Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, wear and tear can cause lock malfunctions. There are fortunately, a number of simple and efficient ways to restore your uPVC patio door's security.
These simple fixes will make your home safer regardless of whether you re-align the lock or clean the mechanism.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are ideal for bringing the outdoors in and keeping the elements out. However they could pose a security threat in the event that the lock isn't working correctly. Over time, wear and tear, cold and hot weather dirt and debris could cause damage to the lock of your patio door and make it difficult to open. With a little effort you can ensure that your lock for your patio door is always working in a proper manner.
It is essential to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This helps get rid of any grime and coatings that could be preventing the lock from working in the way it should. Start by wiping down the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a damp, clean cloth. then make use of a scouring pad, or a rough damp cloth to scrub any difficult-to-access areas of the door and frame that are covered in dirt. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock using a dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness and allow it to dry completely before making use of it again.
If you have an exterior door that is fitted with pin tumbler latch mechanisms it is possible to apply lubrication to the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or by using a lubricant made of Teflon, like WD-40 Multi-Use. This type of lubricant can be applied with ease and does not dissolve over time. If you are unable to find the correct lubricant for your lock, apply a pencil that has a more of a thicker tip. Place the pencil into the lock, and shake it around to spread the graphite.
The tracks for sliding patio doors also require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dirt, dust, and debris. These tracks are particularly vulnerable to snow, ice, and other debris that can cause them jam or bind. This can make it difficult for your patio door to open and shut.
You can clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio doors by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it, and then replace it. Patio door rollers can also be cleaned and sprayed down with a nonstick lubricant.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC french doors, which are similar to sliding patio doors, work using 3 to 4 or sometimes five-point locking mechanisms, which include the handle and lock cylinder operated by the key. They also require maintenance, including lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished using an oil that is thin (never WD40) and is recommended to be done at least once per year.
If hinges that are sagging don't cause the problem it could be because the door isn't aligned. It may be rubbing against or catching the strike plate's hole in the frame. Take off the strike plate and use a sharp tool to increase the size of its mortise. This allows the latch to sit correctly in the hole and avoids scratching or catching on the frame.
Once the cylinder is cleared of the way take a measurement of its width using the help of a book or piece wood that will fit in the adjustment screw gap above the lock. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the middle of the cylinder, while the inner dimension extends from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.
Verify 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. Make sure that your door is balanced, and if the hinge screws are in good condition. In most cases, however, simply moving the strike plate downwards or upwards 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 situation you'll have to increase the hole using either a hammer or chisel, and then test the latch to ensure that it contacts the strike plate smoothly without rubbing against or getting caught on the frame of the door jamb.
You must identify the kind of mortise lock you currently are using before you purchase a replacement. This can be done by looking at the end faceplate and noting whether it is square or round. Take a look at each screw hole on the existing lock and note the size. This information will allow you to find a replacement lock that is the exact same width and will fit into your existing hole.
You'll need to identify the mortise lock, and then examine it for any scratches, bends, or other damage that requires to be repaired. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that's frequently used to break. Replace the lock if it displays signs of damage.
After you've determined the type of lock replacement that you require, it's now time to begin the actual repair. The old handle and spindle must be removed from the patio door. Introduce the new handle. Begin by installing the interior handle and aligning it with the spindle, and then securing it in place by using the two screws or bolts that hold it. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. After RepairMyWindowsAndDoors 've completed these steps then you can test the new handles to ensure they are able to open and close with ease and that the latch locks correctly with the strike plate.
Check the Strike of the Door.
The door latch and strike plate are the two parts of the lock that work together to ensure that the latch is secure 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, check the strike plate's receiving holes to ensure they are clear of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Then, loosen the keeper screws that keep the strike plate in place and allow it to move vertically, but not separating it from the frame of the door. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its holes for receiving with the latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate has been adjusted then 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 secure and unlock your door. These metal plates are usually placed on the top and bottom of the door jamb where they support the door's latch. The door latch slides into the strike plate and forms an airtight seal. If the strike plate has been damaged or rusted, or if it is not properly installed the latch might not properly lock the door.
One common reason for an outdoor door lock to become stuck or not close is a misalignment of the latch and the strike plate. This can be checked with the "lipstick" test. Apply some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt and then cover it with masking tape. When you close the door, the lipstick will leave marks on the tape that will show exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low you can easily adjust the strike plate.
If your sliding patio door locks aren't working correctly they can help keep your home safe from burglars. You must resolve this issue as quickly as possible. If you follow these steps, you can fix your patio door's lock and get it back to normal in no time.