9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Patio Door Lock Repair

Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio doors undergo wear and tear that could lead to locks that fail. However, there are simple and efficient steps that can help restore your uPVC patio door's security.

These easy fixes will make your home safer no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the mechanism.

Clean the Lock

While patio door lock repair doors are an excellent way to let the outside in and keep out the elements, they can also be security risks in the event that your lock isn't operating as it should. Over time wear and tear extreme cold and hot weather dirt and debris could affect the lock on your patio screen door repair door and make it difficult to open. With a little effort you can ensure that your lock for your patio door always works correctly.

It's important to clean your patio door's lock and all the moving parts. This will help get rid of any grime and coatings that could hinder the lock from working in the way it should. Start by wiping all the moving parts of your patio door lock with a wet cloth. Then, use a scouring cloth or rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested parts of the frame and door. You should then wipe down the entire lock with a dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness, and allow it to dry completely before applying it to the next time.

If your patio door is equipped with pin-tumbler latches you can lubricate it by applying powdered graphite to the key. You can also apply a Teflon lubricant such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant is easy to apply, and doesn't break down as time passes. If you're unable find the right lubricant to use with your lock, use a pencil with thicker tip. Place the pencil in the lock and move it around to distribute the graphite.

Regular maintenance is also required to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear of dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks can be especially susceptible to snow and ice, which can cause them jam or bind and make it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.

Tracks for sliding glass patio door repair patio doors repair doors and rollers can be cleaned by removing weather stripping that is damaged or dirty, cleaning them, then installing it. The rollers for patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed with a nonstick lubricant.

Lubricate the Moving Parts

uPVC french doors, which are similar to sliding patio doors, work by using 3-4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms that include the handle and lock cylinder operated by keys. They also require maintenance, and specifically lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done using a thin oil (never WD40) and should be done once per year.

If sagging hinges aren't a cause, the door may be skewed and catch or hitting the strike plate hole within the frame. Remove the strike plate and employ a sharp tool to increase the size of the mortise. This allows the latch to fit properly 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 fits into the gap between the adjustment screw and the lock. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of door to the center of cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.

Verify the width of the lock.

If your patio door latch is difficult to turn even after cleaning and lubricating, it's possible that it's not in alignment with the strike plate hole. Verify that the door is properly balanced and that the hinge screws are secure. In a lot of cases, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can fix the problem.

The latch may not engage properly if the strike of the lock is too small. In this situation you'll need to expand the hole with the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to make sure that it connects to the strike plate without rubbing against or getting caught on the frame of the door jamb.

It is important to identify the type of mortise lock you have before buying a replacement. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and observing whether it is square or round. Examine each screw hole on the current lock and note their dimensions. This will help you to locate a replacement lock that is exactly the same size and fits into the hole you have already.

In addition to identifying the current mortise lock, you'll also need to check it for any nicks or bends that may require repairing. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that has frequently used to break. Replace the lock if it shows indications of damage.

After you've determined the type of lock replacement you need It's time to start the actual repair patio door lock. Remove the 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 into by using two bolts or screws. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. After you've completed these steps, you can test the new handles to make sure they can be opened and closed easily and that the latch is catching correctly with the strike plate.

Check the Strike of the Door.

The door latch and strike plate are two components of the lock that work to ensure that the latch is secure the door. If these parts aren't aligned correctly and the latch doesn't latch the door shut correctly. This is typically simple to repair.

First, check the holes in the strike plate's receiving to make sure they are clear of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the screws that keep the strike plate in place and allow it to move vertically, but not removing it from the frame of the 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 tighten all screws and test to see whether the door shuts smoothly.

These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However they are vital to secure and unlock your door. These metal plates are usually placed on the top and bottom of the door jamb where they support the door's latch. Then, the door latch slides into the strike plate, creating an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not properly installed, it could stop the latch from locking the door securely.

The most common reason for the patio door lock to become stuck or not close is a misalignment of the latch and strike plate. The most effective way to test for this is by performing the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt, and then attach masking tape over it. The lipstick will leave an impression when you close the door. This will show you exactly where the latch joins the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high, you can easily alter the strike plate.

If your patio door locks for sliding aren't working correctly they could be a problem in keeping your home secure from intruders. You must fix this problem as soon as possible. By following these easy steps, you'll be able to fix the lock on your patio door and regain its functionality in a matter of minutes.