Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio door wear and tear could cause lock malfunctions. There are a few basic steps you can follow to ensure the security of your uPVC door.

These easy fixes will ensure your home is secure regardless of whether you re-align the lock or clean the locking mechanism.

Clean the Lock

Patio doors are great for letting the outdoors inside and keeping out the elements. However they could pose risky for security when the lock isn't functioning correctly. Over time, wear and tear, cold and hot weather dirt and debris can affect your patio door's lock and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little attention you can ensure that your patio door's lock always works in a proper manner.

It's important to first clean the patio glass Repair near me door lock and all moving parts. This helps to get rid of any grime and coatings that could hinder the lock from working in the way it should. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a damp cloth. Then apply a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested areas of the door frame and frame. Then wipe the lock using a dry towel to remove any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before you use it.

If you have a patio door that uses pin tumbler latch mechanisms it is possible to apply lubrication to 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 can be applied easily and does not dissolve over time. If you're unable to find the right lubricant for your lock, you can make use of a pencil with a larger tip. Insert the pencil into the lock and move it around a bit to spread the graphite.

Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free from dirt, dust and other debris. These tracks are particularly vulnerable to snow, ice, and other debris that could cause them to get stuck or to bind. This could make it difficult for your patio glass repair near me door to be opened and closed.

You can clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio doors by removing any weather stripping that is damaged or dirty. Clean it, then replace it. The rollers for patio doors can 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. These include the lock cylinder and handle that is operated with the key. They also require maintenance, including lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished using a thin oil (never WD40) and should be done every year.

If the hinges aren't causing the problem it could be because the door is misaligned. It may be rubbing against or catching the strike plate's opening in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate and use an abrasive chisel, which will enlarge the mortise it rests in. This lets the latch sit correctly in the hole and prevents getting caught or rubbing against the frame.

Take a measurement of the length 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 center 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, there's a possibility that it is out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Verify that the door is properly balanced and whether the hinge screws are secure, but in many cases shifting the strike plate upwards or downwards can fix the issue.

The latch may not be able to engage properly in the event that the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this instance, you'll need to enlarge the hole with 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 landing on the door's frame jamb.

It is important to identify the type of mortise lock you have before purchasing an alternative. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and observing whether it is round or square. Then, take a look at the screw holes on the existing lock and note the size of each one. This will enable you to find a replacement lock that is exactly the same width and fits into the hole that you already have.

In addition to identifying the current mortise lock you'll also want to inspect it for any scratches or bends that might require repair patio door. A bent or damaged latch is more likely break than one that hasn't been utilized often, so make sure to replace the lock with a brand new secure and safe version if you find any signs of wear or damage.

Once you've checked the lock and determined which type of replacement you'll need now is the time to start working on the actual repair. The old handle and spindle should be removed from the doorway to the patio. Install the new handle. Start by installing the inside handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it into by using two screws or bolts. Once the handle in the interior is installed, you can install the handle on the outside and screw it into place, too. After you've completed the steps, you can test the new handles to make sure they are able to open and close with ease and that the latch is catching correctly when you strike the plate.

Check the door's Strike

The strike plate and the door latch are two parts that work together to secure the door. A misaligned strike plate or door latches will result in the latch not being able to latch the door properly. Fortunately, this issue is often easy to fix.

First, inspect the strike plate's receiving holes to ensure they are free of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Release the screws that hold the strike plate. This allows it to move vertically but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Then adjust the strike plate so that its receiving holes align with the latch hooks on the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted then tighten all screws, and check if the door closes smoothly.

Door strike plates can be difficult to access for homeowners with sliding patio door repairs near me patio doors, but they're essential to lock and unlock your door. These metal plates are usually placed on the top and bottom of the door jamb, where they support the door's latch. The door latch is placed on the strike plate, creating a seal when closed. If the strike plate has been damaged or rusted or not installed correctly the latch might not properly lock the door.

A misalignment of the strike plate and latch is one common cause for the patio lock to not close or remain in place. This can be verified using 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 meets the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low, you can easily alter the strike plate.

If your sliding patio door locks aren't working correctly, they can keep your home safe from burglars. It is imperative to fix this problem as soon as possible. By following these simple steps, you can fix your patio door lock repair near me door's lock and restore its functionality in a matter of minutes.