Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio doors experience wear and tear that could lead to locks that fail. However, there are simple and efficient steps that can help restore your uPVC patio door's security.

These quick fixes will ensure your home is secure, whether you realign the lock or clean the mechanism.

Clean the Lock

While patio doors are a great way to let in the outside and keep the elements out but they can also pose security risks if your lock isn't working as it should. As time passes, wear and tear, extreme cold and hot weather, dirt and debris can cause damage to your patio door's lock and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little care you can ensure that the lock on your patio doors repair near me door always functions in a proper manner.

It is essential to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This will help remove any grime or coatings that may be preventing your lock from functioning properly. Start by wiping down all the moving parts of your patio door's lock using a damp cloth. then use a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any difficult-to-access areas of the door and frame that are coated with dirt. Then, wipe the entire lock using dry cloths to eliminate any remaining dampness and allow it to air dry prior to applying it to the next time.

If your patio door has a pin-tumbler latch You can apply powdered graphite to the key. You can also apply a Teflon lubricant such as WD-40 Multi Use Product. This type of lubricant can be applied quickly and does not dissolve 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 into the lock and jiggle it around a bit to distribute the graphite.

Tracks for sliding patio doors require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dirt, dust and other debris. These tracks can be especially susceptible to ice and snow which can cause them be stuck or jammed, making it harder for your patio doors to open and close.

The sliding patio door repair rails of the patio door track and rollers can be cleaned by removing weather stripping that is damaged or dirty, cleaning them, then replacing it. The same can be done for rollers on Patio Door Lock Repair doors, which can be wiped down and sprayed with a non-stick lubricant in order to allow them to move freely.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC French Doors, similar to sliding patios, are operated using 3 to 4, or sometimes, 5 points locking mechanisms. These include the handle and lock cylinder that is operated by the key. These doors also need maintenance, including lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done 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 against or catching the hole of the strike plate in the frame. Take off the strike plate and employ a sharp tool to enlarge its mortise. This will permit the latch to fit properly into the hole, and also prevent it from hitting the frame.

While the cylinder is out of the way, measure its width with the help of a book or piece wood that can fit into the adjustment screw gap 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 to the end cylinder.

Verify the width of the lock.

If your patio door latch isn't able to turn even after cleaning and lubricating, it's possible that it's out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Make sure that your door is balanced, and that the hinge screws are secure. In a lot of cases, moving the strike plate downwards or upwards could solve the issue.

Most of the time, the issue occurs when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this case, enlarge the opening using the hammer and chisel. Then, test the latch to ensure it does not rub against the door jamb frame or catch on it.

Before purchasing a new lock, you should first determine the mortise type of lock you have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate of the lock and noting if it is round or square. Take a look at each screw hole in the existing lock, and note their size. This information will allow you to find the replacement lock that has exactly the same size and will fit in your existing hole.

You'll need to locate the mortise lock, and then examine it for scratches, bends or other damage that requires to be repaired. A badly damaged or bent latch is more likely to break than one that hasn't been used much, so be sure to replace the lock with a brand new secure and safe version in the event you notice any signs of damage or wear.

After you've examined the lock and decided on the kind of replacement you require then it's time to begin working on the actual repair. Remove the handle and spindle from your patio door repair company door, and then install the new one. Start by putting in the handle in the interior and aligning it with the spindle, and then securing it in place by using the two screws or bolts that secure it. Once the interior handle is in, install the handle on the outside and screw it into the position as well. After you've completed the steps then you can test the new handles to ensure that they open and close easily and that the latch catches correctly with the strike plate.

Make sure the door's strike is checked

The door latch and strike plate are the two parts of the lock that work to ensure that the latch is secure the door. If these parts aren't aligned correctly and the latch isn't latching the door shut correctly. This issue is usually easy to repair.

Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to make sure 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 it will not be able to separate from the frame. Adjust the strike plate to align its receiving holes with the latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted then tighten the screws and test the door to see whether it shuts easily with the new adjustment.

These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However they are crucial to secure and unlock your door. The plates made of metal are located on the top and bottom jambs of the door which are where they help support the latch. The door latch is able to slide into the strike plate to form the seal when it is closed. If the strike plate has been damaged, rusted, or is not installed correctly, the latch may not properly lock the door.

A misalignment of the latch and strike plate is one common cause for the patio lock to not close or remain in place. This can be checked with the "lipstick" test. Rub some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt, then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave an impression when you close the door. This will show you exactly where the latch joins the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high you can alter the strike plate.

If your sliding patio door locks aren't working correctly they could be a problem in keeping your home safe from burglars. It is imperative to resolve this issue as quickly as you can. By following these simple steps, you can fix your patio door's lock and restore its functionality in no time.