Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio doors go through wear and tear that can lead to lock malfunctions. However, there are simple and effective ways to restore your uPVC patio door's security.

Whether it's realigning the lock or cleaning the mechanism for locking these simple fixes will help you make your home more secure.

Clean the Lock

Although patio doors are a great option to let in the outside and keep out the elements but they can also pose an issue for security if your lock isn't working as it should. With time wear and tear, extreme cold and hot weather, dirt and debris can affect the lock on your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. Fortunately, with some minor maintenance you can make sure that the locks on your patio door always work effectively.

It's crucial 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 working as it should. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts of your patio door lock using a damp cloth. Then apply a scouring pad or a damp, rough cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the door frame and frame. Then clean the lock using a dry towel to get rid of any moisture. Let it air dry before you use it.

If your patio sliding door repair door uses a pin-tumbler latch You can lubricate it by applying powdered graphite to the key. You can also use a Teflon lubricant such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant is able to be applied easily and does not dissolve over time. If you're unable to find the right lubricant for your lock, you can apply a pencil that has a larger tip. Insert the pencil into the lock and move it around to spread the graphite.

Sliding patio door repair door tracks also require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dirt, dust, and 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.

Sliding patio door track rails and rollers can be cleaned by removing any dirty or damaged weather stripping and cleaning them before reinstalling it. The same applies for rollers on patio door repair company near me doors, which can be cleaned and sprayed with non-stick lubricant to help them move freely.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC french doors, similar to sliding patio door repairs near me patio doors, operate with 3-4 or occasionally 5-point locking mechanisms which include the lock cylinder and handle controlled by keys. They require maintenance and oiling of the moving parts. This can be accomplished with the use of a thin oil, but never WD40. It is recommended to do it at least once a year.

If hinges that are sagging don't cause the issue, it could be that the door is misaligned. It could be rubbing or catching the strike plate's hole in the frame. Remove the strike plate and employ 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.

While the cylinder is out of the way, measure its width with the help of a book or piece wood that will fit in 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, and the inner dimension extends from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.

Check the lock's length

If your patio door latch isn't able to turn even after cleaning and oiling it's possible that it's not aligned properly with the strike plate. Check if your door is balanced, and that the hinge screws are in good condition. In a lot of instances, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards will solve the issue.

Oftentimes, the problem occurs when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this situation, you need to widen the opening using the hammer and chisel. Then test the latch to ensure it doesn't touch the jamb frame of the door or get caught on it.

Before you purchase a replacement lock, first determine the mortise type of lock you have. This can be done by taking a look at the faceplate of the lock and noting if it is square or round. Then, look at the screw holes in the existing lock and note the dimensions of each. This will help you to locate a replacement lock that is exactly the same size and fits into the hole that you already have.

In addition to identifying the mortise lock that is currently in use, you should also examine it for any bends or scratches that might require repair. A bent or damaged latch is more prone to break than one that's been utilized often, so make sure to replace the lock with a brand 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'll need now is the time to start working on the actual repair. The spindle and handle must be removed from the doorway to the patio. Introduce the new handle. 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 hold it. Once the handle in the interior is installed, you can install the exterior handle and screw it in place as well. Once 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 with the strike plate.

Make sure the door's strike is checked

The strike plate and the door latch are two components that work together in order to lock the door. A misaligned strike plate or door latches can result in the latch not being able to latch the door properly. Fortunately, this issue is usually easy to correct.

First, inspect the holes in the strike plate's receiving to make sure they are free 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. Then, adjust the strike plate until its holes for receiving align with the latch hooks on the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted tighten the screws, and test the door to see whether it locks smoothly after the new adjustment.

Door strike plates can be difficult to locate for homeowners with sliding patio doors, however they are essential for locking and unlocking your door. The metal plates are typically located at the top and bottom of the door jamb, where they serve as the door's latch. The door latch slides onto the strike plate and forms an airtight seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not properly installed, it could stop the latch from locking the door securely.

A misalignment between the strike plate and latch is a common reason for the Patio glass repair near me lock to not close or stick. This can be verified using the "lipstick" test. Rub some lipstick across the edge of the deadbolt and then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave the mark when you close the door. This will indicate exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high, you can alter the strike plate.

Sliding patio door locks help protect your home from burglars, and if they're not working correctly, you should repair the issue quickly. Follow these steps to fix your patio screen door repair door lock and restore it's function.