Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, the wear and tear could cause lock malfunctions. There are a few simple steps you can follow to ensure the security of your uPVC door.
Whether RepairMyWindowsAndDoors realigning the lock or cleaning the mechanism for locking these simple fixes will help you make your home more secure.
Clean the Lock
While patio doors are a great option to bring the outside in and keep the elements out but they can also pose an issue for security when your lock isn't functioning as it should. With time wear and tear, extreme cold and hot weather, dirt and debris can take their toll on the lock of your patio door and make it difficult to open. Fortunately, with a little maintenance, you can ensure your patio door's locks always work correctly.
In the beginning, it's essential to clean the lock of your patio door and all the moving parts. This will help get rid of any coatings or dirt that could be preventing your lock from functioning properly. Begin by wiping 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 hard-to-reach parts of the door and frame that are covered in dirt. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock using a dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness and allow it to dry completely before using it again.
If you have an outdoor door that has pin tumbler latch mechanisms, you can apply lubrication to the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or using a lubricant made of Teflon, like WD-40 Multi-Use. This type of lubricant can be applied easily and doesn't dissolve over time. If you're unable find the right lubricant for your lock, you can make use of a pencil with a larger tip. Put the pencil into the lock and jiggle it around a bit to spread the graphite.
The tracks for sliding patio doors also require regular maintenance to ensure they're free of dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow, ice, and other debris, which can cause them jam or bind. This could make it difficult for your patio door to be opened and closed.
Sliding patio door track rails and rollers can be cleaned by removing weather stripping that is damaged or dirty, cleaning them, then reinstalling it. The rollers of patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed with an oil that is nonstick.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC French Doors, similar to sliding patios, operate using 3 to 4, or sometimes 5 point locking mechanisms. These include the lock cylinder and handle that is operated by the key. They require maintenance and lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished using a thin oil (never WD40) and is recommended to 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 hole within the frame. Take off the strike plate and use a sharp tool to expand its mortise. This will allow the latch to fit properly into the hole, and prevent it from scratching against the frame.
Once the cylinder is cleared of the way take a measurement of its width using the help of a book or piece wood that fits into the gap of adjustment screw 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 until the end of the cylinder.
Verify the lock's width
If your patio door latch isn't able to turn, even after oiling and cleaning, it's possible that it is not aligned with the strike plate. Check if your door is properly balanced and if the hinge screws are secure. In many cases, however, simply moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can solve the issue.
The most common issue is when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this situation, you'll need to enlarge the opening using the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to make sure that it contacts the strike plate without rubbing against or getting caught on the frame of the door jamb.
Before buying a replacement lock, you should first identify the type of mortise lock you have. This can be done by taking a look at the faceplate of the lock and determining if it is round or square. Take a look at each screw hole in the existing lock and note the size. This will enable you to find the replacement lock that has the exact same width and fits into your existing hole.
In addition to identifying the mortise lock that is currently in use, you should also examine it for any bends or scratches that may require repairing. A damaged or bent latch is more likely to break than one that's not utilized often, so make sure to replace the lock with a new one that is secure in the event you notice any signs of wear or damage.
After you've determined the type of lock replacement you require It's time to start the actual repair. Take the old handle and spindle out of your patio door, and then install the new one. Begin by installing the handle inside by aligning it with the spindle and then fixing it by using the two screws or bolts that secure it. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. After you've completed the steps 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 strike plate and the door latch are two components that work together to lock the door. An incorrectly aligned strike plate and door latch will result in the latch not being able to latch the door correctly. This problem is usually very simple to repair.
Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to ensure they are clear of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Loosen the keeper screws holding the strike plate. This allows it to move horizontally, but not separate it 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 tighten the screws, and then test the door to see whether it locks smoothly after the new adjustment.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However they are vital 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 placed on the strike plate to create the seal when it is closed. If the strike plate has been damaged or rusted, or if it is not properly installed, the latch may not properly lock the door.
The most common reason for a patio door lock to stick or not close is a misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This can be checked with the "lipstick" test. Apply some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt. Then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave an impression when you shut the door. This will reveal exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low, you can easily alter the strike plate.
If your patio door locks for sliding are not working properly they can help keep your home safe from burglars. You need to fix this problem as soon as possible. Follow these steps to repair your patio door lock and restore it's functionality.