make sure that your door is balanced, and if the hinge screws are tight. In many instances, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can solve the issue.

The latch might not work properly in the event that the strike of the lock is too small. In this case you'll need to expand the hole with 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 door's frame jamb.

You should identify the type mortise lock you currently are using before you purchase the replacement. This can be done by looking at the end 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 information will help you find an alternative lock that is of the same size and will fit perfectly into the hole that you already have.

You'll need to identify the mortise lock and examine it for scratches, bends, or other damage that need to be repaired. 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 signs of damage.

Once you've checked the lock and determined which type of replacement you need, it's time to start working on the actual repair. Remove the handle and spindle from your patio door, and then insert the new one. Begin by installing the handle inside, aligning it with the spindle and then securing it in place by using the two bolts or screws which hold it. Once the handle's interior is in, install the handle on the outside and screw it in 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 is catching properly with the strike plate.

Make sure you check the Strike of the door.

The strike plate and door latch are two parts that work together to lock the door. If these parts aren't aligned correctly and the latch isn't latching the door properly. Fortunately, this issue is usually simple to fix.

Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to ensure they are free of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Remove the screws that hold the strike plate in position. This allows it to move vertically but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Then, you can adjust the strike plate until its receiving holes align with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted then tighten the screws and test the door to determine if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment.

Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to access for homeowners who have sliding patio door repair near me patio doors, however they are essential to lock and unlock your door. The metal plates are situated between the top and bottom jambs of your door, which are where they help support the latch. Then, the door latch is able to slide into the strike plate, creating a seal when closed. If the strike plate has been damaged or rusted or not properly installed the latch may not properly lock the door.

A misalignment between the strike plate and latch is one common cause for the patio lock to not close or stay. The easiest way to check for this is to perform the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick on the edge of the deadbolt, and then apply masking tape over it. When you close the door the lipstick will leave a mark on the tape, showing you exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low 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 properly, you need to repair the issue quickly. Follow these simple steps to fix your patio door lock and restore its functionality.