10 Tips For Getting The Most Value From Patio Door Lock Repair
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors experience wear and tear that could lead to lock malfunctions. There are fortunately, a number of easy and efficient steps that can help restore your uPVC patio door's security.
These easy fixes will make your home safer no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the locking mechanism.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are great for letting the outdoors in while keeping out the elements. However, they can be a security threat if the lock doesn't work properly. As time passes, wear and tear, extreme cold and hot weather, dirt and debris can affect the lock on your patio door and make it difficult to open. With a little care you can make sure that your patio door's locks always function correctly.
To begin with, it's important to clean the lock of your patio door and all of its moving parts. This helps flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that may hinder the lock from functioning in the way it should. Begin by wiping the moving parts of your patio door's lock with a damp cloth, then make use of a scouring pad, or a rough damp cloth to scrub the hard-to-reach areas of the door and frame that are ingrained with dirt. Then wipe the lock using a dry towel to remove any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before using it.
If you have an outdoor door that has a pin tumbler latch mechanism it is possible to apply lubrication to the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or by using an lubricant based on Teflon like WD-40 Multi-Use. This type of lubricant can be applied easily and doesn't dissolve over time. If you are unable to locate an appropriate lubricant you could try using a pencil with an extremely sharp tip. Put the pencil into the lock and move it around to distribute the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free of dust, dirt and debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to ice, snow, and other debris that can cause them get stuck or to bind. This can make it difficult for your patio door to open and close.
Tracks for sliding patio doors and rollers can be cleaned by removing any dirty or damaged weather stripping and cleaning them before reinstalling it. The same can be done for patio door rollers, which can be wiped down and then sprayed with a non-stick lubricant to help them move freely.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC french doors, which are similar to sliding patio doors, operate by using 3-4 or sometimes five-point locking mechanisms, which include the handle and lock cylinder operated by a key. These doors require maintenance, lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done with the use of a thin oil, but never WD40. It should be done at least once per year.
If sagging hinges don't cause the problem it could be because the door is misaligned. It could be rubbing or catching the strike plate's hole in the frame. Remove the strike plate and employ a sharp tool to expand the mortise. This will permit the latch to fit properly into the hole and stop it from rubbing against the frame.
Measure the length of the cylinder using the help of a piece of wood or a book that can be inserted into the gap above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of the door to the center cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder.
Check the Lock's Width
If your patio door latch isn't able to turn even after cleaning and lubricating, it's possible that it's not in alignment with the strike plate hole. Verify that the door is balanced, and that the hinge screws are secure. In most cases, however, simply moving the strike plate upwards or downwards will fix the problem.
The latch may not be able to engage properly if the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this case, you'll need to enlarge the hole with the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to ensure that it is able to engage the strike plate smoothly without rubbing against or getting caught on the door's frame jamb.
You should identify the type mortise lock you currently have before purchasing an alternative. 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 existing lock and note the size of each. This will assist you in finding a replacement that is the same width and fits perfectly into 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 than one that has been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if it displays evidence of damage.
After you've determined the type of lock replacement that you require, it's now time to start the actual repair. Take RepairMyWindowsAndDoors and spindle from your patio door, and then insert the new one. Begin by installing the interior handle, aligning it with the spindle, and then fixing it with the two bolts or screws which hold it. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. Once you've completed these steps, you can test the new handles to ensure they can be opened and closed easily and that the latch locks properly with the strike plate.
Check the Strike on the door.
The door latch and strike plate are two parts of the lock that work together to ensure that the latch locks the door. An incorrectly aligned strike plate and door latches can result in the latch not being able to latch the door in a proper manner. This problem is usually very simple to solve.
First, check the holes in the strike plate's receiving to make sure they are free of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Release the screws that hold the strike plate in place. This will allow it to move vertically but not separate it from the frame. Then adjust the strike plate to ensure that its holes for receiving are aligned with the latch hooks on the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted, tighten the screws and then test the door to determine if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However they are crucial 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 onto the strike plate and forms a seal. If the strike plate is damaged or rusted or not installed correctly the latch may not properly lock the door.
A misalignment of the strike plate and latch is the most common reason for the patio lock not to close or stay. The easiest way to check for this is by performing the "lipstick test." Apply some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt, and then apply masking tape over it. 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 high or low, you can alter the strike plate.
If your patio door locks for sliding aren't functioning properly, they can keep your home secure from intruders. You need to fix this problem as soon as possible. By following these simple steps, you'll be able to fix your patio door's lock and get it back to normal within a short time.