A Relevant Rant About Patio Door Lock Repair
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors experience wear and tear that could lead to lock malfunctions. There are a few basic steps you can follow to restore the security of your uPVC door.
If it's resetting the lock or cleaning the mechanism that locks these simple fixes will increase the security of your home.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are great for bringing the outdoors in and keeping the elements out. However they can pose an issue for security when the lock isn't functioning properly. Over time, wear and tear, extreme cold and hot weather dirt and debris can affect your patio door's lock and make it difficult to open. With a little maintenance, you can ensure your patio door's locks always work properly.
In the beginning, it's important to clean the lock on your patio door and all the moving parts. This helps to flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that could be preventing the lock from functioning as it should. Start by wiping the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a wet cloth. Then you can use a scouring paper or a damp, rough cloth to scrub the dirt-infested parts of the frame and door. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock using a dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness, and allow it to dry completely before making use of it again.
If your patio door is equipped with pin-tumbler locks, you can apply powdered Graphite on the key. You can also use a Teflon lubricant such as 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 right lubricant to use with your lock, apply a pencil that has a thicker tip. Insert the pencil in the lock, and shake it around to distribute the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free from dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks are especially vulnerable to snow and ice which can cause them to jam or bind, making it harder for your patio doors to open and close.
The sliding rails of the patio door track and rollers can be cleaned by removing weather stripping that is damaged or dirty and cleaning them before installing it. The rollers for patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed down with a nonstick lubricant.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC French Doors, like sliding patios, are operated by using 3 to 4 or occasionally 5 point locking mechanisms. This includes the lock cylinder and handle that is operated with the key. These doors also require maintenance, and specifically lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished with a thin oil however, never WD40. It should be done every year, at a minimum.
If sagging hinges aren't the cause, the door may be misaligned and caught or hitting the strike plate hole in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate and use a sharp chisel to enlarge the mortise it sits in. This allows the latch to sit correctly in the hole and avoids scratching or catching on the frame.
Take a measurement of the width of the cylinder with the help of a piece of wood or a book that is able to fit into the space above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of the door to the center cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw until the end cylinder.
Check the Lock's Width
If your patio door latch isn't able to turn, even after cleaning and oiling it's possible that it is not aligned with the strike plate. Examine if the door is in balance and whether the hinge screws are secure However, in many cases it is possible to move the strike plate upwards or downwards can correct the issue.
The latch may not engage properly in the event that the strike of the lock is not large enough. In RepairMyWindowsAndDoors , you need to widen the hole with a chisel and hammer. Then, test the latch to ensure that it does not rub against the jamb frame of the door or fall on it.
Before you purchase a replacement lock, you should first identify the type of mortise lock you currently have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate of the lock and determining whether it is round or square. Then, take a look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the size of each. This information will help you find a replacement that is the same size and is a perfect fit for 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 needs to be fixed. A badly damaged or bent latch is more likely break than one that hasn't been used much, so be sure to replace the lock with a new one that is secure when you spot any indications of wear or damage.
After you've examined the lock and decided on the type of replacement you need, it's time to start working on the actual repair. Remove the old handle and spindle from the patio door, and then install the new one. 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 secure it. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. After you've completed these steps then you can test the new handles to make sure they open and close easily and that the latch locks correctly when you strike the plate.
Check the Strike of the Door.
The strike plate and the door latch are two components that work together to secure the door. If they are not aligned properly, the latch won't latch the door properly. Fortunately, the issue is usually simple to fix.
Check the holes for receiving of the strike plate to make sure they are clear of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Remove the screws that hold the strike plate. This allows it to move horizontally, but not separate it from the frame. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its holes for receiving with latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted, tighten the screws and test the door to determine if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However they are crucial to lock and unlock your door. The metal plates are typically located on the top and bottom of the door jamb where they serve as the door's latch. The door latch slides onto this strike plate and creates the seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not installed correctly, it may stop the latch from locking the door securely.
One common reason for a patio door lock to stick or not close is a misalignment of the latch and strike plate. The easiest method to check for this is by performing the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt and apply masking tape over it. When you close the door the lipstick will leave a mark on the tape that will show exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low you can alter the strike plate.
If your patio door locks for sliding aren't functioning properly they can help keep your home secure from intruders. You need to repair the issue as soon as you can. Follow these simple steps to fix your patio door lock and restore it's function.