10 Patio Door Lock Repair Meetups You Should Attend
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, wear and tear could cause lock malfunctions. There are a few easy steps you can take to ensure the security of your uPVC door.
Whether it's realigning the lock or cleaning the locking mechanism these simple fixes will increase the security of your home.
Clean the Lock
While patio doors are an excellent way to bring the outside in and keep the elements out, they can also be security risks when your lock isn't functioning as it should. Over time, wear and tear, cold and hot weather dirt and debris can affect the lock of your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. With some minor maintenance, you can ensure your patio door's locks will always perform correctly.
It is important to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This helps flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that could be preventing the lock from functioning in the way it should. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts of your patio door lock using a wet cloth. Then, use a scouring cloth or a rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested parts of the frame and door. You should then wipe down the entire lock with dry cloth to get rid of any remaining dampness, and allow it to air dry before using it again.
If you have an exterior door that is fitted with pin tumbler latch mechanisms, you can apply lubrication to the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or using an lubricant based on Teflon like WD-40 Multi-Use. This type of lubricant is easy to apply, and it won't disintegrate with time. If you're not able to locate the right lubricant for your needs, you might try using a pencil with an extremely sharp tip. Put the pencil into the lock and jiggle it around a bit to distribute the graphite.
The tracks for sliding patio doors also require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dust, dirt, and debris. They are particularly susceptible to snow and ice, which can cause them jam or bind which makes it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.
The sliding rails of the patio door track and rollers can be cleaned by removing any damaged or dirty weather stripping, cleaning them, then installing it. The rollers of patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed down 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. They include the lock cylinder and handle which is operated by keys. These doors require maintenance, the lubrication of moving parts. This can be accomplished with an oil that is thin but not WD40. It should be done at least once a 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. Remove the strike plate, and employ a sharp tool increase the size of the mortise. This will allow the latch to fit properly into the hole and stop it from rubbing against the frame.
Measure the length of the cylinder using 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 cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.
Verify the width of the lock.
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 if your door is balanced, and if the hinge screws are tight. In a lot of cases, however, simply moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can solve the issue.
Most of the time, the issue occurs when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to engage. In this instance, you can widen the hole with a chisel and hammer. Then, test the latch so that it doesn't rub against the door jamb frame or catch on it.
Before purchasing a new lock, first 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 size of each one. This will aid you in finding an alternative lock that is the same width and is a perfect fit for your existing hole.
You'll need to identify the mortise lock and examine it for scratches, bends or other damage that needs to be fixed. A damaged or bent latch is more likely to break than one that's been used much, so be sure to replace the lock with a new, secure version when you spot any indications of damage or wear.
Once you've decided on the kind of lock replacement that you require It's time to start the actual repair. Remove the old handle and spindle out of your patio door, and then install the new one. Begin by installing the interior handle. Align sliding patio door repair with the spindle, and then secure it in place using the two screws or bolts. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. After you've completed these steps check the handles to ensure that they can be shut and open easily and that the latch engages properly with the strikeplate.
Check the Door's Strike
The strike plate and the door latch are two pieces that work together to secure the door. If they are not aligned properly and the latch isn't latching the door shut correctly. This problem is usually very easy to solve.
Check the receiving holes of the strike plate to ensure they are clear of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the screws that secure the strike plate in place, allowing it to move vertically but not detaching it from the frame of your door. Adjust the strike plate to align its holes for receiving with the latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted, tighten the screws and then test the door to see whether it shuts easily with the new adjustment.
Door strike plates can be difficult to access for homeowners who have sliding patio doors, however they're essential to lock and unlock your door. The metal plates are situated between the top and bottom jambs of the door which are where they help support the latch. The door latch slides into the strike plate, creating the seal when it is closed. If the strike plate is damaged or rusted or not properly installed, the latch may not be able to lock the door properly.
The most common reason for a patio door lock to become stuck or not close is a misalignment between the latch and the strike plate. The most effective way to test for this is with the "lipstick test." Apply some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt, and then apply masking tape over it. The lipstick will leave a mark when you shut the door. This will indicate exactly where the latch joins the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low it is possible to adjust the strike plate.
If your sliding patio door locks aren't working correctly they can help keep your home safe from burglars. It is imperative to resolve this issue as quickly as possible. Follow these steps to repair your patio door lock and restore it's function.