The Ultimate Guide To Patio Door Lock Repair
patio door lock repairs (Hubstack noted)
Over time, patio doors go through wear and tear which can result in lock malfunctions. There are a few basic steps you can follow to restore the security of your uPVC door.
These simple fixes can make your home safer regardless of whether you re-align the lock or clean the locking mechanism.
Clean the Lock
While patio doors are an excellent way to let the outside in and keep out the elements, they can also be an issue for security in the event that your lock isn't operating as it should. With time wear and tear hot and cold weather dirt and debris can cause damage to the lock on your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little effort, you can make sure that your patio door's lock always functions properly.
To begin with, it's crucial to clean the lock of your patio door and all its moving parts. This will help remove any grime or coatings that might be hindering your lock from working correctly. Begin by wiping down the moving parts of the lock for your patio door using a damp cloth. then make use of a scouring pad, or a rough damp cloth to scrub any difficult-to-access parts of the door and frame that are coated with dirt. You should then wipe down the entire lock with dry cloths to eliminate any remaining dampness and allow it to air dry prior to using it again.
If your patio door is equipped with pin-tumbler latches You can apply powdered Graphite on the key. You can also use a Teflon lubricant like WD-40 Multi Use Product. This kind of lubricant can be applied quickly and doesn't dissolve over time. If you are unable to find the correct lubricant for your lock, use a pencil with more of a thicker tip. Insert the pencil in the lock, and shake it around to spread the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also essential to keep the tracks of sliding patio door repair service near me patio doors clear from dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks are particularly vulnerable to ice, snow, and other particles, which can cause them jam or bind. This can make it difficult for your patio door to be opened and closed.
Tracks for sliding patio doors tilt and slide patio door repairs near me rollers can be cleaned by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping, cleaning them, then replacing it. The same can be done for rollers on patio doors, which can be wiped down and sprayed with non-stick lubricant to help them move freely.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC french doors, like sliding patio door repair service near me doors, operate by using 3 to 4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms that include the lock cylinder and handle operated 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. This should be done at least once per year.
If sagging hinges aren't a reason, the door could be skewed and catch or striking the strike plate's hole in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate and use a sharp chisel to enlarge the mortise it rests in. This allows the latch to sit perfectly in the hole, and also prevents rubbing or catching on the frame.
When the cylinder is out of the way and out of the way, measure its width using a book or piece of wood that can fit into the gap between the adjustment screw and the lock. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of door to the center cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw to the end cylinder.
Check the Lock's Width
If your patio sliding door repair door latch is difficult to turn even after cleaning and oiling it's possible that it's not aligned properly with the strike plate. Check if your door is balanced, and that the hinge screws are in good condition. In most cases, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards will solve the issue.
The latch might not work properly when the strike of the lock is too small. In this situation you'll need to expand the hole with either a hammer or chisel, and then test the latch to make sure that it is able to engage the strike plate in a smooth manner without rubbing against or getting caught on the door's frame jamb.
You should identify the type mortise lock you currently have before buying an alternative. This can be done by looking at the end faceplate and observing whether it is square or round. Then, look at the screw holes on the existing lock and note the size of each. This will help you to find a replacement lock that is exactly the same width and will fit into your existing hole.
You'll need to locate the mortise lock and inspect it for scratches, bends or other damage that need to be repaired. A badly damaged or bent latch is more prone to break than one that's been utilized often, so make sure to replace the lock with a brand new secure and safe version in the event you notice any signs of wear or damage.
Once you've identified the type of lock replacement that you require It's time to start the actual repair. The spindle and handle must be removed from the doorway to the patio. Insert the new handle. Start by putting in the handle inside by aligning it with the spindle and then fixing it by using the two bolts or screws that secure it. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. Once you have completed these steps, test the handles to make sure that they can be shut and open easily and that the latch is in contact correctly with the strikeplate.
Check the Door's Strike
The strike plate and door latch are two pieces that work together in order to lock the door. An incorrectly aligned strike plate and door latches will result in the latch not being able to latch the door correctly. Fortunately, this problem is often easy to fix.
First, inspect the strike plate's receiving holes to ensure they are free of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the keeper screws that keep the strike plate in place and allow it to move vertically but not detaching it from the frame of your door. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its holes for receiving with the latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted then tighten all screws, and test to see whether the door shuts smoothly.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However, they are essential to lock and unlock your door. The plates made of metal are located between the top and bottom jambs of the door where they serve as the support for the latch. The door latch slides onto this strike plate and creates an airtight seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not properly installed, it could hinder the latch from locking the door securely.
One of the most common reasons for an outdoor door lock to become stuck or not close is a misalignment of the latch and the strike plate. The most effective way to test for this is to perform the "lipstick test." Apply some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt, then put masking tape on it. When you close the door the lipstick will leave an impression on the tape, indicating exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high it is possible to adjust the strike plate.
If your sliding patio door locks are not working properly, they can keep your home safe from burglars. You need to repair the issue as soon as you can. If you follow these steps, you'll be able to fix the lock on your patio door and restore its functionality in no time.
