The Most Advanced Guide To Patio Door Lock Repair

Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio door wear and tear can lead to lock malfunctions. However, there are simple and effective methods that can restore your uPVC patio door's security.

These simple fixes will make your home safer regardless of whether you re-align the lock or clean the mechanism.

Clean the Lock

While patio doors are a great option to let the outside in and keep the elements out however, they can also pose security risks when your lock isn't functioning as it should. With time, wear and tear, hot and cold weather, dirt and debris can affect the lock of your patio door and make it difficult to open. With a little care, you can make sure that your patio door's lock always works in a proper manner.

In the beginning, it's important to clean the lock on your patio door and all its moving parts. This will help get rid of any coatings or dirt that might be hindering the lock from working effectively. Start by wiping all the moving parts on the lock for your patio door with a wet cloth. Then, use a scouring cloth or a rough damp cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the frame and door. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock with dry cloth to get rid of any remaining dampness and let it to dry completely before using it again.

If your patio door uses pin-tumbler latches You can lubricate it by applying powdered graphite to the key. You can also use a Teflon lubricant such as WD-40 Multi Use Product. This type of lubricant is able to be applied with ease and will not disintegrate over time. If you are unable to find the right lubricant to use with your lock, you can apply a pencil that has a thicker tip. Put the pencil in the lock, then shake it around 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 and snow which could cause them to become stuck or slack and make it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.

Clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio doors by removing any damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it, and then replace it. Patio door rollers can also be cleaned and sprayed with an oil that is non-stick.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC french doors, like sliding patio doors, operate by using 3-4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms that include the lock cylinder and handle operated by the key. These doors also require maintenance, and specifically lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done using an oil that is thin however, never WD40. This should be done every year, at a minimum.

If sagging hinges aren't a reason, the door could be skewed and catch or hitting the strike plate's hole in the frame. Remove the strike plate and employ a sharp tool increase the size of the mortise. This allows the latch to sit correctly in the hole, and also prevents rubbing or catching on 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 can fit into the gap of adjustment screw 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 could be because it's not aligned with the strike plate. Examine if the door is in balance and whether the hinge screws are tight however, in many instances, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can fix the issue.

Oftentimes, the problem occurs when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to engage. In this situation you'll have to increase the hole using a chisel or hammer and then test the latch to ensure that it is able to engage the strike plate in a smooth manner without rubbing against or getting caught on the frame of the door jamb.

Before buying a replacement lock, you should first determine what kind of mortise lock you currently have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate of the lock and noting if it is round or square. Then, take a look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the size of each one. This information will assist you in finding a replacement that is of the same size and will fit perfectly into the hole you have already.

You'll want to identify the mortise lock and examine it for any scratches, bends or other damage that needs to be repaired. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that has frequently used to break. Replace the lock if you notice indications of damage.

Once you've identified the type of lock replacement you require Now it's time to begin the actual repair. The spindle and handle must be removed from the patio door. Introduce the new handle. Start by putting in the handle in the interior by aligning it with the spindle and then fixing it with the two screws or bolts that hold it. Once the handle's interior is in, install the handle that is outside and screw it in place, too. Once you've completed these steps then you can test the new handles to ensure that they open and close easily and that the latch locks properly with the strike plate.

Make sure the door's strike is checked

The door latch and strike plate are the two components of the lock that work to ensure that the latch locks the door. A misaligned strike plate or door latch will cause the latch to not latch the door correctly. Fortunately, this issue is often easy to fix.

First, check the strike plate's holes for receiving to ensure they are clear of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the keeper screws that secure the strike plate in place and allow it to move vertically, but not removing it from the door frame. Then, you can adjust the strike plate to ensure that its receiving holes align with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted then tighten the screws and then test the door to see whether it locks smoothly after the new adjustment.

Door strike plates can be difficult to access for homeowners with sliding patio doors, but they're essential to lock and unlock your door. The metal plates are situated at the top and bottom jambs of your door, where they support its latch. The door latch is able to slide into the strike plate, creating a seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not installed correctly, it may prevent the latch from locking the door securely.

One of the most common reasons for an outdoor door lock to stick or not close is a misalignment between the latch and strike plate. This can be verified using the "lipstick" test. Apply  RepairMyWindowsAndDoors  along the edge of the deadbolt, then cover it with masking tape. When you shut the door, the lipstick will leave marks on the tape, showing exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low you can easily adjust the strike plate.

Sliding patio door locks help protect your home from burglars, and if they're not working properly, you need to solve the issue fast. By following these simple steps, you'll be able to fix your patio door's lock and get it back to normal in no time.