Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio doors undergo wear and tear that can result in lock malfunctions. Fortunately, there are several simple and efficient steps that can help restore your uPVC patio door's security.

These easy fixes can make your home safer, whether you realign the lock or clean the locking mechanism.

Clean the Lock

Although patio doors are a great way to let the outside in and keep out the elements but they can also pose security risks when your lock isn't functioning as it should. Over time, wear, tear, hot and cold weather dirt and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. Fortunately, with some minor maintenance you can make sure that the locks on your patio door always work correctly.

It is essential to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This will help get rid of any coatings or dirt that may be preventing the lock from working properly. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts on the lock for your patio door with an aqueous cloth. Then you can use a scouring paper or rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested areas of the frame and door. Then, wipe the entire lock with dry cloths to eliminate any remaining dampness and allow it to air dry before using it again.

If your patio door uses a pin-tumbler latch, you can lubricate it by applying powdered Graphite on the key. You can also apply a Teflon lubricant like WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This kind of lubricant can be applied easily and does not dissolve over time. If you are unable to find the correct lubricant for your lock, you can make use of a pencil with a thicker tip. Put the pencil into the lock and move it around to distribute the graphite.

Sliding patio door tracks also require regular maintenance to ensure they're free of dirt, dust and other debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow and ice, which can cause them become stuck or slack and make it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.

You can clean the track rails and rollers of sliding glass patio door repair patio sliding door repair doors by removing any damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it and replace it. The same can be done for rollers on patio doors, which can be cleaned and sprayed with non-stick lubricant how to repair tilt and slide patio door help them move freely.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC french doors, like sliding patio doors, work using 3 to 4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms that include the lock cylinder and handle operated by a key. These doors also need maintenance, and specifically lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished using a thin oil (never WD40) and is recommended to be done at least once per year.

If the hinges aren't causing the issue it could be because the door is misaligned. It could be rubbing against or catching the hole of the strike plate in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate, and then use a sharp chisel to enlarge the mortise it sits in. This allows the latch to sit properly in the hole, and also prevents getting caught or rubbing against the frame.

Measure the length of the cylinder using an object of wood or a book that is able to fit into the space above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the center of the cylinder. the inner measurement runs from the center of the adjustment screw until 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. Check to see if the door is properly balanced and whether the hinge screws are secure However, in many cases, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can fix the issue.

Oftentimes, the problem occurs when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this case you'll need to expand the hole with the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to ensure that it contacts the strike plate in a smooth manner without rubbing against or getting caught on the door's frame jamb.

You must identify the kind of mortise lock you have before purchasing an alternative. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and noting whether it is round or square. Take a look at each screw hole in the existing lock, and note their size. This will help you find a replacement that is of the same size and will fit perfectly into the hole that you already have.

You'll need to locate the mortise lock and examine it for any scratches, bends or other damage that need to be fixed. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that's frequently used to break. Replace the lock if it shows signs of damage.

Once you've decided on the kind of lock replacement that you require It's time to start the actual repair. Remove the handle and spindle from your patio door, and then insert the new one. Begin by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it into place using the two bolts or screws. Once the handle in the interior is installed, put in the exterior handle and screw it in the position as well. Once you have completed these steps Test the handles to ensure that they are able to open and close easily and that the latch is in contact properly with the strikeplate.

Check the Strike on the door.

The strike plate and door latch are two pieces which work together to lock the door. An incorrectly aligned strike plate and door latches can cause the latch to not latch the door properly. This problem is usually very simple to fix.

Check the holes for receiving of the strike plate to make sure they are clear of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Remove the screws that hold the strike plate in place. This allows it to move horizontally, but not separate it from the frame. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its holes for receiving with latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted then tighten all screws, and test whether the door shuts smoothly.

Door strike plates can be difficult to access for homeowners with sliding patio doors, but they're crucial for locking and unlocking your door. The plates made of metal are located at the top and bottom jambs of the door where they support its latch. The door latch is able to slide into the strike plate, creating the seal when it is closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not installed correctly, it may stop the latch from locking the door securely.

One of the most common reasons for an outdoor door lock to stick or not close is a misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This can be confirmed using the "lipstick" test. Apply some lipstick across the edge of the deadbolt, then cover it with masking tape. When you close the door the lipstick will leave an impression on the tape that will show you exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high you can alter the strike plate.

The sliding patio door locks protect your home from burglars. If they're not functioning correctly, you must repair the issue quickly. If you follow these steps, you can repair the lock on your patio door and restore its functionality in a matter of minutes.