Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors experience wear and tear that can cause lock malfunctions. There are a few basic steps you can follow to restore the security of your uPVC door.
If it's resetting the lock or cleaning the locking mechanism these simple fixes will make your home more secure.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are fantastic for letting the outdoors in while keeping the elements out. However they could pose a security threat in the event that the lock isn't working correctly. Over time, wear and tear, cold and hot weather, dirt and debris can take their toll on the lock on your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. Fortunately, with a little maintenance you can ensure that your patio door's locks always work properly.
It is important to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This helps to flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that could hinder the lock from working in the way it should. Start by wiping down 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 or frame that are ingrained with dirt. Then, wipe the lock down with a dry cloth to get rid of any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before using it.
If your patio door is equipped with pin-tumbler locks You can apply powdered Graphite on the key. You can also apply a Teflon lubricant like WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant is able to be applied easily and doesn't dissolve over time. If you are unable to find the right lubricant to use with your lock, apply a pencil that has a larger tip. Insert the pencil into the lock and move it around to distribute the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free from dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to ice and snow, which could cause them to be stuck or jammed which makes it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.
Clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio doors by removing weather stripping that is dirty or damaged. Clean it, and then replace it. The same is true for patio door rollers, which can be cleaned and then sprayed with a non-stick lubricant that will allow them to move freely.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC french doors, which are similar to sliding patio doors, work using 3 to 4 or sometimes five-point locking mechanisms, which include the lock cylinder and handle controlled by keys. They also require maintenance, including lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done with an oil that is thin (never WD40) and should be done once per year.
If hinges that are sagging aren't the reason, the door could be misaligned and caught or rubbing against the strike plate hole within the frame. Remove the strike plate and employ a sharp tool to enlarge the mortise. This will allow the latch to fit properly into the hole and prevent it from scratching against the frame.
Take a measurement of the width of the cylinder with a piece 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, while the inner dimension extends from the center of the adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder.
Verify the width of the lock.
If your patio door latch isn't able to turn, even after cleaning and lubricating, there's a possibility that it's not in alignment with the strike plate hole. Make sure that your door is balanced, and that the hinge screws are tight. In most cases, however, simply moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can fix the problem.
Most of the time, the issue occurs when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this instance you'll have to increase the hole using a chisel or hammer and then test the latch to make sure that it contacts the strike plate without rubbing against or getting caught on the frame of the door jamb.
Before you purchase a replacement lock, you should first determine the mortise type of lock you currently have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and noting whether it is round or square. Look at each screw hole on the existing lock and note their dimensions. This will help you find an alternative lock that is of the same size and will fit perfectly into your existing hole.
You'll need to identify the mortise lock, and then examine it for scratches, bends or other damage that need to be repaired. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that has frequently used to break. Replace the lock if it displays indications of damage.
Once you've decided on the kind of lock replacement that you require It's time to start the actual repair. The old spindle and handle should be removed from the patio door. Insert the new handle. Start by putting in the handle inside, aligning it with the spindle and then securing it in place with the two screws or bolts which hold it. Once the interior handle is installed, you can install the handle that is outside and screw it into place, too. Once you've completed these steps you can test the new handles to make sure they are able to open and close with ease and that the latch locks properly with the strike plate.
Check the Door's Strike
The strike plate and door latch are two parts that work together in order to lock the door. A misaligned strike plate or door latch will cause the latch to not latch the door correctly. This issue is usually easy 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 patio door repair near me www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk that hold the strike plate. This will allow it to move vertically but not separate it from the frame. Adjust the strike plate to align its receiving holes with the latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate is adjusted, tighten all screws and test whether the door shuts smoothly.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However they are vital for locking and unlocking your door. These metal plates are located on the top and bottom jambs of the door, where they support its latch. The door latch is able to slide into the strike plate to create the seal when it is closed. If the strike plate has been damaged or rusted, or if it is not installed correctly the latch may not be able to lock the door properly.
One common reason for an outdoor door lock to not close or not close is a misalignment between the latch and strike plate. The most effective way to test for this is to perform the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt and attach masking tape over it. When you close the door the lipstick will leave a mark on the tape, indicating you exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low, you can adjust the strike plate.
Sliding patio door locks help keep your home safe from intruders, and if they're not working properly, you need to repair the issue quickly. Follow these steps to fix your patio door lock and restore its functionality.