The 9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Patio Door Lock Repair
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors go through wear and tear that could result in locks that fail. However, there are simple and efficient methods that can restore your uPVC patio door Lock repair door's security.
These quick fixes can make your home safer, whether you realign the lock or clean the mechanism.
Clean the Lock
Although patio doors are a great way to let in the outside and keep the elements out, they can also be an issue for security in the event that your lock isn't operating as it should. With time, wear and tear, cold and hot weather dirt and debris could take their toll on your patio door's lock and make it difficult to open. With a little attention you can ensure that your local patio door repairs door's lock is always working correctly.
It is important to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This will help to remove any grime or coatings that may be preventing your lock from working properly. Start by wiping down all the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a damp, clean cloth. then use a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub the hard-to-reach areas of the door or frame that are ingrained with dirt. Then wipe the lock using a dry towel to get rid of any remaining moisture. Let it air dry before using it.
If you have a patio door that uses pin tumbler latch mechanisms it is possible to lubricate the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or by using a Teflon-based lubricant like WD-40 Multi-Use. This kind of lubricant is easy to apply, and it won't disintegrate as time passes. If you're unable to locate the right lubricant for your needs You might use a pencil with a thick tip. Insert the pencil in the lock, then shake it to distribute the graphite.
The tracks for sliding patio doors also require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dirt, dust and other debris. They are particularly vulnerable to snow and ice, which can cause them to jam or bind, making it harder for your patio doors to open and close.
The sliding rails of the patio door track and rollers can be cleaned by removing any damaged or dirty weather stripping, cleaning them, then installing it. The rollers of patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed with an oil that is non-stick.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC French Doors, like sliding patios, operate by using 3 to 4 or sometimes, 5 points locking mechanisms. These include the handle and lock cylinder which is operated by the key. They require maintenance and lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done with the use of a thin oil, but never WD40. This should be done at least once per year.
If sagging hinges aren't a reason, the door could be misaligned and caught or hitting the strike plate hole within the frame. Take off the strike plate and employ a sharp tool to enlarge the mortise. This allows the latch to fit correctly in the hole, and also prevents scratching or catching on the frame.
Measure the diameter of the cylinder using an object of wood or a book that can be inserted 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. the inner dimension extends from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.
Check the lock's length
If your aluminium patio door repairs 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. Verify that the door is in a balanced position, and if the hinge screws are tight. In many instances, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can solve the issue.
The latch might not work properly if the strike of the lock is too small. In this case you'll need to expand the hole using the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to ensure that it is able to engage the strike plate without rubbing against or landing on the frame of the door jamb.
Before purchasing a new lock, you should first identify the type of mortise lock you currently have. You can do this by looking at the faceplate of the lock and noting if it is square or round. Take a look at each screw hole on the current lock and note the size. This will help you to find an alternative lock that is the exact same width and will fit in your existing hole.
You'll want to identify the mortise lock and examine it for bends, scratches or other damage that need to be fixed. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that's been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if it shows signs of 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. The spindle and handle must be removed from the doorway to the patio. Introduce the new handle. Begin by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it in position using two screws or bolts. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. After you've completed these steps, test the handles to make sure that they open and shut easily and that the latch engages correctly with the strikeplate.
Check the Door's Strike
The door latch and strike plate are the two components of the lock that work together to ensure the latch secures the door. A misaligned strike plate or door latch will result in the latch not being able to latch the door correctly. Fortunately, this issue is usually simple to fix.
Check the receiving holes of the strike plate to ensure they are free of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Remove the screws that hold the strike plate in place. This will allow it to move vertically, but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Then, you can adjust the strike plate until its holes for receiving are aligned with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted, tighten all screws and test to see if the door closes smoothly.
Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to locate for homeowners with sliding patio doors, however they're essential to lock 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 is inserted into the strike plate and forms an airtight seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not installed correctly, it can prevent the latch from locking the door securely.
A misalignment between the latch and strike plate is a common reason for a patio lock to not close or stay. This can be confirmed using the "lipstick" test. Rub some lipstick across the edge of the deadbolt. Then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave a mark when you shut the door. This will indicate exactly where the latch joins the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high, you can adjust the strike plate.
If your patio door locks for sliding aren't working correctly they could be a problem in keeping your home secure from intruders. It is imperative to repair the issue as soon as possible. By following these easy steps, you can fix the lock on your patio door and restore its functionality within a short time.