Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio door repair service near me doors go through wear and tear that could lead to lock malfunctions. There are a few simple steps you can take to ensure the security of your uPVC door.

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

Clean the Lock

Patio doors are great for letting the outdoors in and keeping the elements out. However they can pose a security threat if the lock doesn't work correctly. Over time wear and tear, cold and hot weather, dirt and debris can cause damage to the lock of your patio door and make it difficult to open. With some minor maintenance you can make sure that the locks on your patio door always work properly.

It's essential to clean the lock of your patio door and all its moving parts. This will help to remove any dirt or coatings that might be hindering your lock from functioning correctly. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a damp cloth, then use a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any difficult-to-access areas of the door or frame that are coated with dirt. Then clean the lock using a dry towel to get rid of any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before you use it.

If you have a patio sliding doors repair door that uses a pin tumbler latch mechanism it is possible to lubricate the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or using a lubricant made of Teflon, like WD-40 Multi-Use. This kind of lubricant can be applied easily and does not dissolve over time. If you are unable to locate the right lubricant for your needs you can use a pencil with an extremely thick tip. Place the pencil in the lock and jiggle it around to distribute the graphite.

Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear from dirt, dust and debris. They are particularly susceptible to ice and snow, which could cause them to become stuck or slack and make it difficult for your Patio Screen Door Repair Near Me doors to open and close.

You can clean the track rails and rollers of 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 non-stick.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC french doors, which are similar to sliding patio door frame repair doors, work by using 3-4 or occasionally 5-point locking mechanisms that 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 however, never WD40. It should be done at least once a year.

If sagging hinges aren't the cause, the door may be misaligned and catching or hitting the strike plate's hole in the frame. Take off the strike plate and employ a sharp tool to expand the mortise. This will permit the latch to fit into the hole and prevent it from rubbing against the frame.

Once the cylinder is cleared of the way and out of the way, measure its width using the help of a book or piece wood that can fit into the adjustment screw gap above the lock. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of the door to the center cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw to the end of the of the cylinder.

Verify the width of the lock.

If your patio door latch isn't able to turn, even after cleaning and lubricating, it's possible that it's not in alignment with the strike plate hole. Examine if the door is in balance and if the hinge screws are tight However, in many cases it is possible to move the strike plate up or down can fix the issue.

The latch may not engage properly if the strike of the lock is too small. In this case, enlarge the opening using a chisel and hammer. Then, test the latch to ensure that it doesn't touch the jamb frame of the door or get caught the frame.

You should identify the type mortise lock you have before buying the replacement. This can be done by looking at the end faceplate and observing whether it is square or round. Then, take a look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the size of each one. This information will help you find an alternative that is of the same size and will fit 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 need to be fixed. A badly damaged or bent latch is more likely to break than one that's been utilized often, so make sure to replace the lock with a brand new one that is secure in the event you notice any signs of wear or damage.

After you've determined the type of lock replacement you need Now it's time to start the actual repair. The old handle and spindle should be removed from the patio door. Introduce the new handle. Start by putting in the handle in the interior, aligning it with the spindle, and then fixing it by using the two screws or bolts that secure it. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. Once you have completed these steps Test the handles to ensure that they can be shut and open easily and that the latch is in contact properly with the strikeplate.

Check the door's Strike

The strike plate and door latch are two components which work together to lock the door. If these are misaligned and the latch doesn't latch the door shut correctly. Fortunately, the issue is often easy to fix.

First, inspect the strike plate's receiving holes to make sure they are clear of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the keeper screws that secure the strike plate in place and allow it to move vertically, but not detaching it from the frame of your door. Then, adjust the strike plate to ensure that its receiving holes align with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted then tighten the screws and then test the door to see whether it locks smoothly after the new adjustment.

Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to locate for homeowners with sliding patio doors, however they're essential for locking and unlocking your door. The plates made of metal are located at the top and bottom jambs of your door, where they support its latch. The door latch slides into the strike plate to create an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate has been damaged or rusted, or if it is not installed correctly, the latch may not lock the door properly.

The most common reason for a patio door lock to not close or not close is a misalignment between the latch and strike plate. This can be confirmed using the "lipstick" test. Apply a little lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt and then cover it with masking tape. When you close the door the lipstick will leave an impression on the tape that will show exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high you can easily adjust the strike plate.

If your sliding patio door locks aren't working correctly they can help keep your home secure from intruders. You need to fix this problem as soon as possible. Follow these simple steps to repair your patio door lock and restore its functionality.