10 Undisputed Reasons People Hate Patio Door Lock Repair
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, the wear and tear can cause lock malfunctions. Fortunately, there are several simple and efficient methods that can restore your uPVC patio door's security.
These simple fixes can make your home safer no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the mechanism.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are fantastic to let the outdoors inside and keeping the elements out. However they could pose a security threat when the lock isn't functioning correctly. As time passes wear and tear, extreme cold and hot weather, dirt and debris can take their toll on your patio door's lock and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little effort you can ensure that your patio door's lock always works properly.
It's important to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This will help how to Repair patio door lock remove any dirt or coatings that could be preventing your lock from working correctly. Start by wiping down the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a damp, clean cloth. then employ a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any hard-to-reach areas of the door or frame that are covered in dirt. Then clean the lock using a dry towel to remove any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before using it.
If you have a patio door that uses a pin tumbler latch mechanism, you can lubricate the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or using an lubricant based on Teflon like WD-40 Multi-Use. This kind of lubricant is easy to apply and it doesn't dissolve with time. If you are unable to find the right lubricant to use with your lock, use a pencil with more of a thicker tip. Place the pencil in the lock and move it around to spread the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also required to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear from dirt, dust and other debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to ice and snow which can cause them be stuck or jammed which makes it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.
You can clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio doors by removing any weather stripping that is dirty or damaged. Clean it, and then replace it. Patio door rollers can also be cleaned and sprayed with an oil that is nonstick.
Lubricate the Moving Parts
uPVC French doors, like sliding patios, are operated by using 3 to 4 or sometimes 5 points locking mechanisms. They include the handle and lock cylinder that is operated with a key. They require maintenance and oiling of the moving parts. This can be accomplished with an oil that is thin, but never WD40. This should be done every year, at a minimum.
If sagging hinges don't cause the issue, it could be that the door is misaligned. It could be rubbing or catching against the strike plate's hole in the frame. Remove the strike plate, and employ a sharp tool to expand its mortise. This lets the latch sit properly in the hole and prevents rubbing or catching on the frame.
Take a measurement of the diameter of the cylinder using the help of a piece 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 middle of the cylinder, and the inner dimension extends from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.
Check the lock's length
If your patio door latch is difficult to turn, even after cleaning and lubricating, it's possible that it's out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Check how to repair patio door lock see if the door is in balance and if the hinge screws are secure However, in many cases shifting the strike plate upwards or downwards could fix the problem.
Most of the time, the issue occurs when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to engage. In this case, enlarge the hole with the hammer and chisel. Then, test the latch to ensure that it does not rub against the jamb frame of the door or fall the frame.
You should identify the type mortise lock that you have before purchasing a replacement. This can be done by looking at the end faceplate and observing whether it is round or square. Look at each screw hole on the existing lock, and note their size. This information will assist you in finding an alternative that is the same size and fits perfectly into the hole that you already have.
You'll want to identify the mortise lock and inspect it for scratches, bends, or other damage that requires to be repaired. A bent or damaged latch is more likely break than one that hasn't been frequently used, so be sure to replace the lock with a new one that is secure in the event you notice any signs of wear or damage.
Once you've checked the lock and determined which type of replacement you'll need then it's time to begin working on the actual repair. Take the old handle and spindle from your patio door, and then insert the new one. Start by putting in the interior handle by aligning it with the spindle, and then fixing it with the two bolts or screws that hold it. Once the handle in the interior is installed, put in the exterior handle and screw it into place as well. After you've completed the steps, you can test the new handles to make sure they can be opened and closed easily and that the latch locks correctly when you strike the plate.
Make sure the door's strike is checked
The strike plate and the door latch are two pieces that work together in order to secure 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 usually easy to correct.
First, check the strike plate's holes for receiving to ensure that they are clear of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Loosen the keeper screws holding the strike plate. This will allow it to move vertically, but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Adjust the strike plate to align its holes for receiving with latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted, tighten the screws and test the door to determine whether it locks smoothly after the new adjustment.
Door strike plates can be difficult to locate for homeowners with sliding patio doors, but they are essential for locking and unlocking your door. The metal plates are typically located on the top and bottom of the door jamb where they serve as the door's 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 may stop the latch from locking the door securely.
One common reason for an outdoor door lock to become stuck or not close is a misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This can be checked with the "lipstick" test. Rub some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt, then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave a mark 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 alter the strike plate.
The sliding patio door locks keep your home safe from burglars, and if they're not working correctly, you must fix the problem quickly. If you follow these steps, you can fix your patio door's lock and restore its functionality within a short time.