Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, wear and tear can cause lock malfunctions. There are a few simple steps you can take to restore the security of your uPVC door.
Whether it's realigning the lock or cleaning the mechanism that locks these simple fixes will increase the security of your home.
Clean the Lock
While patio doors are a great way to let the outside in and keep out the elements but they can also pose security risks when your lock isn't functioning as it should. Over time wear and tear extreme cold and hot weather dirt and debris can affect the lock of your patio door and make it difficult to open. Fortunately, with some minor maintenance you can ensure that your patio door's locks will always work effectively.
It is important to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This will help flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that could hinder the lock from functioning in the way it should. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with an aqueous cloth. Then you can use a scouring paper or a damp, rough cloth to scrub the dirt-infested areas of the door frame and frame. Then wipe the lock with a dry cloth to remove any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before using it.
If you have an outdoor door that has a pin tumbler latch mechanism it is possible to grease the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or applying an lubricant based on Teflon like WD-40 Multi-Use. get redirected here of lubricant can be applied easily and does not dissolve over time. If you are unable to find the right lubricant for your needs You might try using a pencil that has an extremely thick tip. Place the pencil into the lock, and shake it around to distribute the graphite.
Sliding patio door tracks also require regular maintenance to ensure they're free of dust, dirt, and debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow, ice and other particles, which can cause them get stuck or to bind. This could make it difficult for your patio door to be opened and closed.
You can clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio doors by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it and replace it. The same is true to patio door rollers which can be cleaned and sprayed with a non-stick lubricant to help them move freely.
Lubricate the Moving Parts
uPVC French Doors, like sliding patios, operate by using 3 to 4 or occasionally 5 point locking mechanisms. These include the handle and lock cylinder that is operated with keys. They also require maintenance, specifically lubrication on the moving parts. This can be done using an oil that is thin (never WD40) and is recommended to be done at least once per year.
If hinges that are sagging aren't the cause, the door may be skewed and catch or striking the strike plate hole in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate, and then use an abrasive chisel to increase the size of the mortise it rests in. This allows the latch to fit correctly in the hole, and also prevents rubbing or catching on the frame.
While the cylinder is out of the way and out of the way, measure 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 the distance from the outside of the door to the middle of the cylinder. the inner measurement runs from the center of the adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder.
Check the width of the lock.
If your patio door latch isn't able to turn, even after oiling and cleaning, it's possible that it's not aligned properly with the strike plate. Verify that the door is balanced, and that the hinge screws are tight. In a lot of instances, moving the strike plate downwards or upwards could 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 case you'll need to expand the hole with the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to ensure that it is able to engage the strike plate smoothly without rubbing against or getting caught on the frame of the door jamb.
Before purchasing a new lock, it is important to determine the mortise type of lock you have. This can be done by taking a look at the faceplate of the lock and determining whether it is round or square. Then, look at the screw holes on the existing lock and note the size of each. This information will aid you in finding an alternative that is of the same size and fits perfectly into your existing hole.
You'll need to identify the mortise lock, and then examine it for scratches, bends or other damage that requires to be repaired. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that has been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if you notice evidence of damage.
Once you've identified the type of lock replacement that you require, it's now time to start the actual repair. The old handle and spindle must be removed from the patio door. Insert the new handle. Start by putting in the interior handle and aligning it with the spindle and then fixing it by using the two screws or bolts which hold it. Once the interior handle is installed, put in the exterior handle and screw it in place as well. Once you have completed these steps Test the handles to ensure that they open and shut easily and that the latch works properly with the strikeplate.
Check the door's Strike
The door latch and strike plate are the two parts of the lock that work together to ensure that the latch is secure the door. If they are not aligned properly, the latch won't latch the door shut correctly. This problem is usually very simple to fix.
Check the receiving holes 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 in position. This allows it to move vertically, but not separate it from the frame. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its receiving holes with the latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate is adjusted, tighten all screws and test if the door closes smoothly.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However they are vital to lock and unlock your door. These metal plates are usually placed on the top and bottom of the door jamb which is where they are used to support the door's latch. The door latch slides onto the strike plate, and it creates a seal. If the strike plate has been damaged, rusted, or is not properly installed the latch might not lock the door properly.
The most common reason for an outdoor door lock to not close or not close is a misalignment of the latch and strike plate. The easiest way to check for this is by performing the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt and apply masking tape over it. When you shut the door the lipstick will leave an impression on the tape, indicating you exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low you can easily adjust the strike plate.
The sliding patio door locks protect your home from burglars, and if they're not working correctly, you should repair the issue quickly. Follow these steps to repair your patio door lock and restore it's functionality.