Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio door wear and tear could cause lock malfunctions. Fortunately, there are several easy and efficient ways to restore your uPVC patio door's security.

Whether it's realigning the lock or cleaning the mechanism for locking these simple fixes will make your home more secure.

Clean the Lock

Patio doors are great for bringing the outdoors inside and keeping out the elements. However, they can be an issue for security in the event that the lock isn't working correctly. With time, wear and tear, hot and cold weather dirt, and other debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little attention you can ensure that your lock for your patio door always functions properly.

It's crucial to clean your patio door's lock and all the moving parts. This will help to remove any dirt or coatings that could be preventing the lock from working correctly. Start by wiping down all the moving parts of your patio door's lock using a damp cloth. then employ a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub the hard-to-reach parts of the door and frame that are covered in dirt. You should then wipe down the entire lock using dry cloths to eliminate any remaining dampness, and allow it to air dry prior to applying it to the next time.

If your patio door is equipped with a pin-tumbler latch You can lubricate it by applying powdered Graphite to the key. You can also apply a Teflon lubricant like WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant is able to be applied quickly and doesn't dissolve over time. If you're unable to find the correct lubricant for your lock, make use of a pencil with a more of a thicker tip. Insert the pencil into the lock and move it around a bit 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 can be especially susceptible to snow and ice, which can cause them to jam or bind and make it difficult for your patio repair near me doors to open and close.

Sliding patio door track rails and rollers can be cleaned by removing dirty or damaged weather stripping and then cleaning it, before replacing it. The rollers of patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed with an oil that is non-stick.

Lubricate the Moving Parts

uPVC french doors, which are similar to sliding patio doors, operate by using 3-4 or occasionally 5-point locking mechanisms that include the handle and lock cylinder operated by the key. These doors also require maintenance, and specifically lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished using a thin oil (never WD40) and should be done once per year.

If sagging hinges aren't the cause, the door could be skewed and catch or hitting 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 that it rests in. This allows the latch to fit properly in the hole and prevents scratching or catching on the frame.

Measure the diameter of the cylinder using a piece of wood or a book that fits into the gap 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 until the end cylinder.

Check the width of the lock.

If your patio door latch isn't able to turn even after cleaning and lubricating, there's a possibility that it is out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Examine if the door is balanced and whether the hinge screws are secure however, in many instances, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can correct the issue.

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

Before buying a replacement lock, it is important to determine what kind of mortise lock you currently have. You can do this by looking at the faceplate of the lock and determining if it is square or round. Then, look at the screw holes on the existing lock and note the dimensions of each one. This will aid you in finding a replacement that is the same width and fits perfectly into your existing hole.

In addition to identifying the mortise lock that is currently in use, you'll also want to inspect it for any bends or scratches that may need repairing. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that has been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if you notice indications of damage.

Once you've identified the type of lock replacement that you require Now it's time to start the actual repair. Remove the old handle and spindle out of your patio door, and then insert the new one. Start by putting in the interior handle and aligning it with the spindle, and then securing it in place with the two screws or bolts that secure it. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. After you've completed these steps then you can test the new handles to ensure that they are able to open and close with ease and that the latch catches properly with the strike plate.

Check the Strike of the Door.

The door latch and strike plate are two parts of the lock that work to ensure that the latch locks the door. If these are misaligned and the latch isn't latching the door shut correctly. Fortunately, this issue is usually simple to fix.

Check the receiving holes of the strike plate to make sure they are free 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 removing it from the door frame. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its receiving holes with the latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted then tighten the screws and test the door to determine whether it shuts easily with the new adjustment.

These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However they are vital for locking and unlocking your door. These plates are usually placed 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 it creates a seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not installed correctly, it can hinder the latch from locking the door securely.

One common reason for a patio door lock to become stuck or not close is a misalignment between the latch and strike plate. This can be confirmed using the "lipstick" test. Rub some lipstick on the outside 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 joins the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low you can adjust the strike plate.

sliding glass patio doors repair patio doors repair door locks help protect your home from intruders, and if they're not functioning correctly, you should fix the problem quickly. If you follow these steps, you can repair your patio door's lock and regain its functionality in no time.