Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, wear and tear can lead to lock malfunctions. However, there are easy and efficient ways to restore your uPVC patio door's security.
Whether it's realigning the lock or cleaning the mechanism for locking These simple fixes can help you make your home more secure.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are fantastic to let the outdoors in and keeping out the elements. However they could pose an issue for security if the lock doesn't work properly. Over time, wear, tear, cold and hot weather, dirt, and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little maintenance you can make sure that your patio door's locks always perform effectively.
It is essential to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This will help remove any coatings or dirt that could be preventing 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 rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested parts of the frame and door. patio door repair near me RepairMyWindowsAndDoors should then wipe down the entire lock using dry cloth to get rid of any remaining dampness and let it to dry completely before making use of it again.
If you have an outdoor door that has pin tumbler latch mechanisms it is possible to apply lubrication to the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or using an lubricant based on Teflon such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant can be applied quickly and does not dissolve over time. If you're not able to locate the right lubricant for your needs, you could try using a pencil with a thick tip. Place the pencil in the lock and jiggle it around to spread the graphite.
Tracks for sliding patio doors require regular maintenance to ensure they're free of dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to ice and snow, which can cause them to jam or bind which makes it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.
You can clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio doors by removing weather stripping that is dirty or damaged. Clean it, and then replace it. Patio door rollers can also be cleaned and sprayed down with an oil that is nonstick.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC French Doors, similar to sliding patios, operate using 3 to 4, or sometimes, 5 point locking mechanisms. This includes the lock cylinder and handle that is operated with keys. They also require maintenance, specifically lubrication on the moving parts. This can be accomplished using a thin oil (never WD40) and should be done once per year.
If hinges that are sagging aren't the cause, the door may be skewed and catch or hitting the strike plate's hole in the frame. Take off the strike plate and employ a sharp tool expand its mortise. This allows the latch to sit correctly in the hole and prevents getting caught or rubbing against the frame.
While the cylinder is out of the way take a measurement of its width using a book or piece of wood that will fit in the adjustment screw gap above the lock. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of the door to the center of cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw to the end of the of the cylinder.
Verify the width of the lock.
If your patio door latch is difficult to turn, even after cleaning and lubricating, it's possible that it's out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Make sure that your door is properly balanced and that the hinge screws are secure. In many cases, however, simply moving the strike plate downwards or upwards could solve the issue.
The latch might not work properly when the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this situation you'll need to expand the hole using the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to make sure that it is able to engage the strike plate without rubbing against or landing on the frame of the door jamb.
Before purchasing a new lock, it is important to identify the type of mortise lock you have. You can do this by looking at the faceplate on the lock and noting if it is square or round. Then, look at the screw holes in the existing lock and note the dimensions of each. This will help you to locate a replacement lock that is the exact same width and fits into the hole that you already have.
You'll want to identify the mortise lock, and then examine it for any scratches, bends or other damage that needs to be repaired. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that has frequently used to break. Replace the lock if you notice evidence of damage.
After you've determined the type of lock replacement you require It's time to start the actual repair. Take the old handle and spindle from your patio door, and then install the new one. Begin by installing the handle in the interior, aligning it with the spindle, and then fixing it with the two bolts or screws that secure it. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. After you've completed these steps, you can test the new handles to make sure they can be opened and closed easily and that the latch locks properly with the strike plate.
Check the Strike on the door.
The strike plate and the door latch are two pieces that work together to lock the door. An incorrectly aligned strike plate and door latches can result in the latch not being able to latch the door in a proper manner. This issue is usually simple to solve.
First, examine the holes in the strike plate's receiving to ensure they are free of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the screws that secure the strike plate in place and allow it to move horizontally, but not detaching it from the frame of your door. Then adjust the strike plate until its receiving holes align with the latch hooks on the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted, 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 doors, however they're essential for locking and unlocking your door. These metal plates are located on the top and bottom jambs of the door where they support its latch. Then, the door latch is able to slide into the strike plate, creating an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or is not properly installed the latch may not properly lock the door.
A misalignment between the strike plate and latch is the most common reason for the patio lock to not close or stick. This can be checked with the "lipstick" test. Apply some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt. Then cover it with masking tape. When you shut the door the lipstick will leave a mark on the tape, showing you exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low you can easily adjust the strike plate.
If your patio door locks for sliding aren't working correctly they can help keep your home secure from intruders. You need to fix this problem as soon as you can. Follow these simple steps to fix your patio door lock and restore it's function.