Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors experience wear and tear that can result in locks that fail. Fortunately, there are several simple and effective methods that can restore your uPVC patio door's security.
These quick fixes will ensure your home is secure no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the locking mechanism.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are ideal for letting the outdoors in while keeping the elements out. However they could pose a security threat in the event that the lock isn't working correctly. Over time wear and tear, hot and cold weather dirt and debris could cause damage to your patio door's lock and cause it to become difficult to open. Fortunately, with a little maintenance you can ensure that your patio door's locks will always work correctly.
To begin with, it's essential to clean the lock on your patio door and all of its moving parts. This will help get rid of any grime or coatings that may be preventing your lock from functioning effectively. Start by wiping all the moving parts on your patio door lock with a wet cloth. Then you can use a scouring paper or a rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested parts of the door and frame. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock using a dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness and allow it to air dry before applying it to the next time.
If your patio door uses a pin-tumbler latch, you can apply powdered Graphite on the key. You can also apply a Teflon lubricant such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant can be applied easily and doesn't dissolve over time. If you're not able to find a suitable lubricant, you might try using a pencil that has a thick tip. Put the pencil into the lock and jiggle it around a bit to spread the graphite.
The tracks for sliding patio doors also require regular maintenance to ensure they're free of dirt, dust and other debris. They are particularly vulnerable to snow and ice which can cause them to be stuck or jammed which makes it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.
You can clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio doors by removing any weather stripping that is dirty or damaged. 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 with 3 to 4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms that include the lock cylinder and handle controlled by keys. They require maintenance and the lubrication of moving parts. This can be done using a thin oil (never WD40) and should be done once per year.
If hinges that are sagging aren't the cause, the door may be skewed and catch or hitting the strike plate hole within the frame. Take off the strike plate and use a sharp tool to increase the size of its mortise. This allows the latch to fit correctly in the hole, and also prevents scratching or catching on the frame.
When double glazed patio door repairs repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk is out of the way and out of the way, measure its width using the help of a book or piece wood that can fit into the gap between the adjustment screw and 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 cylinder.
Check the lock's length
If your patio door latch isn't able to turn even after cleaning and lubricating, it's possible that it is out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Make sure that your door is in a balanced position, and if the hinge screws are tight. In most cases, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards will solve the issue.
Most of the time, the issue occurs when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to engage. In this case, enlarge the opening using an hammer and chisel. Then test the latch so that it does not rub against the door jamb frame or catch the frame.
Before you purchase a replacement lock, first identify the type of mortise lock you currently have. This can be done by looking at the end faceplate and noting whether it is round or square. Take a look at each screw hole on the existing lock, and note their size. This will help you to find a replacement lock that is the exact same width and will fit in the hole you have already.
In addition to identifying the mortise lock that is currently in use, 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 been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if it shows evidence of damage.
Once you've inspected the lock and determined which kind of replacement you require, it's time to start working on the actual repair. Take the old handle and spindle from your patio door, and then install the new one. Begin by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it in position using two bolts or screws. Once the handle's interior is in, install the exterior handle and screw it in the position as well. After you've completed these steps, test the handles to make sure that they are able to open and close easily and that the latch engages properly with the strikeplate.
Make sure the door's strike is checked
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, the latch won't latch the door shut correctly. This is typically simple to fix.
First, examine the strike plate's receiving holes to ensure that they are free of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the keeper screws that hold the strike plate in place and allow it to move horizontally, but not removing it from the frame of your door. Adjust the strike plate to align its holes for receiving with latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted tighten all screws and test to see whether the door closes smoothly.
Door strike plates can be difficult to locate for homeowners with sliding patio doors, however they are essential to lock and unlock your door. These plates are usually located 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 is damaged, rusted, or not installed correctly, it can stop the latch from locking the door securely.
A misalignment between the latch and strike plate is one common cause for a patio lock to not close or stick. The most effective way to test for this is with the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt and attach masking tape over it. When you shut the door, the lipstick will leave a mark on the tape, showing you exactly where the latch connects to 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 working correctly they can help keep your home safe from burglars. It is imperative to fix this problem as soon as you can. Follow these steps to repair your patio door lock and restore its function.