10 Patio Door Lock Repair-Related Meetups You Should Attend
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors go through wear and tear that could lead to locks that fail. There are a few simple steps you can follow to restore the security of your uPVC door.
These quick fixes will ensure your home is secure regardless of whether you re-align the lock or clean the mechanism.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are ideal for bringing 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, 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 the lock on your patio door always functions properly.
To begin with, it's important to clean the lock of your patio door and all its moving parts. This helps to flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that may hinder the lock from working in the way it should. Begin by wiping all the moving parts of the lock for your patio door using a damp cloth. then make use of a scouring pad, or a rough damp cloth to scrub the hard-to-reach parts of the door and frame that are ingrained with dirt. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock using dry cloths to eliminate any remaining dampness and let it to air dry before making use of it again.
If you have a patio 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 Teflon-based lubricant such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This kind of lubricant can be applied with ease and does not dissolve over time. If you are unable to find the right lubricant to use with your lock, you can make use of a pencil with a more of a thicker tip. Put the pencil into the lock and jiggle it around to spread the graphite.
Tracks for sliding patio doors require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dust, dirt and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to snow, ice, and other particles, which can cause them jam or bind. This can make it difficult for your patio door to be opened and closed.
The sliding rails of the patio door track and rollers can be cleaned by removing weather stripping that is damaged or dirty and then cleaning it, before installing 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, like sliding patios, are operated with 3 to 4 or sometimes 5 point locking mechanisms. This includes the lock cylinder and handle that is operated by keys. These doors require maintenance, the lubrication of moving parts. This can be accomplished with the use of a thin oil but not WD40. It is recommended to do it every year, at a minimum.
If sagging hinges aren't a cause, the door may be skewed and catch or rubbing against the strike plate hole within the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate, and then use an abrasive chisel, which will enlarge the mortise it rests in. This will allow the latch to fit into the hole and stop it from hitting the frame.
Take a measurement of the length of the cylinder using the help of a piece of wood or a book that is able to fit into the space above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of door to the center of cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw to the end cylinder.
Check the lock's width
If your patio door latch is hard to turn, even after cleaning and oiling it could be because it's not aligned with the strike plate. Verify that the door is in balance and whether the hinge screws are secure, but in many cases, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can fix the issue.
The most common issue is when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this case, enlarge the hole with an hammer and chisel. Then test the latch to ensure that it doesn't touch the jamb frame of the door or get caught the frame.
Before buying a replacement lock, you should first identify the type of mortise lock you currently have. This can be done by taking a look at the faceplate of the lock and determining whether it is round or square. Then, take a look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the dimensions of each one. This will help you to find a replacement lock that is exactly the same size and will fit into your existing hole.
In addition to identifying the mortise lock that is currently in use, you'll also need to check it for any nicks or bends that might require repair. A damaged or bent latch is more likely to break than one that's been frequently used, so be sure to replace the lock with a new, secure version in the event you notice any signs of damage or wear.
After you've examined the lock and decided on the type of replacement you need, it's time to start working on the actual repair. The spindle and handle should be removed from the doorway to the patio. Introduce the new handle. Start by installing the inside handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it into place using the two bolts or screws. Once Repair My Windows And Doors in the interior is in, install the handle that is outside and screw it in place, too. After you've completed these steps, you can test the new handles to make sure they open and close easily and that the latch catches correctly when you strike the plate.
Make sure the door's strike is checked
The strike plate and door latch are two parts which work together to lock the door. If these parts aren't aligned correctly, the latch won't latch the door shut correctly. This is typically easy to solve.
First, inspect the strike plate's holes for receiving to make sure they are free of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Then, loosen the keeper screws that keep the strike plate in place and allow it to move horizontally, but not detaching it from the door frame. Then adjust the strike plate so that its holes for receiving are aligned with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate has been adjusted, tighten all screws and test whether the door shuts smoothly.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However they are vital to secure and unlock your door. These metal plates are usually placed on the top and bottom of the door jamb where they serve as the door's latch. The door latch slides onto the strike plate and forms a seal. If the strike plate has been damaged, rusted, or is not installed correctly, the latch may not lock the door properly.
A misalignment of the strike plate and latch is the most common reason for the patio lock to not close or remain in place. The easiest method to check for this is by performing the "lipstick test." Apply some lipstick on the edge of the deadbolt, and then apply masking tape over it. 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 low or high, you can easily alter the strike plate.
If your sliding patio door locks aren't functioning properly, they can keep your home secure from intruders. You must resolve this issue as quickly as you can. Follow these simple steps to repair your patio door lock and restore its functionality.