10 Things You Learned In Kindergarden That Will Help You With Patio Door Lock Repair
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio door wear and tear could cause lock malfunctions. There are fortunately, a number of simple and effective ways to restore your uPVC patio door's security.
These quick fixes will ensure your home is secure regardless of whether you re-align the lock or clean the mechanism.
Clean the Lock
Although patio doors are a great way to let the outside in and keep the elements out but they can also pose security risks when your lock isn't functioning as it should. Over time, wear, tear, cold and hot weather, dirt, and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. Fortunately, with some minor maintenance you can ensure that your patio door's locks will always perform correctly.
It is important to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This helps remove any dirt and coatings that may hinder the lock from working in the way it should. Start by wiping all the moving parts of your patio door lock with an aqueous cloth. Then apply a scouring pad or a damp, rough cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the frame and door. You should then wipe down the entire lock with a dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness and let it to dry completely before making use of it again.
If your patio door has a pin-tumbler latch you can apply powdered Graphite to the key. You can also apply a Teflon oil like WD-40 Multi Use Product. This kind of lubricant is easy to apply and it won't disintegrate over time. If patio door lock repair are unable to find the correct lubricant for your lock, make use of a pencil with a thicker tip. Put the pencil in the lock, then shake it to distribute the graphite.
Tracks for sliding patio doors require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dirt, dust, and debris. They are particularly susceptible to snow, ice, and other debris, which could cause them to jam or 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 any weather stripping that is damaged or dirty. Clean it, then replace it. The same applies to patio door rollers which can be wiped down and then sprayed with a non-stick lubricant in order to allow them to move freely.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC french doors, which are similar to sliding patio doors, operate by using 3-4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms that include the handle and lock cylinder operated by the key. They 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 the hinges aren't causing the issue it could be because the door isn't aligned. It could be rubbing or catching against the hole of the strike plate in the frame. Remove the strike plate, and employ a sharp tool to expand its mortise. This allows the latch to sit properly in the hole and prevents getting caught or rubbing against the frame.
Take a measurement of the width of the cylinder with an object of book or wood that can be inserted 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 width of the lock.
If your patio door latch isn't able to turn, even after cleaning and oiling it's possible that it's not aligned with the strike plate. Check to see if the door is in balance and whether the hinge screws are secure, but in many cases shifting the strike plate up or down could fix the problem.
The most common issue is when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this situation, you'll need to enlarge the opening using the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to make sure that it is able to engage the strike plate in a smooth manner without rubbing against or landing on the door's frame 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 determining if it is round or square. Then, take a look at the screw holes in the existing lock and note the dimensions of each one. This information will help you find an alternative 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 might require repair. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that has been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if it shows signs of damage.
After you've determined the type of lock replacement you require Now it's time to start the actual repair. Take the old handle and spindle out of your patio door, and then install the new one. Start by installing the inside handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it into place using the two bolts or screws. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. After you've completed these steps Test the handles to make sure they open and shut easily and that the latch works properly with the strikeplate.
Check the Strike of the Door.
The strike plate and the door latch are two components that work together in order to lock the door. If these parts aren't aligned correctly and the latch isn't latching the door shut correctly. Fortunately, the issue is often easy to fix.
Check the receiving holes of the strike plate to make sure they are free of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Remove the screws that hold the strike plate. This allows it to move horizontally, but not separate it from the frame. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its receiving holes with the latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted tighten the screws, and then test the door to determine whether it locks smoothly after the new adjustment.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However, they are essential for locking and unlocking your door. The metal plates are situated between the top and bottom jambs of the door, where they serve as the support for the latch. The door latch slides onto the strike plate, and it creates an airtight seal. If the strike plate has been damaged or rusted or not properly installed the latch might not be able to lock the door properly.
A misalignment of the latch and strike plate is a common reason for the patio lock to not close or stick. This can be confirmed using the "lipstick" test. Rub some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt, then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave an impression when you shut the door. This will reveal exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low you can alter the strike plate.
If your sliding patio door locks aren't functioning properly, they can keep your home secure from intruders. You must resolve this issue as quickly as you can. Follow these simple steps to repair your patio door lock and restore its function.