10 Tell-Tale Signs You Must See To Get A New 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 easy and efficient methods that can restore your uPVC patio door's security.

These easy fixes will ensure your home is secure regardless of whether you re-align the lock or clean the locking mechanism.

Clean the Lock

While patio doors are a great option to let in the outside and keep the elements out, they can also be a security risk in the event that your lock isn't operating as it should. With time, wear and tear, cold and hot weather, dirt, and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little maintenance you can ensure that the locks on your patio door always perform properly.

It's important to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This helps to remove any dirt and coatings that could be preventing the lock from functioning as it should. Start by wiping down the moving parts of your patio door's lock with a damp, clean 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 covered in dirt. Then clean the lock with a dry cloth to remove any remaining moisture. Let it air dry before you use it.

If you have an exterior door that is fitted with pin tumbler latch mechanisms it is possible to grease the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or using a lubricant made of Teflon, such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant is easy to apply and it won't disintegrate over time. If you're unable to find the right lubricant for your lock, make use of a pencil with a larger tip. Put the pencil in the lock, and shake it around to spread the graphite.

Regular maintenance is also essential to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear from dirt, dust and debris. They are particularly 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.

Clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio door repair near me doors by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it, and then replace it. The rollers for patio door repair company doors can be cleaned and sprayed down with an oil that is non-stick.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC French doors, like sliding patios, are operated using 3 to 4, or sometimes, 5 points locking mechanisms. They include the handle and lock cylinder which is operated by a key. These doors also need maintenance, specifically lubrication on the moving parts. This can be accomplished using an oil that is thin (never WD40) and should be done once per year.

If the hinges aren't causing the issue it could be because the door is misaligned. It may be rubbing or catching against the strike plate's opening in the frame. Remove the strike plate and employ a sharp tool to increase the size of its mortise. This allows the latch to sit correctly in the hole and avoids rubbing or catching on the frame.

Measure the diameter of the cylinder using a piece 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 to the end of the of the cylinder.

Check the lock's width

If your patio door latch is difficult to turn even after cleaning and lubricating, there's a possibility that it's not in alignment with the strike plate hole. Check to see if the door is properly balanced and whether the hinge screws are secure, but in many cases, moving the strike plate up or down could fix the problem.

Oftentimes, the problem occurs when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to engage. In this instance, you'll need to enlarge the hole using either a hammer or chisel, and then test the latch to ensure that it contacts the strike plate without rubbing against or landing on the frame of the door jamb.

Before purchasing a new lock, first determine the mortise type of lock you currently have. You can do this by looking at the faceplate on the lock and determining if it is square or round. Then, look at the screw holes on the existing lock and note the dimensions of each one. This information will allow you to locate an alternative lock that is the exact same width and will fit in the hole you have already.

In addition to identifying the current mortise lock, you'll also need to check it for any bends or scratches that might require repair. A bent or damaged latch is more likely to break than one that hasn't been utilized often, so make sure to replace the lock with a new, secure version if you find any signs of wear or damage.

After you've determined the type of lock replacement you need Now it's time to start the actual repair. Take the old handle and spindle from your patio door, and then insert the new one. Begin by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it into by using two screws or bolts. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. After you've completed the steps then you can test the new handles to ensure that they are able to open and close with ease and that the latch catches correctly with the strike plate.

Make sure you check the Strike of the door.

The door latch and strike plate are two parts of the lock that work to ensure that the latch is secure the door. If these are misaligned, the latch won't latch the door shut correctly. This problem is usually very easy to solve.

First, check the strike plate's holes for receiving to ensure that they are free of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Loosen the keeper screws holding the strike plate in place. This allows it to move vertically 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 test the door to see if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment.

Door strike plates can be difficult to locate for homeowners with sliding patio doors, however they are essential for locking and unlocking your door. The plates made of metal are located at the top and bottom jambs of your door, where they serve as the support for the latch. The door latch is placed on the strike plate to create an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate has been damaged or rusted or not properly installed, the latch may not be able to lock the door properly.

A misalignment between the latch and strike plate is the most common reason for the patio lock to not close or stick. The easiest way to check for this is with the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick on the edge of the deadbolt, and then put masking tape on it. The lipstick will leave the mark when you shut the door. This will indicate exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high, you can easily alter the strike plate.

Locks for sliding patio doors help protect your home from intruders, and if they're not functioning correctly, you must fix the problem quickly. If you follow these steps, you can repair the lock on your patio door glass repair near me door and regain its functionality within a short time.