Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, the wear and tear can cause lock malfunctions. There are a few simple steps you can follow to ensure the security of your uPVC door.
Whether it's realigning the lock or cleaning the locking mechanism These simple fixes can help you make your home more secure.
Clean the Lock
Although patio doors are an excellent way to let the outside in and keep out the elements however, they can also pose a security risk when your lock isn't functioning as it should. Over time, wear, tear, cold and hot weather, dirt, and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little effort, you can make sure that your patio door's lock is always working properly.
In the beginning, it's essential to clean your patio door's lock and all the moving parts. This helps to get rid of any grime and coatings that may be preventing the lock from working in the way it should. Begin 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 hard-to-reach parts of the door and frame that are covered in dirt. Then wipe the lock using a dry towel to get rid of any moisture. Allow it to air-dry before you use it.
If you have an outdoor door that has pin tumbler latch mechanisms, you can apply lubrication to the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or using a Teflon-based lubricant such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This kind of lubricant can be applied quickly and doesn't dissolve over time. If you're unable find the correct lubricant for your lock, you can apply a pencil that has a larger tip. Put the pencil in the lock, then shake it around to spread the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free from dirt, dust and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to snow and ice, which can cause them jam or bind, making it harder for your patio doors 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 to patio door rollers which can be wiped down and sprayed with non-stick lubricant to help them move freely.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC French Doors, similar to sliding patios, are operated by using 3 to 4 or occasionally 5 points locking mechanisms. This includes the handle and lock cylinder that is operated with the key. They require maintenance and the lubrication of moving parts. This can be accomplished with the use of a thin oil, but never WD40. It should be done every year, at a minimum.
If sagging hinges aren't the reason, the door could be misaligned and catching or rubbing against the strike plate's hole in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate and use an abrasive chisel, which will enlarge the mortise it rests in. This allows the latch to sit properly in the hole, and also prevents rubbing or catching on the frame.
When the cylinder is out of the way take a measurement of its width using the help of a book or piece wood that will fit in the adjustment screw gap above the lock. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the center of the cylinder, while 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 isn't able to turn, even after oiling and cleaning it's possible that it's not aligned with the strike plate. Make sure that your door is properly balanced and that the hinge screws are tight. In many cases, however, simply moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can fix the problem.
The latch may not be able to engage properly if the strike of the lock is too small. In this case, enlarge the opening with a chisel and hammer. 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 that you have before purchasing the replacement. This can be done by looking at the faceplate on the lock and determining whether it is round or square. Look at each screw hole in the existing lock and note their dimensions. This will help you find an alternative that is of the same size and will fit perfectly into the hole that you already have.
You'll need to locate the mortise lock and examine it for any bends, scratches or other damage that requires to be fixed. A bent or damaged latch is more likely to break than one that's not frequently used, so be sure to replace the lock with a brand new one that is secure in the event you notice any signs of damage or wear.
Once you've checked the lock and decided on the type of replacement you'll need then it's time to begin working on the actual repair. Remove the handle and spindle from the patio door, and then install the new one. Start by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it into position using two screws or bolts. Once the handle's interior is in, install the handle on the outside and screw it in the position as well. Once you have completed these steps, test the handles to make sure that they open and shut easily and that the latch is in contact correctly with the strikeplate.
Check the Strike on the door.
The strike plate and door latch are two pieces which work together to lock the door. A misaligned strike plate or door latches will cause the latch to not latch the door correctly. This problem is usually very simple to fix.
First, inspect the holes in the strike plate's receiving to make sure they are clear of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Loosen the keeper screws holding the strike plate. This allows it to move vertically but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Then, you can adjust the strike plate so that its holes for receiving are aligned with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted then tighten all screws, and test to see whether the door shuts smoothly.
patio door replacement glass are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However they are crucial for locking and unlocking your door. The metal plates are situated between the top and bottom jambs of your door, which are where they help support the latch. The door latch slides into the strike plate and forms a seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or is not properly installed the latch might not be able to lock the door properly.
One of the most common reasons for the patio door lock to become stuck or not close is a misalignment between the latch and the strike plate. This can be verified using the "lipstick" test. Apply a little lipstick across the edge of the deadbolt, then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave an impression when you close the door. This will indicate 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.
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 repair the issue as soon as possible. Follow these steps to repair your patio door lock and restore it's function.