Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, wear and tear could cause lock malfunctions. Fortunately, there are several simple and efficient steps that can help restore your uPVC patio door's security.

If it's resetting the lock or cleaning the mechanism for locking these simple fixes will make your home more secure.

Clean the Lock

While patio doors are an excellent way to let the outside in and keep the elements out however, they can also pose an issue for security when your lock isn't functioning as it should. As time passes wear and tear, extreme cold and hot weather dirt and debris can take their toll on your patio door's lock and make it difficult to open. With a little effort, you can make sure that your lock for your patio door is always working properly.

In the beginning, it's essential to clean the lock on your patio door and all its moving parts. This helps flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that may be preventing the lock from working as it should. Start by wiping all the moving parts of your patio door lock using a damp cloth. Then apply a scouring pad or a damp, rough cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the frame and door. Then wipe the lock with a dry towel to get rid of any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before using it.

If your patio door is equipped with a pin-tumbler latch you can lubricate it by applying powdered Graphite to the key. You can also use a Teflon lubricant such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant is able to be applied with ease and doesn't dissolve over time. If you're unable find the right lubricant to use with your lock, use a pencil with thicker tip. Put the pencil in the lock, and shake it around to distribute the graphite.

Regular maintenance is also essential to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear of dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow, ice, and other particles, which can cause them jam or bind. This could make it difficult for your patio door to open and shut.

You can clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio doors by removing any damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it and replace it. The rollers for patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed down with an oil that is non-stick.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC french doors, similar to sliding glass patio doors repair patio doors, work using 3-4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms which include the lock cylinder and handle controlled by a key. They also require maintenance, and specifically lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done with an oil that is thin however, never WD40. It should be done at least once per year.

If sagging hinges aren't a reason, the door could be skewed and catch or rubbing against the strike plate hole in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate, and then use an abrasive chisel to increase the size of the mortise it sits in. This will allow the latch to fit properly into the hole, and also prevent it from scratching against the frame.

Find the width of the cylinder with an object of book or wood that is able to fit into the space above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the middle of the cylinder. the inner measurement runs 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's not aligned with the strike plate. Check to see if the door is balanced and whether the hinge screws are tight, but in many cases, moving the strike plate up or down could fix the problem.

The latch may not be able to engage properly in the event that the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this case you'll have to increase the hole using either a hammer or chisel, and then test the latch to ensure that it connects to the strike plate smoothly without rubbing against or getting caught on the door's frame jamb.

It is important to identify the type of mortise lock that you are using before you purchase an alternative. You can do this by looking at the faceplate of the lock and determining if it is square or round. Then, look at the screw holes on the existing lock and note the size of each. This information will assist you in finding an alternative lock that is the same width and will fit perfectly into the hole that you already have.

You'll need to identify the mortise lock and inspect it for any bends, scratches or other damage that need to be fixed. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that's frequently used to break. Replace the lock if you notice indications of damage.

Once you've identified the type of lock replacement you require Now it's time to start the actual repair. The old handle and spindle must be removed from the double glazed patio door repairs door. Introduce 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 interior handle is installed, you can install the handle that is outside and screw it in the position as well. After you've completed these steps Test the handles to ensure that they open and shut easily and that the latch works properly with the strikeplate.

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 result in the latch not being able to latch the door properly. Fortunately, this problem is often easy to fix.

Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to ensure they are clear of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Release the screws that hold the strike plate in position. This allows it to move horizontally, but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Then adjust the strike plate until its receiving holes align with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted tighten the screws, and test the door to determine whether it shuts easily with the new adjustment.

These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However, they are essential for locking and unlocking your door. The plates made of metal are located on the top and bottom jambs of your door, which are where they help support the latch. Then, the door latch is able to slide into the strike plate to create an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or is not properly installed the latch might not properly lock the door.

A misalignment of the strike plate and latch is a common reason for the patio lock not to close or remain in place. The easiest way to check for this is with the "lipstick test." Apply some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt and apply masking tape over it. When you close the door the lipstick will leave marks on the tape, indicating you exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low it is possible to adjust the strike plate.

Locks for sliding patio doors repair patio doors help keep your home safe from intruders, and if they're not functioning correctly, you should repair the issue quickly. Follow these easy steps to repair your patio door lock and restore it's functionality.