9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Patio Door Lock Repair

Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, the wear and tear can lead to lock malfunctions. There are a few easy steps you can take to ensure the security of your uPVC door.

These easy fixes will make your home safer no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the mechanism.

Clean the Lock

While patio doors are an excellent way to let in the outside and keep out the elements but they can also pose a security risk when your lock isn't functioning 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 a little care, you can make sure that your lock for your patio door lock repair door is always working properly.

It is important to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This will help get rid of any grime and coatings that could hinder the lock from working as it should. Begin by wiping the moving parts of the lock for your patio door using a damp cloth. then make use of a scouring pad, or a rough damp cloth to scrub any hard-to-reach areas of the door and frame that are ingrained with dirt. Then, wipe the entire lock with a dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness and let it to dry completely before using it again.

If your patio door is equipped with a pin-tumbler latch you can apply powdered graphite to the key. You can also use a Teflon lubricant like WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant is easy to apply, and it won't disintegrate over time. If you're not able to find a suitable lubricant You could use a pencil with a thick tip. Place the pencil in the lock and move it around to distribute the graphite.

Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio door repair service near me patio doors clear of dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks are particularly vulnerable to ice, snow, and other debris, which can cause them block or become stuck. This could make it difficult for your patio door to open and shut.

You can clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio door repairs near me Patio door lock repair doors by removing weather stripping that is dirty or damaged. Clean it, then replace it. Patio door rollers can also be cleaned and sprayed down with an oil that is non-stick.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC French doors, like sliding patios, operate using 3 to 4, or sometimes 5 points locking mechanisms. These include the lock cylinder and handle that is operated with a key. These doors also require maintenance, and specifically lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished with a thin oil but not WD40. This should be done at least once a year.

If hinges that are sagging don't cause the issue, it could be that the door is not aligned. It may be rubbing or catching against the strike plate's hole in the frame. Take off the strike plate and employ a sharp tool expand the mortise. This will allow the latch to fit into the hole, and stop it from hitting the frame.

Once the cylinder is cleared of the way take a measurement of its width using the help of a book or piece wood that can fit into the gap of adjustment screw above the lock. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of the door to the center of cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw until the end cylinder.

Verify the lock's width

If your patio door latch is difficult to turn, even after cleaning and lubricating, it's possible that it is out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Examine if the door is properly balanced and if the hinge screws are secure however, in many instances it is possible to move the strike plate upwards or downwards could fix the problem.

The latch might not work properly if the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this situation, you need to widen the hole with the hammer and chisel. Then test the latch to ensure it doesn't touch the jamb frame of the door or get caught on it.

You must identify the kind of mortise lock you currently have before buying the replacement. You can do this by looking at the faceplate of the lock and noting if it is round or square. Examine each screw hole on the current lock and note their dimensions. This information will assist you in finding an alternative lock 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'll also want to inspect it for any bends or scratches that may need repairing. A damaged or bent latch is more prone to break than one that's not utilized often, so make sure to replace the lock with a new, secure version in the event you notice any signs of damage or wear.

Once you've identified the type of lock replacement you require Now it's time to begin the actual repair. Remove the handle and spindle from your patio door, and then install the new one. Start by putting in the interior handle by aligning it with the spindle, and then securing it in place with the two screws or bolts that secure it. Once the handle's interior is installed, you can install the exterior handle and screw it into place, too. After you've completed the steps, you can test the new handles to make sure they open and close easily and that the latch catches correctly when you strike the plate.

Make sure the door's strike is checked

The door latch and strike plate are the two components of the lock that work to ensure the latch secures the door. A misaligned strike plate or door latches will cause the latch to not latch the door correctly. Fortunately, this issue is usually simple to fix.

First, inspect the holes in the strike plate's receiving to ensure that they are free of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Remove the screws that hold the strike plate in position. This allows 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 tighten the screws, and then test the door to determine whether it locks smoothly after the new adjustment.

Door strike plates can be difficult to access for homeowners who have sliding patio doors, however they're essential for locking and unlocking your door. The metal plates are typically located on the top and bottom of the door jamb, which is where they are used to support the door's latch. The door latch slides into the strike plate to create a seal when 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 strike plate and latch is one common cause for the patio screen door repair near me lock to not close or stay. This can be verified using the "lipstick" test. Rub some lipstick across the edge of the deadbolt, then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave the mark when you close the door. This will reveal exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low you can easily alter the strike plate.

If your sliding patio door locks aren't functioning properly they can help keep your home secure from intruders. It is imperative to fix this problem as soon as you can. Follow these easy steps to fix your patio door lock and restore its function.