Nine Things That Your Parent Teach You About Patio Door Lock Repair
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors undergo wear and tear that can result in lock malfunctions. However, there are easy and efficient steps that can help restore your uPVC patio door's security.
Whether it's realigning the lock or cleaning the mechanism for locking, these quick fixes can make your home more secure.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are fantastic to let the outdoors in and keeping out the elements. However, they can be a security threat when the lock isn't functioning correctly. As time passes wear and tear, hot and cold weather dirt and debris can cause damage to your aluminium patio door repairs door's lock and make it difficult to open. Fortunately, with some minor maintenance, you can ensure your patio door's locks will always perform properly.
It's important to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This will help flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that could hinder the lock from functioning in the way it should. Start by wiping down the moving parts of your patio door's lock with a damp, clean cloth. then use a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any hard-to-reach areas of the door or frame that are coated with dirt. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock with a dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness, and allow it to air dry before applying it to the next time.
If you have a patio door that uses pin tumbler latch mechanisms You can apply lubrication to the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or by using a Teflon-based lubricant like WD-40 Multi-Use. This type of lubricant is able to be applied quickly and does not dissolve over time. If you're not able to find an appropriate lubricant you can use a pencil with an extremely sharp tip. Place the pencil in the lock and jiggle it around a bit to distribute the graphite.
The tracks for sliding patio door Lock repair doors also require regular maintenance to keep them free of dirt, dust, and debris. These tracks are particularly vulnerable to snow, ice, and other particles, which could cause them to block or become stuck. This can make it difficult for your patio door to open and close.
You can clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio doors by removing any weather stripping that is damaged or dirty. Clean it, and then replace it. The rollers of patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed with an oil that is nonstick.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC french doors, which are similar to sliding patio doors, operate by using 3-4 or sometimes five-point locking mechanisms, which include the lock cylinder and handle controlled by a key. These doors also require maintenance, specifically lubrication on the moving parts. This can be done with an oil that is thin (never WD40) and is recommended to be done at least once per year.
If hinges that are sagging aren't the reason, the door could be misaligned and caught or striking the strike plate hole within 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 perfectly in the hole and avoids rubbing or catching on the frame.
Once the cylinder is cleared of the way take a measurement of its width using an object or a piece of wood that can fit into the gap of adjustment screw above the lock. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of door to the center of cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder.
Check the lock's width
If your patio door latch is difficult to turn even after cleaning and lubricating, it's possible that it is out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Check if your door is properly balanced and that the hinge screws are tight. In a lot of cases, however, simply moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can fix the problem.
Most of the time, the issue occurs when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this case you'll have to increase the hole using a chisel or hammer and then test the latch to ensure that it is able to engage the strike plate without rubbing against or catching on the frame of the door jamb.
It is important to identify the type of mortise lock you currently have before purchasing the replacement. This can be done by taking a look at the faceplate of the lock and determining whether it is round or square. Look at each screw hole on the current lock, and note their size. This information will aid you in finding an alternative that is the same width and will fit perfectly into your existing hole.
You'll need to locate the mortise lock, and then examine it for scratches, bends or other damage that needs to be fixed. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that's frequently used to break. Replace the lock if it displays evidence of damage.
Once you've checked the lock and identified which type of replacement you'll need now is the time to start working on the actual repair. Remove the handle and spindle out of your patio door, and then put in the new one. Begin by installing the handle in the interior, aligning it with the spindle and then fixing it by using the two screws or bolts that hold it. Once the handle in the interior is installed, you can install the handle that is outside and screw it into place, too. After you've completed these steps then you can test the new handles to make sure they open and close easily and that the latch catches correctly when you strike the plate.
Make sure you check the Strike of the door.
The door latch and strike plate are the two components of the lock that work together to ensure that the latch locks the door. Misaligned strike plate and door latches will result in the latch not being able to latch the door properly. This issue is usually simple to fix.
Check the holes for receiving of the strike plate to ensure they are clear of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the screws that keep the strike plate in place and allow it to move vertically but not detaching it from the frame of your door. Then adjust the strike plate to ensure that its holes for receiving align with the latch hooks on the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted then tighten the screws and test the door to see whether it shuts easily with the new adjustment.
Door strike plates can be difficult to locate for homeowners with sliding patio doors, however they're essential to lock and unlock your door. The plates made of metal are located on the top and bottom jambs of the door where they serve as the support for the latch. The door latch slides onto the strike plate, and it creates a seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not installed correctly, it can prevent the latch from locking the door securely.
A misalignment of the latch and strike plate is the most common reason for the patio door repair company lock to not close or stay. This can be verified using the "lipstick" test. Apply some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt, then cover it with masking tape. When you shut the door the lipstick will leave marks on the tape, showing exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high it is possible to alter the strike plate.
Sliding patio door locks help protect your home from burglars. If they're not functioning correctly, you must fix the problem quickly. Follow these steps to repair your double glazed patio door repairs door lock and restore it's function.