Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, wear and tear can cause lock malfunctions. There are a few simple steps you can take to restore the security of your uPVC door.
Whether it's realigning the lock or cleaning the locking mechanism, these quick fixes can make your home more secure.
Clean the Lock
While patio doors are a great option to let the outside in and keep out the elements however, they can also pose a security risk in the event that your lock isn't operating as it should. Over time wear and tear, cold and hot weather dirt and debris can affect the lock of your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. Fortunately, with a little maintenance you can make sure that your patio door's locks always work correctly.
It is important to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This will help remove any grime or coatings that might be hindering the lock from working correctly. Begin by wiping all 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 any difficult-to-access areas of the door and frame that are ingrained with dirt. Then, wipe the entire lock with dry cloth to get rid of any remaining dampness and allow it to dry completely before using it again.
If your patio door has pin-tumbler latches 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 can be applied quickly and doesn't dissolve over time. If you're unable find the right lubricant to use with your lock, make use of a pencil with a more of a thicker tip. Place the pencil in the lock and move it around to spread the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also essential to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free from dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow and ice, which can cause them jam or bind, making it harder for your patio doors to open and close.
Sliding patio door track rails and rollers can be cleaned by removing any damaged or dirty weather stripping, cleaning them, then replacing it. The same applies for rollers on patio doors, which can be cleaned and sprayed with a non-stick lubricant that will allow them to move freely.
Lubricate the Moving Parts
uPVC French Doors, like sliding patios, operate by using 3 to 4 or occasionally 5 points locking mechanisms. This includes the handle and lock cylinder that is operated by the key. These doors also require maintenance, including lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done with an oil that is thin however, never WD40. It should be done every year, at a minimum.
If sagging hinges aren't the cause, the door may be misaligned and catching or rubbing against the strike plate hole within the frame. Remove the strike plate, and employ a sharp tool expand its mortise. This allows the latch to fit correctly in the hole, and also prevents scratching or catching on the frame.
Find the length of the cylinder using a piece of book or wood 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 cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw to the end cylinder.
Verify the lock's width
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 if your door is balanced, and if the hinge screws are in good condition. In many cases, moving the strike plate downwards or upwards could fix the problem.
Oftentimes, the problem occurs when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this instance, you can widen the opening with the hammer and chisel. Then test the latch so that it does not rub against the door jamb frame or catch on it.
Before you purchase a replacement lock, you should first determine the mortise type of lock you currently have. You can do this by taking a look at the faceplate of the lock and determining whether it is square or round. Then, take a look at the screw holes in the existing lock and note the size of each. This will assist you in finding a replacement that is the same width and is a perfect fit for the hole you have already.
In addition to identifying the current mortise lock you should also examine it for any nicks or bends that may require repairing. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that has frequently used to break. Replace the lock if you notice signs of damage.
Once you've inspected the lock and decided on the kind of replacement you require, it's time to start working on the actual repair. Remove the old handle and spindle out of your patio door, and then install the new one. Begin by installing the handle in the interior and aligning it with the spindle and then securing it by using the two bolts or screws that secure it. Once the handle's interior is installed, put in the handle that is outside and screw it into place as well. After you've completed these steps check the handles to make sure that they open and shut easily and that the latch works correctly with the strikeplate.
Check the Strike of the Door.
The strike plate and door latch are two parts that work together in order to secure the door. Misaligned strike plate and door latches can cause the latch to not latch the door in a proper manner. Fortunately, this issue is often easy to fix.
First, inspect the strike plate's holes for receiving to make sure they are clear 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. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its holes for receiving with latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate has been 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 crucial to lock and unlock your door. These plates are usually placed on the top and bottom of the door jamb, where they serve as the door's latch. The door latch is inserted into the strike plate and forms a seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not installed correctly, it can hinder the latch from locking the door securely.
A misalignment of the strike plate and latch is one common cause for the patio lock not to close or stay. The easiest way to check for this is to perform the "lipstick test." patio door repair on the edge of the deadbolt and put masking tape on it. The lipstick will leave a mark when you close the door. This will indicate exactly where the latch joins the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low it is possible to alter the strike plate.
If your sliding patio door locks are not working properly, they can keep your home safe from burglars. It is imperative to repair the issue as soon as you can. Follow these steps to fix your patio door lock and restore its function.