A Good Rant About Patio Door Lock Repair
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio door wear and tear can cause lock malfunctions. There are a few simple steps you can follow to restore the security of your uPVC door.
Whether it's realigning the lock or cleaning the locking mechanism these simple fixes will help you make your home more secure.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are ideal for bringing the outdoors in while keeping out the elements. However, they can be a security threat when the lock isn't functioning correctly. Over time wear and tear, hot and cold weather, dirt and debris can affect the lock on your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little care, you can make sure that your lock for your patio door always works properly.
It's important to clean the lock on your patio door and all its moving parts. This helps remove any dirt and coatings that could hinder the lock from functioning as it should. Start by wiping down the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a damp cloth, then make use of a scouring pad, or a rough damp cloth to scrub the hard-to-reach areas of the door or frame that are ingrained with dirt. You should then wipe down the entire lock using dry cloth to get rid of any remaining dampness and allow it to dry completely before applying it to the next time.
If you have an exterior door that is fitted with pin tumbler latch mechanisms it is possible to apply lubrication to the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or by using a lubricant made of Teflon, like WD-40 Multi-Use. This type of lubricant is able to be applied with ease and doesn't dissolve over time. If you're not able to locate the right lubricant for your needs, you could try using a pencil with a thick tip. Place the pencil in the lock and jiggle it around to distribute the graphite.
Tracks for sliding patio doors require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dust, dirt and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to snow, ice and other particles, which could cause them to jam or bind. This can make it difficult for your patio door to open and shut.
Sliding patio door track rails and rollers can be cleaned by removing any dirty or damaged weather stripping and cleaning them before installing it. Patio door rollers can also be cleaned and sprayed down with an oil that is non-stick.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC French doors, like sliding patios, are operated using 3 to 4, or sometimes 5 point locking mechanisms. They include the lock cylinder and handle that is operated by a key. They require maintenance and lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done with an oil that is thin (never WD40) and should be done once per year.
If sagging hinges aren't a cause, the door could be misaligned and caught 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 will allow the latch to fit properly into the hole and also prevent it from rubbing against 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 the distance from the outside of the door to the center of the cylinder. the inner dimension runs from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.
Check the Lock's Width
If your patio door latch is hard to turn even after cleaning and oiling it could be because it's not aligned with the strike plate. Check if your door is properly balanced and if the hinge screws are tight. In many cases, however, simply moving the strike plate downwards or upwards could fix the problem.
The most common issue is when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this situation you'll have to increase the hole with the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to ensure that it connects to the strike plate in a smooth manner without rubbing against or catching on the door's frame jamb.
Before you purchase a replacement lock, it is important to determine what kind of mortise lock you currently have. You can do this by looking at the faceplate of the lock and noting if it is round or square. Look at each screw hole in the existing lock and note the size. This information will aid you in finding an alternative lock that is the same width and fits perfectly into your existing hole.
You'll need to identify the mortise lock and examine it for scratches, bends or other damage that needs to be fixed. 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 signs of damage.
After you've examined the lock and identified which kind of replacement you require now is the time to start working on the actual repair. The old handle and spindle should be removed from the doorway to the patio. Insert the new handle. Start by installing upvc patio door repairs near me . Align it with the spindle and then secure it into by using two screws or bolts. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. After you've completed these steps Test the handles to make sure they open and shut easily and that the latch is in contact properly with the strikeplate.
Make sure you check the Strike of the door.
The strike plate and door latch are two parts that work together in order to secure the door. Misaligned strike plate and door latches can result in the latch not being able to latch the door correctly. This problem is usually very simple to repair.
First, check the strike plate's receiving holes to make sure they are free of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the keeper screws that hold the strike plate in place, allowing it to move vertically, but not removing it from the door frame. Then, adjust the strike plate so that its holes for receiving align with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate has been adjusted, tighten all screws and test if the door closes smoothly.
Door strike plates can be difficult to access for homeowners with sliding patio doors, but they're crucial for locking and unlocking your door. These plates are usually located on the top and bottom of the door jamb, where they serve as the door's latch. The door latch is placed on the strike plate to form the seal when it is closed. If the strike plate has been damaged or rusted or not installed correctly the latch may not be able to lock the door properly.
The most common reason for an outdoor door lock to stick or not close is a misalignment between the latch and strike plate. 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 shut the door. This will indicate 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 sliding patio door locks aren't functioning properly, they can keep your home safe from burglars. It is imperative to fix this problem as soon as you can. Follow these easy steps to repair your patio door lock and restore it's functionality.