Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio door wear and tear could cause lock malfunctions. There are a few easy steps you can take to restore the security of your uPVC door.
If it's resetting the lock or cleaning the mechanism for locking, these quick fixes can help you make your home more secure.
Clean the Lock
Although patio doors are a great way to bring the outside in and keep the elements out however, they can also pose an issue for security if your lock isn't working as it should. With time, wear and tear, extreme cold and hot weather dirt and debris could affect the lock on your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little attention you can ensure that the lock on your patio door is always working in a proper manner.
It's important to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This helps to flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that may hinder the lock from functioning in the way it should. Start by wiping all the moving parts on your patio door lock using an aqueous cloth. Then, use a scouring cloth or rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested areas of the frame and door. Then wipe the lock using a dry towel to get rid of any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before using it.
If you have an outdoor door that has pin tumbler latch mechanisms it is possible to lubricate the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or applying a lubricant made of Teflon, such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant can be applied with ease and will not disintegrate over time. If you are unable to locate the right lubricant for your needs You might 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, ice, and other debris that can cause them get stuck or to bind. This could make it difficult for your patio door to be opened and closed.
Clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio doors by removing weather stripping that is damaged or dirty. Clean it, and then replace it. Patio door rollers can also be cleaned and sprayed down with an oil that is nonstick.
Lubricate the Moving Parts
uPVC french doors, which are similar to sliding patio doors, work by using 3-4 or sometimes five-point locking mechanisms, which include the handle and lock cylinder operated by a key. They require maintenance and lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done with an oil that is thin, but never WD40. This should be done at least once per year.
If sagging hinges don't cause the issue, it could be that 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 increase the size of its mortise. This will permit the latch to fit properly into the hole and stop it from hitting the frame.
Measure the diameter of the cylinder using an object 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 of cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder.
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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. Examine if the door is balanced and if the hinge screws are secure, but in many cases it is possible to move the strike plate upwards or downwards can correct 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 an hammer and chisel. Then test the latch so that it does not rub against the jamb frame of the door or get caught on it.
Before buying a replacement lock, first identify the type of mortise lock you currently have. You can do this by looking at the faceplate on the lock and determining if it is round or square. Look at each screw hole on the existing lock, and note their size. This information will help you find an alternative that is the same width and fits perfectly into the hole you have already.
You'll want to identify the mortise lock, and then examine it for any scratches, bends or other damage that needs to be fixed. A damaged or bent latch is more prone to break than one that's been utilized often, so make sure to replace the lock with a brand new, secure version in the event you notice any signs of wear or damage.
Once you've inspected the lock and determined which type of replacement you need, it's time to start working on the actual repair. Take the old handle and spindle out of your patio door, and then put in the new one. Begin by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it in by using two bolts or screws. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. After you've completed these steps Test the handles to make sure they are able to open and close easily and that the latch works properly with the strikeplate.
Check the Strike of the Door.
The door latch and strike plate are the two components of the lock that work together to ensure that the latch is secure the door. If they are not aligned properly, the latch won't latch the door properly. Fortunately, the issue is usually simple to fix.
Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to make sure they are free of obstructions like 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 door frame. Then adjust the strike plate so that its holes for receiving are aligned with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted 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 doors, however they're crucial to lock and unlock your door. These plates are usually located on the top and bottom of the door jamb, where they support the door's latch. Then, the door latch is placed on the strike plate to form a seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not installed correctly, it may stop the latch from locking the door securely.
One of the most common reasons for the patio door lock to not close or not close is a misalignment between the latch and strike plate. The most effective way to test for this is by performing the "lipstick test." Apply some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt and apply masking tape over it. When you shut the door, the lipstick will leave a mark on the tape, showing exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high you can easily alter the strike plate.
The sliding patio door locks keep your home safe from burglars, and if they're not working correctly, you must solve the issue fast. Follow these easy steps to fix your patio door lock and restore its function.