Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, wear and tear could cause lock malfunctions. Fortunately, there are several simple and efficient ways to restore your uPVC patio door's security.

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

Clean the Lock

Patio doors are ideal to let the outdoors in and keeping the elements out. However, they can be an issue for security if the lock doesn't work properly. Over time wear and tear extreme cold and hot weather dirt and debris can affect your patio door's lock and cause it to become difficult to open. Fortunately, with a little care you can make sure that your patio door's locks always work properly.

It is important to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This helps flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that could hinder the lock from working in the way it should. Start by wiping all the moving parts on your patio door repair near me door lock with a wet cloth. Then, use a scouring cloth or a rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested areas of the door and frame. Then, wipe the entire lock using dry cloth to get rid of any remaining dampness and allow it to air dry prior to making use of it again.

If your patio door uses pin-tumbler latches you can apply powdered Graphite to the key. You can also apply a Teflon lubricant such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant can be applied with ease 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. Place the pencil into the lock, then shake it around to distribute the graphite.

Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free from dirt, dust and debris. These tracks are particularly vulnerable to ice, snow, and other particles, which could cause them to get stuck or to bind. This could make it difficult for your patio door to open and shut.

The sliding patio doors repair rails of the patio doors repair near me door track and rollers can be cleaned by removing weather stripping that is damaged or dirty and then cleaning it, before replacing it. Patio door rollers can also be cleaned and sprayed down with a nonstick lubricant.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC French doors, like sliding patios, operate with 3 to 4 or sometimes 5 points locking mechanisms. This includes the handle and lock cylinder which is operated by the key. They require maintenance and lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done using a thin oil (never WD40) and should be done every year.

If sagging hinges aren't a reason, the door could be misaligned and catching or hitting the strike plate hole within the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate and then use a sharp chisel to enlarge the mortise it sits in. This allows the latch to fit perfectly in the hole and avoids scratching or catching on the frame.

While the cylinder is out of the way take a measurement of its width using an object or a piece of wood that will fit in the adjustment screw gap above the lock. 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 to the end of the cylinder.

Check the lock's width

If your patio door latch isn't able to turn even after cleaning and lubricating, there's a possibility that it is out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Verify that the door is in a balanced position, and that the hinge screws are in good condition. In a lot of cases, moving the strike plate downwards or upwards could solve the issue.

Most of the time, the issue occurs when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this case, enlarge the hole with a chisel and hammer. Then, test the latch to ensure that it doesn't rub against the jamb frame of the door or get caught on it.

Before purchasing a new lock, it is important to identify the type of mortise lock you currently have. You can do this by looking at the faceplate of the lock and determining whether it is square or round. Then, take a look at the screw holes in the existing lock and note the dimensions of each. This will aid you in finding a replacement that is the same width and is a perfect fit for the hole that you already have.

In addition to identifying the current mortise lock, you'll also want to inspect it for any scratches or bends that might require repair. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that's frequently used to break. Replace the lock if you notice evidence of damage.

After you've examined the lock and determined which type of replacement you'll need, it's time to start working on the actual repair. Remove the old handle and spindle from your patio door, and then insert the new one. Start by installing the inside handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it in position using two screws or bolts. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. After you've completed the steps then you can test the new handles to ensure they open and close easily and that the latch is catching correctly with the strike plate.

Check the door's Strike

The door latch and strike plate are two components of the lock that work to ensure that the latch is secure the door. If they are not aligned properly and the latch doesn't latch the door shut properly. This issue is usually simple to fix.

First, examine the holes in the strike plate's receiving to ensure that 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 detaching it from the frame of your door. Adjust the strike plate to align its holes for receiving with latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted, tighten all screws and test to see whether the door closes smoothly.

These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding Patio Door Lock Repair doors. However, they are essential to secure and unlock your door. The metal plates are situated at the top and bottom jambs of your door, where they serve as the support for the latch. The door latch is able to slide into the strike plate to form an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate has been damaged, rusted, or is not properly installed, the latch may not be able to lock the door properly.

The most common reason for an outdoor 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 and then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave a mark when you shut the door. This will reveal exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high you can easily adjust the strike plate.

If your patio door locks for sliding aren't functioning properly they can help keep your home safe from burglars. You must repair the issue as soon as you can. Follow these easy steps to fix your patio door lock and restore its functionality.