9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Patio Door Lock Repair
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, the wear and tear can cause lock malfunctions. Fortunately, there are several easy and efficient steps that can help restore your uPVC patio door's security.
These simple fixes can make your home safer, whether you realign the lock or clean the locking mechanism.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are ideal for bringing the outdoors inside and keeping out the elements. However they can pose a security threat if the lock doesn't work properly. With time, wear and tear, hot and cold weather dirt and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. Fortunately, with a little care, you can ensure your patio Door Lock Repair door's locks always function effectively.
It is essential to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This helps to get rid of any grime and coatings that may hinder the lock from functioning as it should. Start by wiping all the moving parts of your patio door lock using a damp cloth. Then apply a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested parts of the frame and door. Then clean the lock with a dry cloth to get rid of any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before using it.
If your patio door has a pin-tumbler latch you can lubricate it by applying powdered Graphite on the key. You can also use a Teflon lubricant such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant can be easy how to repair tilt and slide patio door apply and doesn't break down as time passes. If you are unable to find the correct lubricant for your lock, use a pencil with more of a thicker tip. Place the pencil in the lock and jiggle it around a bit to distribute the graphite.
Tracks for sliding patio doors require regular maintenance to ensure they're free of dirt, dust and other debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow, ice, and other debris that could cause them to block or become stuck. This could make it difficult for your glass patio door repair door to open and shut.
You can clean the track rails and rollers on sliding double glazed patio door repairs doors by removing any damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it, and then replace it. The same can be done for rollers on patio doors, which can be cleaned and then sprayed with a non-stick lubricant that will allow them to move freely.
Lubricate the Moving Parts
uPVC french doors, which are similar to sliding patio doors, operate with 3-4 or sometimes five-point locking mechanisms, which include the lock cylinder and handle operated by the key. They require maintenance and the lubrication of moving parts. This can be done with the use of a thin oil but not WD40. It should be done at least once per year.
If hinges that are sagging aren't the reason, the door could be misaligned and catching or striking the strike plate hole in the frame. Remove the strike plate, and employ a sharp tool to expand the mortise. This allows the latch to fit perfectly in the hole, and also prevents getting caught or rubbing against the frame.
Take a measurement of 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, while the inner dimension runs from the center of the adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder.
Check the width of the lock.
If your patio door latch isn't able to turn even after oiling and cleaning it could be because it is not aligned with the strike plate. Check if your door is properly balanced and if the hinge screws are secure. In most instances, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards will solve the issue.
The most common issue is when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this situation you'll need to expand the hole with either a hammer or chisel, and then test the latch to make sure that it contacts the strike plate in a smooth manner without rubbing against or landing on the frame of the door jamb.
Before you purchase a replacement lock, first determine the mortise type of lock you currently have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate on the lock and noting if it is round or square. Then, take a look at the screw holes in the existing lock and note the dimensions of each. This will enable you to locate an alternative lock that is exactly the same width and fits into the hole that you already have.
In addition to identifying the current mortise lock, you should also examine it for any bends or scratches that may require repairing. A badly damaged or bent latch is more likely to break than one that's been utilized often, so make sure to replace the lock with a brand new, secure version when you spot any indications of wear or damage.
Once you've inspected the lock and decided on the type of replacement you'll need, it's time to start working on the actual repair. Remove the old handle and spindle from your patio door, and then install the new one. Start by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it in by using two bolts or screws. Once the handle in the 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 can be shut and open easily and that the latch works correctly with the strikeplate.
Check the door's Strike
The door latch and strike plate are the two parts of the lock that work together to ensure that the latch locks the door. If these are misaligned and the latch doesn't latch the door shut properly. This is typically simple to fix.
Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to make sure 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. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its receiving holes with the latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted, tighten the screws and then test the door to see if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment.
Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to locate for homeowners with sliding patio doors, but they're crucial for locking and unlocking your door. The metal plates are situated at the top and bottom jambs of the door which are where they help support the latch. The door latch is inserted into the strike plate, and it creates an airtight seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or is not installed correctly the latch might not properly lock the door.
A misalignment between the latch and strike plate is a common reason for the patio glass repair lock not to close or remain in place. This can be confirmed using the "lipstick" test. Apply some lipstick across the edge of the deadbolt, then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave a mark when you close the door. This will indicate exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low you can easily adjust the strike plate.
Locks for sliding patio glass repair doors help keep your home safe from intruders, and if they're not functioning properly, you need to solve the issue fast. Follow these simple steps to fix your patio door lock and restore its function.