Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, wear and tear can lead to lock malfunctions. There are a few basic steps you can follow 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 fantastic to let the outdoors in while keeping out the elements. However repairmywindowsanddoors could pose a security threat in the event that the lock isn't working properly. Over time wear and tear hot and cold weather dirt and debris can cause damage to the lock of your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little care you can ensure that your lock for your patio door is always working in a proper manner.
It's important to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This will help remove any grime or coatings that could be preventing your lock from working effectively. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts of your patio door lock with an aqueous cloth. Then you can use a scouring paper or a rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested parts of the door and frame. Then wipe the lock with a dry towel to get rid of any moisture. Let it air dry before you use it.
If you have a patio door that uses a pin tumbler latch mechanism You can 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 type 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, apply a pencil that has a more of a thicker tip. Place the pencil in the lock and jiggle it around a bit to spread the graphite.
The tracks for sliding patio doors also require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dirt, dust, and debris. These tracks are especially vulnerable to snow and ice which can cause them jam or bind which makes it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.
Clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio doors by removing any weather stripping that is damaged or dirty. Clean it, and then replace it. The same applies to patio door rollers which can be cleaned and then sprayed with a non-stick lubricant to help them move freely.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC french doors, similar to sliding patio doors, work by using 3-4 or sometimes five-point locking mechanisms, which include the lock cylinder and handle controlled by a key. These doors require maintenance, lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done with a thin oil (never WD40) and should be done once per year.
If hinges that are sagging aren't the cause, the door may be skewed and catch or hitting the strike plate's hole in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate and use an abrasive chisel to increase the size of the mortise it rests in. This will permit the latch to fit properly into the hole and also prevent it from rubbing against the frame.
Find the diameter of the cylinder using a piece of book or wood 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, while 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. Check to see 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 upwards or downwards can correct the issue.
The latch may not engage properly if the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this instance you'll have to increase the hole using a chisel or hammer and then test the latch to make sure that it contacts the strike plate in a smooth manner without rubbing against or getting caught on the door's frame jamb.
It is important to identify the type of mortise lock you have before buying the replacement. This can be done by looking at the faceplate of the lock and determining if it is square or round. Then, look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the dimensions of each one. This will help you find an alternative lock that is of the same size and is a perfect fit for your existing hole.
In addition to identifying the current mortise lock, you should also examine it for any scratches or bends that may need repairing. A damaged or bent latch is more likely break than one that's not utilized often, so make sure to replace the lock with a new, secure version if you find any signs of damage or wear.
Once you've decided on the kind of lock replacement you require, it's now time to begin the actual repair. Take the old handle and spindle from the patio door, and then insert the new one. Begin by installing the handle inside by aligning it with the spindle, and then securing it in place by using the two bolts or screws that secure it. Once the interior handle is installed, you can install the handle that is outside and screw it in place as well. Once you've completed these steps then you can test the new handles to ensure they are able to open and close with ease and that the latch locks correctly with the strike plate.
Make sure the door's strike is checked
The strike plate and door latch are two parts which work together to secure the door. If they are not aligned properly and the latch isn't latching the door properly. This issue is usually simple to solve.
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 hold the strike plate in place and allow it to move vertically, but not separating it from the door frame. Adjust the strike plate to align its holes for receiving with the latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted then tighten the screws and then test the door to see if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment.
Door strike plates can be difficult to access for homeowners who have sliding patio doors, but they're essential to lock and unlock your door. The metal plates are situated on the top and bottom jambs of your door, where they support its latch. The door latch slides into the strike plate, and it creates a seal. If the strike plate has been damaged or rusted, or if it is not installed correctly the latch may not properly lock the door.
One of the most common reasons for the patio door lock to become stuck or not close is a misalignment between the latch and strike plate. The easiest way to check for this is by performing the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt, and then attach masking tape over it. The lipstick will leave a mark when you close 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 patio door locks for sliding are not working properly they could be a problem in keeping your home safe from burglars. You need to repair the issue as soon as possible. By following these simple steps, you can repair the lock on your patio door and restore its functionality in no time.