How The 10 Worst Patio Door Lock Repair Failures Of All Time Could Have Been Prevented
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, the wear and tear can lead to lock malfunctions. There are fortunately, a number of simple and efficient ways to restore your uPVC patio door's security.
Whether it's realigning the lock or cleaning the locking mechanism, these quick fixes can make your home more secure.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are great for bringing the outdoors in and keeping the elements out. However they can pose risky for security if the lock doesn't work 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 maintenance you can ensure that your patio door's locks will always work correctly.
It is important to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This helps remove any dirt and coatings that could hinder the lock from working in the way it should. Start by wiping all the moving parts of your patio door lock with a damp cloth. Then you can use a scouring paper or a rough damp cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the door frame and frame. Then, wipe the lock down with a dry towel to remove any remaining moisture. Let it air dry before you use it.
If your patio door is equipped with a pin-tumbler latch, you can lubricate it by applying powdered Graphite on the key. You can also use a Teflon 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're unable to find a suitable lubricant You might use a pencil with a thick tip. Place the pencil in the lock and move it around to spread the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear from dirt, dust and debris. They are particularly susceptible to ice, snow, and other debris, which could cause them to jam or bind. This could make it difficult for your patio door to open and shut.
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 for patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed down with an oil that is non-stick.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC french doors, like sliding patio doors, operate by using 3 to 4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms which include the lock cylinder and handle operated by the key. They also require maintenance, specifically lubrication on the moving parts. This can be accomplished using an oil that is thin (never WD40) and is recommended to be done at least once per year.
If sagging hinges aren't a reason, the door could be misaligned and caught or hitting the strike plate hole in the frame. Take off the strike plate and use a sharp tool to increase the size of its mortise. This lets the latch sit correctly in the hole and avoids scratching or catching on the frame.
Take sliding patio door repair near me of the width of the cylinder with the help of a piece of wood or a book that fits 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, and the inner measurement runs from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.
Check the lock's length
If your patio door latch isn't able to turn even after oiling and cleaning, it's possible that it's not aligned properly with the strike plate. Examine if the door is properly balanced and whether the hinge screws are tight however, in many instances shifting the strike plate upwards or downwards can correct the issue.
Oftentimes, the problem occurs when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this case you'll have to increase the hole using the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to make sure that it contacts the strike plate without rubbing against or landing on the door's frame jamb.
Before purchasing a new lock, first identify the type of mortise lock you currently have. This can be done by looking at the end faceplate and determining if it is square or round. Take a look at each screw hole on the current lock, and note their size. This information will allow you to locate an alternative lock that is exactly the same width and fits into your existing hole.
You'll want to identify the mortise lock and inspect 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 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 time to begin the actual repair. Remove the old handle and spindle from your patio door, and then install the new one. Begin by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it into place using the two bolts or screws. Once the interior handle is installed, put in the exterior handle and screw it into place as well. Once you have completed these steps, test the handles to ensure that they can be shut and open easily and that the latch is in contact correctly with the strikeplate.
Check the Strike on the door.
The door latch and strike plate are the two parts of the lock that work together to ensure that the latch is secure the door. If these are misaligned and the latch doesn't latch the door shut correctly. Fortunately, the issue is often easy to fix.
First, check the holes in the strike plate's receiving to make sure they are clear of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the keeper screws that keep the strike plate in place, allowing it to move vertically, but not detaching it from the frame of your door. Then, you can adjust the strike plate to ensure that its holes for receiving align with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted then tighten the screws and test the door to see whether it locks smoothly after the new adjustment.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However, they are essential to secure and unlock your door. The plates made of metal are located at the top and bottom jambs of the door where they serve as the support for the latch. Then, the door latch is placed on the strike plate to create an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not installed correctly, it may stop the latch from locking the door securely.
A misalignment between the strike plate and latch is one common cause for the patio lock not to close or remain in place. This can be confirmed using the "lipstick" test. Rub some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt. Then cover it with masking tape. When you shut the door, the lipstick will leave a mark on the tape that will show exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high, you can easily adjust the strike plate.
The sliding patio door locks keep your home safe from intruders, and if they're not working correctly, you should repair the issue quickly. Follow these easy steps to fix your patio door lock and restore it's functionality.