The Most Sour Advice We've Ever Heard About Patio Door Lock Repair

Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio doors undergo wear and tear that can cause locks that fail. There are a few easy steps you can take to ensure the security of your uPVC door.

These quick fixes can make your home safer, whether you realign the lock or clean the locking mechanism.

Clean the Lock

Although patio doors are a great way to bring the outside in and keep the elements out, they can also be a security risk if your lock isn't working as it should. With time, wear and tear, cold and hot weather, dirt, and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. Fortunately, with some minor maintenance you can ensure that your patio door's locks always function properly.

In the beginning, it's essential to clean your patio door's lock and all the moving parts. This helps to remove any dirt and coatings that could be preventing the lock from working in the way it should. Start by wiping down the moving parts of your patio door's lock with a damp, clean cloth. then make use of a scouring pad, or a rough damp cloth to scrub the hard-to-reach parts of the door and frame that are coated with dirt. Then clean the lock with a dry cloth to remove any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before using it.

If your patio door has pin-tumbler latches you can lubricate it by applying powdered graphite to the key. You can also use a Teflon oil like WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant is easy to apply and it doesn't dissolve with time. If you're not able to find a suitable lubricant You can try using a pencil that has an extremely thick tip. Put the pencil into the lock and jiggle it around to spread the graphite.

Tracks for sliding patio doors require regular maintenance to ensure they're free of dirt, dust, and debris. They are particularly vulnerable to snow and ice which can cause them jam or bind which makes it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.

Clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio doors by removing any weather stripping that is dirty or damaged. Clean  glass door repair cost www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk  and replace it. Patio door rollers can also be cleaned and sprayed down with an oil that is nonstick.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC French Doors, similar to sliding patios, operate with 3 to 4 or sometimes, 5 points locking mechanisms. This includes the lock cylinder and handle which is operated by keys. They also require maintenance, specifically lubrication on the moving parts. This can be done with a thin oil (never WD40) and should be done once per year.

If sagging hinges don't cause the issue it could be because the door is misaligned. It could be rubbing or catching the strike plate's hole in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate and then use an abrasive chisel to increase the size of the mortise it rests in. This will allow the latch to fit properly into the hole and also prevent it from scratching against the frame.

While the cylinder is out of the way and out of the way, measure its width using an object or a piece of wood that can fit into the gap of adjustment screw above the lock. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of door to the center cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw until the end cylinder.

Check the lock's length

If your patio door latch is difficult 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 properly balanced and if the hinge screws are tight however, in many instances shifting the strike plate upwards or downwards could fix the problem.

The latch might not work properly in the event that the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this instance, you can widen the opening using an hammer and chisel. Then test the latch to ensure it doesn't rub against the door jamb frame or catch on it.

Before you purchase a replacement lock, you should first determine the mortise type of lock you currently have. You can do this by looking at the faceplate of the lock and noting if it is square or round. Take a look at each screw hole in the existing lock and note their dimensions. This will help you to locate an alternative lock that is the exact same width and will fit in the hole you have already.

You'll need to identify the mortise lock, and then examine it for bends, scratches or other damage that needs to be fixed. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that's been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if you notice evidence of damage.

Once you've checked the lock and decided on the type of replacement you need now is the time to start working on the actual repair. Take the old handle and spindle from the patio door, and then put in the new one. Begin by installing the handle in the interior and aligning it with the spindle, and then securing it with the two bolts or screws that secure it. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. Once you've completed these steps then you can test the new handles to ensure that they can be opened and closed easily and that the latch catches correctly when you strike the plate.

Check the Strike of the Door.

The door latch and strike plate are two components of the lock that work together to ensure the latch secures the door. If these are misaligned, the latch won't latch the door shut correctly. Fortunately, the issue is often easy to fix.

First, examine the strike plate's receiving holes to ensure they are free of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Loosen the keeper screws holding the strike plate. This will allow it to move horizontally, 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. Once the strike plate has been adjusted, tighten all screws and check whether the door closes smoothly.

These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However they are crucial to secure and unlock your door. The metal plates are situated at the top and bottom jambs of the door, which are where they help support the latch. Then, the door latch is placed on the strike plate, creating an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not properly installed, it could prevent the latch from locking the door securely.

A misalignment between the strike plate and latch is one common cause for a patio lock to not close or remain in place. This can be confirmed using the "lipstick" test. Apply some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt. Then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave the mark when you shut the door. This will reveal exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low you can alter the strike plate.

Sliding patio door locks help protect your home from burglars. If they're not working correctly, you must fix the problem quickly. If you follow these steps, you can fix your patio door's lock and get it back to normal within a short time.