Where Will Patio Door Lock Repair 1 Year From Now
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors experience wear and tear that can cause lock malfunctions. There are a few simple steps you can follow to restore the security of your uPVC door.
It's about realigning the lock or cleaning the locking mechanism these simple fixes will make your home more secure.
Clean the Lock
Although patio doors are an excellent way to bring the outside in and keep the elements out but they can also pose an issue for security 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 maintenance, you can ensure your patio door's locks will always work effectively.
It is important to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This helps remove any dirt and coatings that may be preventing the lock from working in the way it should. Start by wiping down all the moving parts of the lock for your patio door using a damp cloth. then use a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub the hard-to-reach areas of the door and frame that are ingrained with dirt. Then, wipe the lock down using a dry towel to get rid of any moisture. Let it air dry before using it.
If you have a patio door that uses pin tumbler latch mechanisms it is possible to grease the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or by using an lubricant based on Teflon such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This kind of lubricant is easy to apply, and doesn't break down with time. If you're unable to locate a suitable lubricant, you can use a pencil with an extremely thick tip. Insert the pencil into the lock and move it around to distribute the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also required to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear from dirt, dust and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to snow and ice, which can cause them jam or bind, making it harder for your patio doors to open and close.
Sliding patio door track rails and rollers can be cleaned by removing any damaged or dirty weather stripping and cleaning them before replacing it. The same applies for patio door rollers, which can be wiped down and sprayed with non-stick lubricant that will allow them to move freely.
Lubricate the Moving Parts
uPVC french doors, similar to sliding patio doors, work 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, and specifically lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done using an oil that is thin (never WD40) and should be done once per year.
If hinges that are sagging aren't the reason, the door could be skewed and catch or rubbing against the strike plate hole in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate and use a sharp chisel to enlarge the mortise it sits in. This will permit the latch to fit into the hole, and also prevent it from scratching against the frame.
Find the width of the cylinder with the help of a piece of wood patio door repair or a book that is able to fit into the space above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of the door to the center of cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.
Verify 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. Examine if the door is properly balanced and if the hinge screws are tight, but in many cases shifting the strike plate upwards or downwards could fix the problem.
Most of the time, the issue occurs when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this situation, you need to widen the hole with an hammer and chisel. Then test the latch so that it doesn't touch the jamb frame of the door or get caught on it.
It is important to identify the type of mortise lock that you have before buying the replacement. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and noting whether it is square or round. Look at each screw hole on the existing lock and note the size. This will help you to locate an alternative lock that is exactly the same width and will fit into the hole you have already.
You'll need to identify the mortise lock and inspect it for any scratches, bends or other damage that needs to be fixed. A badly damaged or bent latch is more likely to break than one that's not frequently used, so be sure to replace the lock with a new one that is secure if you find any signs of damage or wear.
After you've determined the type of lock replacement that you require, it's now time to begin the actual repair patio door lock. Take the old handle and spindle from your patio door repair service door, and then put in the new one. Start by putting in the handle in the interior by aligning it with the spindle and then fixing it with the two bolts or screws which hold it. 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 is in contact properly with the strikeplate.
Check the Strike on the door.
The door latch and strike plate are the two components of the lock that work to ensure that the latch locks the door. Misaligned strike plate and door latch will cause the latch to not latch the door in a proper manner. Fortunately, the issue is often easy to fix.
Check the holes for receiving of the strike plate to make sure they are clear of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Release the screws that hold the strike plate in position. This will allow it to move vertically, but not separate it from the frame. Then, adjust the strike plate to ensure that its holes for receiving are aligned with the latch hooks on the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted then tighten all screws, and test to see if the door closes smoothly.
Door strike plates can be difficult to locate for homeowners with sliding patio doors, but they're essential to lock and unlock your door. These metal plates are located between the top and bottom jambs of the door, which are where they help support the latch. The door latch slides onto this strike plate and creates a seal. If the strike plate has been damaged or rusted, or if it is not properly installed, the latch may not properly lock the door.
A misalignment between the latch and strike plate is one common cause for a patio lock to not close or stick. This can be checked with the "lipstick" test. Apply a little lipstick across the edge of the deadbolt and then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave the mark when you shut the door. This will reveal exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low you can alter the strike plate.
The sliding patio door locks keep your home safe from intruders, and if they're not working properly, you need to solve the issue fast. By following these simple steps, you'll be able to fix the lock on your patio door and restore its functionality within a short time.