Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio door wear and tear could cause lock malfunctions. Fortunately, there are several simple and effective steps that can help restore your uPVC patio door's security.

These simple fixes will ensure your home is secure regardless of whether you re-align the lock or clean the mechanism.

Clean the Lock

While patio doors are a great option to let in the outside and keep the elements out, they can also be an issue for security if your lock isn't working as it should. Over time, wear and tear, hot and cold weather, dirt and debris can affect the lock of your patio door and make it difficult to open. Fortunately, with some minor maintenance you can make sure that your patio door's locks will always function correctly.

In the beginning, it's important to clean the lock on your patio door and all the moving parts. This helps to get rid of any grime and coatings that may hinder the lock from working as it should. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts of the lock for your patio door using a damp cloth. then make use of a scouring pad, or a rough damp cloth to scrub any hard-to-reach parts of the door and frame that are coated with dirt. Then clean the lock with a dry towel to remove any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before using it.

If your patio door has pin-tumbler locks You can apply powdered graphite to the key. You can also use a Teflon lubricant like WD-40 Multi Use Product. This type of lubricant can be easy to apply, and it won't disintegrate as time passes. If you're not able to locate an appropriate lubricant you could use a pencil with a thick tip. Insert the pencil in the lock, and shake it around to distribute the graphite.

Tracks for sliding patio doors require regular maintenance to ensure they're free of dust, dirt, and debris. These tracks can be especially susceptible to ice and snow, which can cause them jam or bind which makes it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.

The sliding rails of the patio door track and rollers can be cleaned by removing any dirty or damaged weather stripping and then cleaning it, before installing it. The same is true to patio door rollers which can be wiped down and sprayed with non-stick lubricant to help them move freely.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC French Doors, like sliding patios, operate using 3 to 4, or occasionally 5 point locking mechanisms. This includes the handle and lock cylinder that is operated with the key. They require maintenance and oiling of the moving parts. This can be done with a thin oil (never WD40) and is recommended to be done at least once per year.

If hinges that are sagging don't cause the issue it could be because the door is not aligned. It may be rubbing or catching the strike plate's opening in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate and then use an abrasive chisel to increase the size of the mortise it rests in. This allows the latch to fit correctly in the hole, and also prevents scratching or catching on the frame.

When the cylinder is out of the way take a measurement of its width using an object or a piece of wood patio door repair that fits into the gap between the adjustment screw and the lock. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the middle of the cylinder, and the inner dimension runs from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.

Check the lock's width

If your patio door latch isn't able how to repair patio door lock turn even after cleaning and lubricating, it's possible that it is out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Check to see if the door is in balance and whether the hinge screws are secure, but in many cases, moving the strike plate up or down could fix the problem.

Most of the time, the issue occurs when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to engage. In this case, enlarge the opening using the hammer and chisel. Then, test the latch to ensure it doesn't touch the jamb frame of the door or get caught the frame.

You must identify the kind of mortise lock you are using before you purchase a replacement. You can do this by taking a look at the faceplate of the lock and determining whether it is square or round. Then, look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the size of each one. This information will allow you to locate a replacement lock that is exactly the same size and will fit in the hole that you already have.

In addition to identifying the current mortise lock, you'll also need to check it for any nicks or bends that may need repairing. A bent or damaged latch is more prone to break than one that hasn't been utilized often, so make sure to replace the lock with a brand new, secure version if you find any signs of damage or wear.

After you've determined the type of lock replacement that you require, it's now time to begin the actual repair. The spindle and handle must be removed from the doorway to the patio doors repair. Introduce the new handle. Begin by installing the handle inside, aligning it with the spindle and then securing it in place with the two screws or bolts which hold it. Once the handle's interior is installed, you can install the handle on the outside and screw it into place as well. After you've completed these steps Test the handles to make sure they open and shut easily and that the latch is in contact correctly with the strikeplate.

Make sure the door's strike is checked

The door latch and strike plate are two components of the lock that work together to ensure that the latch locks the door. Misaligned strike plate and door latches can cause the latch to not latch the door properly. Fortunately, this problem is usually simple to fix.

Check the holes for receiving of the strike plate to make sure they are clear of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the screws that hold the strike plate in place, allowing it to move vertically but not removing it from the frame of the door. Then adjust the strike plate until its holes for receiving align with the latch hooks on the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted, tighten the screws and then test the door to see whether it locks smoothly after the new adjustment.

Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to access for homeowners with sliding patio doors, however they're crucial for locking and unlocking your door. These metal plates are located on the top and bottom jambs of your door, where they serve as the support for the latch. The door latch slides into the strike plate to form a seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not installed correctly, it can hinder the latch from locking the door securely.

A misalignment of the strike plate and latch is a common reason for the patio door handle repair near me lock not to close or remain in place. The easiest method to check for this is to perform the "lipstick test." Apply some lipstick on the edge of the deadbolt and apply masking tape over it. The lipstick will leave a mark when you close the door. This will show you exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low, you can easily adjust the strike plate.

The sliding patio door locks keep your home safe from burglars, and if they're not functioning properly, you need to fix the problem quickly. Follow these steps to fix your patio door lock and restore its function.