The 10 Most Dismal Patio Door Lock Repair Failures Of All Time Could Have Been Prevented
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors go through wear and tear that can lead to lock malfunctions. There are a few basic steps you can take to ensure the security of your uPVC door.
Whether it's realigning the lock or cleaning the mechanism for locking these simple fixes will make your home more secure.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are fantastic for bringing the outdoors in and keeping out the elements. However they could pose a security threat when the lock isn't functioning properly. Over time wear and tear extreme cold and hot weather dirt and debris can take their toll on the lock of your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little maintenance you can make sure that your patio door's locks will always function correctly.
It's important to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This will help flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that could hinder the lock from working in the way it should. Begin by wiping the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a damp cloth, then employ a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any hard-to-reach areas of the door or frame that are coated with dirt. Then clean the lock with a dry cloth to get rid of 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, you can apply lubrication to the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or by using an lubricant based on Teflon such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant can be easy to apply and it doesn't dissolve with time. If you are unable to locate an appropriate lubricant you can try using a pencil with a thick tip. Put the pencil into the lock and move it around a bit to distribute the graphite.
Sliding patio door tracks also require regular maintenance to keep them free of dirt, dust and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to ice, snow, and other particles, which can cause them jam or bind. This can make it difficult for your patio door to open and close.
You can clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio doors by removing any weather stripping that is damaged or dirty. Clean it, and then replace it. The same applies for rollers on patio doors, which can be cleaned and then sprayed with a non-stick lubricant in order to allow them to move freely.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC french doors, which are similar to sliding patio doors, work by using 3 to 4 or sometimes five-point locking mechanisms, which include the handle and lock cylinder controlled by keys. These doors also require maintenance, including lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished with a thin oil, but never WD40. It is recommended to do it at least once a year.
If sagging hinges aren't the reason, the door could be misaligned and caught or rubbing against the strike plate hole in the frame. Take off the strike plate and employ a sharp tool enlarge its mortise. This will allow the latch to fit into the hole, and also prevent it from hitting the frame.
Find the length of the cylinder using 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 middle of the cylinder. the inner dimension runs from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the 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's not in alignment with the strike plate hole. Examine if the door is in balance and if the hinge screws are secure however, in many instances, moving the strike plate up or down can fix the issue.
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 need to expand the opening using a chisel or hammer and then test the latch to make sure that it connects to the strike plate smoothly without rubbing against or landing on the frame of the door jamb.
Before you purchase a replacement lock, you should first identify the type of mortise lock you currently have. You can do this by looking at the faceplate of the lock and determining whether it is round or square. Examine each screw hole in the existing lock and note their dimensions. This will help you find an alternative lock that is the same size and fits perfectly into the hole that you already have.
You'll need to locate the mortise lock and inspect it for any scratches, bends, or other damage that need to be repaired. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that has been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if it displays indications of damage.
After you've determined the type of lock replacement you need, it's now time to start the actual repair. Remove the old handle and spindle from the patio door, and then insert the new one. Begin by installing the handle in the interior, aligning it with the spindle and then securing it with the two bolts or screws that hold it. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. After you've completed these steps, test the handles to make sure they are able to open and close easily and that the latch works correctly with the strikeplate.
Check the Door's Strike
The strike plate and the door latch are two pieces which work together to lock the door. If these are misaligned and the latch doesn't latch the door shut correctly. Fortunately, patio door repairs near me is usually easy to correct.
First, check the strike plate's receiving holes to ensure that they are free of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the screws that secure the strike plate in place, allowing it to move vertically but not detaching it from the door frame. Then, adjust the strike plate to ensure that its holes for receiving are aligned with the latch hooks on the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted, tighten all screws and check whether the door shuts smoothly.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However they are vital to lock and unlock your door. The metal plates are typically located at the top and bottom of the door jamb where they serve as the door's latch. Then, the door latch slides into the strike plate to create an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not properly installed, it could hinder the latch from locking the door securely.
The most common reason for a patio door lock to become stuck or not close is a misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This can be checked with the "lipstick" test. Apply a little lipstick across the edge of the deadbolt and then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave an impression when you close the door. This will indicate exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low, you can easily alter the strike plate.
The sliding patio door locks protect your home from burglars, and if they're not functioning correctly, you should fix the problem quickly. Follow these steps to repair your patio door lock and restore its functionality.