Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio door wear and tear could cause lock malfunctions. There are a few simple steps you can follow to restore the security of your uPVC door.

These easy fixes will ensure your home is secure no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the mechanism.

Clean the Lock

Although patio doors are a great way to let the outside in and keep out the elements however, they can also pose security risks if your lock isn't working as it should. With time wear and tear extreme cold and hot weather dirt and debris can affect the lock on your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. Fortunately, with some minor maintenance you can make sure that your patio door's locks always perform properly.

It's important to clean the lock on your patio door and all its moving parts. This will help get rid of any dirt or coatings that might be hindering your lock from working effectively. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a wet cloth. Then, use a scouring cloth or a rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested parts of the frame and door. Then wipe the lock with a dry towel to get rid of any remaining moisture. Let it air dry before using it.

If your patio door uses a pin-tumbler latch you can lubricate it by applying powdered Graphite to the key. You can also use a Teflon lubricant such as WD-40 Multi Use Product. This type of lubricant can be applied with ease and does not dissolve over time. If you are unable to find the correct lubricant for your lock, you can apply a pencil that has a thicker tip. Insert the pencil into the lock and jiggle it around to spread the graphite.

Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free from dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to ice and snow, which could cause them to jam or bind and make it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.

Clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio doors by removing any weather stripping that is dirty or damaged. Clean it and replace it. The rollers of patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed down with an oil that is nonstick.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC french doors, similar to sliding patio door handle repair near me doors, work using 3 to 4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms that include the lock cylinder and handle controlled by keys. These doors also need maintenance, and specifically lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished with a thin oil, but never WD40. This should be done at least once a year.

If hinges that are sagging don't cause the problem it could be because the door isn't aligned. It may be rubbing or catching against the strike plate's hole in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate, and then use an abrasive chisel, which will enlarge the mortise it sits in. This lets the latch sit perfectly in the hole and avoids getting caught or rubbing against the frame.

Measure the length 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 to the end of the cylinder.

Check the width of the lock.

If your patio door latch is difficult to turn even after cleaning and lubricating, there's a possibility that it's not in alignment with the strike plate hole. Check if your door is properly balanced and if the hinge screws are secure. In many cases, however, simply moving the strike plate upwards or downwards will fix the problem.

Most of the time, the issue occurs when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to engage. In this situation you'll have to increase the hole with either a hammer or chisel, and then test the latch to ensure that it contacts the strike plate smoothly without rubbing against or getting caught on the door's frame jamb.

You must identify the kind of mortise lock you are using before you purchase the replacement. You can do this by looking at the faceplate of the lock and noting if it is round or square. Then, look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the size of each one. This will aid you in finding an alternative that is of the same size and is a perfect fit for the hole that you already have.

You'll need to locate the mortise lock and examine it for any scratches, bends, or other damage that need to be repaired. A damaged or bent latch is more likely to break than one that's not used much, so be sure to replace the lock with a new, secure version when you spot any indications of wear or damage.

Once you've checked the lock and determined which kind of replacement you require, it's time to start working on the actual repair. The old spindle and handle must be removed from the aluminium patio door repairs door. Insert the new handle. Start by installing the inside handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it in position using two screws or bolts. Once the handle in the interior is installed, you can install the handle that is outside and screw it in the position as well. Once you've completed these steps then you can test the new handles to ensure that they can be opened and closed easily and that the latch is catching correctly when you strike the plate.

Check the door's Strike

The door latch and strike plate are two components of the lock that work to ensure the latch secures the door. If these are misaligned and the latch isn't latching the door shut properly. Fortunately, the issue is usually easy to correct.

Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to ensure they are free of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the screws that keep the strike plate in place and allow it to move horizontally, but not removing it from the frame of the door. Then adjust the strike plate so that its holes for receiving are aligned with the latch hooks on the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted then tighten the screws and then test the door to determine whether it shuts easily with the new adjustment.

Door strike plates can be difficult to access for homeowners who have sliding patio door repair near me patio door repair company near me doors, however they are essential for locking and unlocking your door. The metal plates are typically located on the top and bottom of the door jamb which is where they are used to support the door's latch. The door latch is placed on the strike plate, creating an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate has been damaged or rusted, or if it is not properly installed the latch might not properly lock the door.

One common reason for an outdoor door lock to become stuck or not close is a misalignment of the latch and the strike plate. This can be confirmed using the "lipstick" test. Apply a little lipstick across the edge of the deadbolt, then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave the mark when you close the door. This will show you exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low you can alter the strike plate.

If your patio door locks for sliding are not working properly they can help keep your home safe from burglars. You must fix this problem as soon as you can. Follow these simple steps to fix your patio door lock and restore it's functionality.