The Most Negative Advice We've Ever Received On Patio Door Lock R…

Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio doors go through wear and tear that could lead to lock malfunctions. There are a few easy steps you can follow to restore the security of your uPVC door.

These easy fixes can make your home safer, whether you realign the lock or clean the mechanism.

Clean the Lock

Patio doors are ideal to let the outdoors in while keeping out the elements. However they can pose a security threat when the lock isn't functioning correctly. Over time, wear, 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 functions in a proper manner.

It's important to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This helps remove any dirt and coatings that may be preventing the lock from working as it should. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts on your patio door lock using a wet cloth. Then, use a scouring cloth or a damp, rough cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the door and frame. Then clean the lock using a dry towel to get rid of any moisture. Allow it to air-dry before you use it.

If your patio door has pin-tumbler latches, you can lubricate it by applying powdered Graphite on the key. You can also apply a Teflon lubricant like WD-40 Multi Use Product. This kind of lubricant is easy to apply and it won't disintegrate over time. If you are unable to locate an appropriate lubricant You might try using a pencil that has a thick tip. Put the pencil into the lock and move it around to distribute the graphite.

Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio door repair patio doors free of dust, dirt and debris. These tracks are particularly vulnerable to ice, snow, and other debris, which could cause them to get stuck or to bind. This could make it difficult for your patio door to open and close.

Sliding patio door track rails and rollers can be cleaned by removing dirty or damaged weather stripping, cleaning them, then replacing it. The same applies for rollers on patio doors, which can be cleaned and sprayed with non-stick lubricant to help them move freely.

Lubricate the Moving Parts

uPVC french doors, similar to sliding patio door repair service near me patio doors, work using 3 to 4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms which include the handle and lock cylinder operated by keys. They require maintenance and oiling of the moving parts. This can be accomplished with an oil that is thin but not WD40. It should be done at least once per year.

If sagging hinges aren't the cause, 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 to increase the size of the mortise it rests in. This will allow the latch to fit into the hole, and stop it from scratching against the frame.

Once the cylinder is cleared of the way, measure its width with the help of a book or piece wood patio door repair that fits into 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 until the end cylinder.

Check the lock's width

If your patio door latch isn't able 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 properly balanced and that the hinge screws are in good condition. In most instances, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can solve the issue.

Most of the time, the issue occurs when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this situation, you'll need to enlarge the hole using a chisel or hammer and then test the latch to ensure that it contacts the strike plate without rubbing against or getting caught on the frame of the door jamb.

You should identify the type mortise lock you currently have before buying the replacement. This can be done by looking at the end faceplate and noting whether it is square or round. Examine each screw hole on the current lock and note their dimensions. This will help you to find the replacement lock that has the exact same width and will fit in your existing hole.

You'll want to identify the mortise lock and inspect it for bends, scratches or other damage that needs to be repaired. A bent or damaged latch is more likely to break than one that hasn't been utilized often, so make sure to replace the lock with a new secure and safe version if you find any signs of wear or damage.

After you've examined the lock and determined which type of replacement you'll need, it's time to start working on the actual repair. The old handle and spindle must be removed from the patio door. Introduce the new handle. Start by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it in place using the two screws or bolts. 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 catches correctly when you strike the plate.

Check the Door's Strike

The door latch and strike plate are two parts of the lock that work together to ensure that the latch is secure the door. A misaligned strike plate or door latches can result in the latch not being able to latch the door correctly. This problem is usually very easy to repair.

First, examine the holes in the strike plate's receiving to ensure that they are free of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the screws that hold the strike plate in place and allow it to move vertically, but not separating it from the frame of your door. Then, adjust the strike plate to ensure that its holes for receiving are aligned with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted then tighten all screws, and test whether the door shuts smoothly.

These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However they are vital for locking and unlocking your door. These plates are usually placed on the top and bottom of the door jamb, where they support the door's latch. The door latch is inserted into this strike plate and creates the seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not installed correctly, it can hinder the latch from locking the door securely.

A misalignment between the latch and strike plate is the most common reason for the patio lock to not close or remain in place. This can be verified using the "lipstick" test. Apply a little lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt. Then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave a mark when you close the door. This will reveal exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low, you can easily alter the strike plate.

If your sliding patio door locks are not working properly, they can keep your home secure from intruders. It is imperative to fix this problem as soon as you can. By following these simple steps, you'll be able to fix the lock on your patio door lock repairs near me door and regain its functionality in a matter of minutes.