A Relevant Rant About Patio Door Lock Repair
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors experience wear and tear that can lead to lock malfunctions. However, there are simple and efficient methods that can restore your uPVC patio door's security.
These easy fixes will make your home safer regardless of whether you re-align the lock or clean the mechanism.
Clean the Lock
While patio door frame repair doors are a great option to let in the outside and keep out the elements however, they can also pose security risks in the event that your lock isn't operating 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 care, you can ensure your patio door's locks will always perform correctly.
To begin with, it's essential to clean your patio door's lock and all the moving parts. This will help flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that may hinder the lock from working as it should. Start by wiping the moving parts of your patio door lock using a wet cloth. Then apply a scouring pad or a damp, rough cloth to scrub the dirt-infested parts of the frame and door. Then wipe the lock with a dry cloth to remove any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before you use it.
If you have an exterior door that is fitted with pin tumbler latch mechanisms, you can apply lubrication to the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or using a Teflon-based lubricant like WD-40 Multi-Use. This kind of lubricant can be applied quickly and does not dissolve over time. If you are unable to find the right lubricant to use with your lock, you can make use of a pencil with a larger tip. Place the pencil in the lock and jiggle it around to spread the graphite.
The tracks for sliding patio doors also require regular maintenance to ensure they're free of dust, dirt and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to ice, snow, and other particles, which could cause them to block or become stuck. 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 any damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it and replace it. The same is true to patio sliding door repair door rollers which can be wiped down and then sprayed with a non-stick lubricant to help them move freely.
Lubricate the Moving Parts
uPVC French Doors, similar to sliding patios, operate using 3 to 4, or sometimes, 5 points locking mechanisms. This includes the handle and lock cylinder that is operated with a key. These doors require maintenance, oiling of the moving parts. This can be accomplished using an oil that is thin (never WD40) and should be done once per year.
If sagging hinges don't cause the problem, it could be that the door is not aligned. It could be rubbing or catching against the strike plate's hole in the frame. Take off the strike plate and employ a sharp tool expand the mortise. This lets the latch sit perfectly in the hole, and also prevents getting caught or rubbing against the frame.
Measure the length of the cylinder using an object of book or wood that fits into the gap above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the center of the cylinder, and the inner dimension extends from the center of the adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder.
Verify the lock's width
If your patio door latch is difficult to turn even after cleaning and lubricating, there's a possibility that it is out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Check to see if the door is balanced and if the hinge screws are tight However, in many cases it is possible to move the strike plate upwards or downwards could fix the problem.
The latch might not work properly in the event that the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this case you'll need to expand the hole using the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to make sure that it connects to the strike plate in a smooth manner without rubbing against or catching on the frame of the door jamb.
It is important to identify the type of mortise lock that you have before buying a replacement. You can do this by looking at the faceplate of the lock and noting if it is square or round. Then, take a look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the size of each. This information will assist you in finding an alternative that is the same size and is a perfect fit for the hole that you already have.
You'll want to identify the mortise lock and examine it for bends, scratches or other damage that requires to be repaired. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that has frequently used to break. Replace the lock if you notice indications of damage.
Once you've identified the type of lock replacement you require Now it's time to begin the actual repair. Remove the old handle and spindle from the patio glass repair door, and then put in 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 in the interior is in, install the handle that is outside and screw it in place, too. After you've completed these steps Test the handles to ensure that they are able to open and close easily and that the latch is in contact properly with the strikeplate.
Check the Strike of the Door.
The strike plate and the door latch are two components that work together in order to secure the door. An incorrectly aligned strike plate and door latch will result in the latch not being able to latch the door in a proper manner. Fortunately, this problem is often easy to fix.
First, inspect the strike plate's holes for receiving to ensure they are free of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Then, loosen the keeper screws that hold the strike plate in place and allow it to move vertically but not removing it from the frame of your door. Adjust the strike plate to align its receiving holes with the latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate is adjusted, tighten all screws and check whether the door shuts smoothly.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However they are crucial to secure and unlock your door. The metal plates are situated at the top and bottom jambs of the door where they support its latch. The door latch slides into the strike plate to create the seal when it is closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not installed correctly, it can stop the latch from locking the door securely.
A misalignment of the strike plate and latch is one common cause for the patio lock to not close or remain in place. The easiest way to check for this is to perform the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt and apply masking tape over it. The lipstick will leave an impression when you shut the door. This will reveal exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high, you can easily alter the strike plate.
Sliding patio door locks help protect your home from burglars, and if they're not working properly, you need to solve the issue fast. If you follow these steps, you can fix the lock on your patio door and regain its functionality within a short time.