Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, the wear and tear can cause lock malfunctions. There are a few basic steps you can follow to ensure the security of your uPVC door.
It's about realigning the lock or cleaning the locking mechanism These simple fixes can make your home more secure.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are ideal for letting the outdoors in and keeping out the elements. However they could pose an issue for security when the lock isn't functioning correctly. Over time wear and tear, cold and hot weather dirt and debris could affect the lock on your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little care, you can ensure your patio door's locks always perform properly.
It is important to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This will help remove any grime or coatings that might be hindering the lock from working effectively. Start by wiping all the moving parts on your patio door lock with a damp cloth. Then apply a scouring pad 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 using dry cloths to eliminate any remaining dampness and allow it to air dry before making use of it again.
If you have an outdoor door that has a pin tumbler latch mechanism You can apply lubrication to the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or applying a Teflon-based lubricant such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant is able to be applied quickly and does not dissolve over time. If you're not able to locate a suitable lubricant you could try using a pencil that has a thick tip. Place the pencil in the lock and jiggle it around to distribute the graphite.
Tracks for sliding patio doors require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dust, dirt and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to snow, ice, and other particles, which can cause them block or become stuck. This could make it difficult for your patio door to be opened and closed.
You can clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio doors by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it, and then replace it. The rollers of patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed down with a nonstick lubricant.
Lubricate the Moving Parts
uPVC French doors, like sliding patios, are operated by using 3 to 4 or occasionally 5 points locking mechanisms. They include the handle and lock cylinder that is operated with keys. These doors require maintenance, oiling of the moving parts. upvc patio door repairs can be done with 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 may be rubbing against or catching the strike plate's opening in the frame. Remove the strike plate and use a sharp tool to increase the size of its mortise. This will permit the latch to fit into the hole and prevent it from scratching against the frame.
Find the diameter of the cylinder using 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 the distance from the outside of the door to the middle of the cylinder, and the inner measurement runs from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.
Verify the lock's width
If your patio door latch is difficult to turn, even after cleaning and lubricating, there's a possibility that it's out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Make sure that your door is balanced, and if the hinge screws are tight. In many instances, moving the strike plate downwards or upwards could solve the issue.
The latch may not engage properly in the event that the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this situation, you need to widen the opening with an hammer and chisel. Then, test the latch to ensure it does not rub against the jamb frame of the door or get caught on it.
Before you purchase a replacement lock, it is important to determine the mortise type of lock you currently have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and observing whether it is round or square. Look at each screw hole on the current lock and note their dimensions. This will enable you to find an alternative lock that is the exact same width and will fit in the hole you have already.
You'll need to locate the mortise lock and inspect it for scratches, bends, or other damage that needs to be fixed. A bent or damaged latch is more likely to break than one that hasn't been used much, so be sure to replace the lock with a new, secure version if you find any signs of damage or wear.
Once you've inspected the lock and determined which type of replacement you need now is the time to start working on the actual repair. Remove the old handle and spindle from your patio door, and then put in the new one. Start by putting in the handle inside, aligning it with the spindle, and then securing it in place by using the two screws or bolts that secure it. Once the handle's interior is installed, put in the handle that is outside and screw it in the position as well. After you've completed these steps check the handles to make sure they open and shut easily and that the latch is in contact correctly with the strikeplate.
Check the Strike on the door.
The strike plate and door latch are two parts that work together in order to lock the door. Misaligned strike plate and door latches can cause the latch to not latch the door in a proper manner. This problem is usually very easy to fix.
First, examine the holes in the strike plate's receiving to ensure that they are clear of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Loosen the keeper screws holding the strike plate in position. This will allow it to move vertically, but not separate it from the frame. Adjust the strike plate to align its holes for receiving with latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate is adjusted, tighten all screws and test to see whether the door closes smoothly.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However, they are essential to secure and unlock your door. The plates made of metal are located on the top and bottom jambs of the door where they support its latch. Then, the door latch slides into the strike plate, creating a seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not properly installed, it could prevent the latch from locking the door securely.
The most common reason for a patio door lock to become stuck or not close is a misalignment between the latch and strike plate. This can be checked with the "lipstick" test. Apply a little lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt. Then cover it with masking tape. When you shut the door the lipstick will leave marks on the tape, showing you exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high it is possible to alter the strike plate.
The sliding patio door locks protect your home from intruders, and if they're not working properly, you need to fix the problem quickly. Follow these easy steps to repair your patio door lock and restore its functionality.