Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio doors experience wear and tear which can cause lock malfunctions. Fortunately, there are several easy and efficient steps that can help restore your uPVC patio door's security.

These quick fixes can make your home safer regardless of whether you re-align the lock or clean the mechanism.

Clean the Lock

While patio doors are a great option to bring the outside in and keep out the elements but they can also pose an issue for security if your lock isn't working as it should. Over time, wear and tear, hot and cold weather dirt and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little maintenance, you can ensure the locks on your patio door always perform properly.

It is important to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This will help to remove any coatings or dirt that may be preventing the lock from working correctly. Begin by wiping down the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a damp cloth, then make use of a scouring pad, or a rough damp cloth to scrub any hard-to-reach areas of the door and frame that are covered in dirt. Then, wipe the entire lock using a dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness and allow it to air dry prior to applying it to the next time.

If your patio door uses pin-tumbler latches you can apply 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 with ease and does not dissolve over time. If you're not able to locate a suitable lubricant, you can try using a pencil with an extremely sharp tip. Place the pencil into the lock, and shake it around to distribute the graphite.

Regular maintenance is also required to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear of dust, dirt and debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow and ice, which can cause them to become stuck or slack, making it harder for your patio doors to open and close.

You can clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio door repair service patio doors by removing weather stripping that is dirty or damaged. Clean it, and then replace it. The rollers of patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed down with a nonstick lubricant.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC french doors, similar to sliding patio doors, work by using 3-4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms which include the lock cylinder and handle controlled by keys. These doors also require maintenance, and specifically lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done with a thin oil (never WD40) and should be done every year.

If hinges that are sagging aren't the cause, the door could be misaligned and caught or hitting the strike plate's hole in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate, and then use a sharp chisel to enlarge the mortise it rests in. This will permit the latch to fit properly into the hole, and stop it from hitting the frame.

While the cylinder is out of the way, measure its width with the help of a book or piece wood patio door repair that will fit in the gap of adjustment screw above the lock. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the center of the cylinder, while the inner dimension runs from the center of the adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder.

Check the lock's width

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. Verify that the door is balanced and whether the hinge screws are tight, but in many cases shifting the strike plate upwards or downwards can fix the issue.

Oftentimes, the problem occurs when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to engage. In this case you'll need to expand the opening using the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to make sure that it contacts the strike plate in a smooth manner without rubbing against or catching on the frame of the door jamb.

It is important to identify the type of mortise lock you currently have before purchasing an alternative. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and noting whether it is square or round. Then, take a look at the screw holes in the existing lock and note the dimensions of each one. This will help you to find the replacement lock that has the exact same width and fits into the hole you have already.

In addition to identifying the current mortise lock, you'll also want to inspect it for any nicks or bends that may need repairing. A damaged or bent latch is more prone to break than one that's been frequently used, so be sure to replace the lock with a brand new one that is secure when you spot any indications of wear or damage.

After you've determined the type of lock replacement you need, it's now time to start the actual repair. The old handle and spindle must be removed from the patio door. Introduce the new handle. Start by putting in the interior handle, aligning it with the spindle, and then securing it with the two screws or bolts that hold it. Once the interior handle is in, install the handle that is outside and screw it into the position as well. After you've completed the steps, 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.

Make sure the door's strike is checked

The door latch and strike plate are the two parts of the lock that work to ensure that the latch locks the door. If these parts aren't aligned correctly and the latch isn't latching the door properly. Fortunately, this problem is often easy to fix.

Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to ensure they are free of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Release the screws that hold the strike plate. This allows it to move vertically, but it will not be able to separate from the frame. 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 then tighten the screws and then test the door to see if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment.

Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to access for homeowners who have sliding patio door handle repair near me doors, but 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, which are where they help support the latch. The door latch is placed on the strike plate to form a seal when closed. If the strike plate has been damaged, rusted, or is not properly installed, the latch may not properly lock the door.

A misalignment between the latch and strike plate is one common cause for the patio lock to not close or stick. 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 shut the door the lipstick will leave marks on the tape, indicating exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low, you can adjust the strike plate.

If your sliding patio door locks aren't working correctly they could be a problem in keeping your home safe from burglars. You need to resolve this issue as quickly as possible. Follow these easy steps to repair your patio door lock and restore it's function.