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Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, the wear and tear could cause lock malfunctions. There are a few simple steps you can take to restore the security of your uPVC door.
These easy fixes will make your home safer no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the locking mechanism.
Clean the Lock
Although patio doors are an excellent way to bring the outside in and keep out the elements, they can also be a security risk when your lock isn't functioning as it should. Over 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 effort, you can make sure that the lock on your patio door always works in a proper manner.
It is essential to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This will help to remove any coatings or dirt that might be hindering your lock from working effectively. Begin by wiping down the moving parts of your patio door's lock using a damp cloth. then use a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub the hard-to-reach areas of the door and frame that are coated with dirt. Then, wipe patio door repair using a dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness, and allow it to air dry prior to using it again.
If you have an exterior door that is fitted with pin tumbler latch mechanisms it is possible to grease the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or applying an lubricant based on Teflon such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant can be easy to apply and it doesn't dissolve over time. If you're not able to find a suitable lubricant you could use a pencil with an extremely sharp tip. Put the pencil into the lock and jiggle it around a bit to distribute the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free from dirt, dust and debris. These tracks are particularly vulnerable to snow, ice, and other particles, which could cause them to get stuck or to bind. This could make it difficult for your patio door to open and shut.
Tracks for sliding patio doors and rollers can be cleaned by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping and cleaning them before reinstalling 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, are operated using 3 to 4, or occasionally 5 point locking mechanisms. They include the handle and lock cylinder that is operated with keys. These doors also require maintenance, and specifically lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished using 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 striking the strike plate hole in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate, and then use an abrasive chisel, which will enlarge the mortise it rests in. This will permit the latch to fit properly into the hole, and stop it from scratching against the frame.
When the cylinder is out of the way, measure its width with an object or a piece of wood that can fit into the adjustment screw gap above the lock. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of door to the center of cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw to the end cylinder.
Check the width of the lock.
If your patio door latch isn't able to turn, even after cleaning and oiling it's possible that it is not aligned with the strike plate. Check if your door is balanced, and that the hinge screws are secure. In a lot of instances, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards will solve the issue.
The most common issue is when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to engage. In this instance, you can widen the opening using the hammer and chisel. Then test the latch to ensure that it does not rub against the door jamb frame or catch on it.
Before purchasing a new lock, it is important to identify the type of mortise lock you currently have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate of the lock and determining whether it is square or round. Look at each screw hole in the existing lock and note the size. This information will assist you in finding a replacement that is of the same size and will fit perfectly into your existing hole.
In addition to identifying the mortise lock that is currently in use, you'll also need to check it for any nicks or bends that may require repairing. A bent or damaged latch is more prone to break than one that's not used much, so be sure to replace the lock with a brand new secure and safe version in the event you notice any signs of wear or damage.
After you've examined the lock and identified which kind of replacement you require, 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. Start by installing the inside handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it into position using two screws or bolts. Once the handle's interior is installed, put in the exterior handle and screw it into the position as well. After you've completed the steps you can test the new handles to ensure that they open and close easily and that the latch catches correctly when you strike the plate.
Check the Strike on the door.
The door latch and strike plate are two parts of the lock that work to ensure that the latch locks the door. A misaligned strike plate or 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.
Check the holes for receiving of the strike plate to ensure they are clear of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Then, loosen the keeper screws that hold the strike plate in place, allowing it to move vertically but not detaching it from the frame of your door. Then, you can adjust the strike plate until its holes for receiving align with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate has been adjusted, tighten all screws and test to see whether the door closes smoothly.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However they are crucial to lock and unlock your door. These plates are usually located at the top and bottom of the door jamb, where they serve as the door's latch. The door latch slides onto the strike plate and forms an airtight seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not installed correctly, it may stop the latch from locking the door securely.
A misalignment between the strike plate and latch is a common reason for a patio lock to not close or stick. The easiest way to check for this is with the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt, and then put masking tape on it. When you shut the door, the lipstick will leave an impression on the tape, indicating you exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high, you can easily alter the strike plate.
Locks for sliding patio doors help protect your home from burglars, and if they're not working correctly, you must solve the issue fast. By following these simple steps, you can repair your patio door's lock and regain its functionality in a matter of minutes.