Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio door wear and tear can lead to lock malfunctions. However, there are simple and efficient steps that can help restore your uPVC patio door's security.
It's about realigning the lock or cleaning the locking mechanism These simple fixes can increase the security of your home.
Clean the Lock
While patio doors are an excellent way to let the outside in and keep out the elements, they can also be security risks in the event that your lock isn't operating as it should. Over time, wear and tear, hot and cold weather dirt and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With some minor maintenance you can ensure that the locks on your patio door always perform correctly.
It's important to clean the lock of your patio door and all its moving parts. This helps remove any dirt and coatings that may hinder the lock from working as it should. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts of the lock for your patio door using a damp cloth. then employ a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub the hard-to-reach areas of the door or frame that are covered in dirt. You should then wipe down the entire lock with dry cloths to eliminate any remaining dampness and let it to air dry before making use of it again.
If you have an outdoor door that has pin tumbler latch mechanisms You can lubricate the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or by using a Teflon-based lubricant like WD-40 Multi-Use. This type of lubricant can be applied with ease and doesn't dissolve over time. If you're not able to find an appropriate lubricant, you can use a pencil with an extremely sharp tip. Insert the pencil in the lock, and shake it around to spread the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also required to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear from dirt, dust and other debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to ice and snow which could cause them to become stuck or slack, making it harder for your patio doors to open and close.
The sliding rails of the patio door track and rollers can be cleaned by removing any damaged or dirty weather stripping, cleaning them, then installing it. The rollers for patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed with a nonstick lubricant.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC french doors, like sliding patio doors, operate by using 3-4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms which include the handle and lock cylinder controlled by a key. These doors require maintenance, oiling of the moving parts. This can be done using an oil that is thin, but never WD40. repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk should be done at least once a year.
If sagging hinges don't cause the problem, it could be that the door is misaligned. It may be rubbing against or catching the strike plate's hole in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate, and then use an abrasive chisel, which will enlarge the mortise it sits in. This will allow the latch to fit into the hole and also prevent it from hitting the frame.
Take a measurement of the length of the cylinder using a piece of wood or a book 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 middle of the cylinder. the inner dimension extends from the center of the adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder.
Check the Lock's Width
If your patio door latch is difficult to turn even after oiling and cleaning it could be because it is not aligned with the strike plate. Check if your door is in a balanced position, and if the hinge screws are in good condition. In most cases, however, simply moving the strike plate downwards or upwards could fix the problem.
The latch may not be able to engage properly when the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this instance you'll need to expand the hole using a chisel or hammer and then test the latch to make sure that it contacts the strike plate smoothly without rubbing against or landing on the frame of the door jamb.
Before you purchase a replacement lock, first determine what kind of mortise lock you have. You can do this by looking at the faceplate of the lock and noting if it is square or round. Then, take a look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the size of each one. This information will allow you to locate the replacement lock that has exactly the same width and fits into 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 damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that's frequently used to break. Replace the lock if it shows indications of damage.
Once you've checked the lock and decided on the type of replacement you need then it's time to begin working on the actual repair. The old handle and spindle should be removed from the doorway to the patio. Insert the new handle. Start by installing the inside handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it into position using two bolts or screws. Once the handle in the interior is installed, you can install the exterior handle and screw it into place, too. Once you've completed these steps, you can test the new handles to ensure that they are able to open and close with ease and that the latch is catching properly with the strike plate.
Check the Strike of the Door.
The strike plate and the door latch are two components that work together to secure the door. If these are misaligned, the latch won't latch the door shut properly. Fortunately, the issue is usually simple to fix.
First, inspect the strike plate's receiving holes to ensure they are free of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then, loosen the keeper screws that secure the strike plate in place, allowing it to move horizontally, but not removing it from the frame of your door. Adjust the strike plate to align its holes for receiving with latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted tighten the screws, and test the door to see if it shuts smoothly with 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. The metal plates are situated on the top and bottom jambs of the door, where they serve as the support for the latch. The door latch is placed on the strike plate to form the seal when it is closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not installed correctly, it can prevent the latch from locking the door securely.
A misalignment between the latch and strike plate is the most common reason for the patio lock to not close or stay. This can be confirmed using the "lipstick" test. Apply a little lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt and then cover it with masking tape. When you close the door, the lipstick will leave an impression on the tape that will show exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high it is possible to adjust the strike plate.
If your sliding patio door locks are not working properly, they can keep your home safe from burglars. You need to repair the issue as soon as you can. Follow these easy steps to repair your patio door lock and restore its function.