The No. 1 Question Everyone Working In Patio Door Lock Repair Should Know How To Answer
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors undergo wear and tear which can cause lock malfunctions. There are a few basic steps you can take to restore the security of your uPVC door.
If it's resetting the lock or cleaning the mechanism for locking these simple fixes will increase the security of your home.
Clean the Lock
While patio doors are a great option to let in the outside and keep out the elements, they can also be security risks when your lock isn't functioning as it should. Over time wear and tear, cold and hot weather dirt and debris can affect the lock on your patio door and make it difficult to open. Fortunately, with a little maintenance you can ensure that the locks on your patio door always perform properly.
It's important to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This helps to get rid of any grime and coatings that could be preventing the lock from functioning in the way it should. Start by wiping all the moving parts on the lock for your patio door with an aqueous cloth. Then, use a scouring cloth or rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested areas of the door and frame. Then, wipe the lock down using a dry towel to remove any remaining moisture. Let it air dry before using it.
If you have a patio door that uses pin tumbler latch mechanisms it is possible to grease the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or applying a Teflon-based lubricant like WD-40 Multi-Use. This type of lubricant is able to be applied quickly and does not dissolve over time. If you're not able to find an appropriate lubricant, you could try using a pencil that has an extremely thick tip. Insert the pencil into the lock and jiggle it around to spread the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also essential to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free from dust, dirt and debris. They are particularly vulnerable to snow and ice, which can cause them jam or bind and make 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 it, then replace 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, operate using 3 to 4, or sometimes, 5 points locking mechanisms. This includes the handle and lock cylinder that is operated with keys. These doors require maintenance, oiling of the moving parts. This can be accomplished with an oil that is thin, but never WD40. It should be done every year, at a minimum.
If hinges that are sagging don't cause the problem it could be because the door is not aligned. It may be rubbing or catching against the strike plate's opening in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate and then use an abrasive chisel, which will enlarge the mortise that it rests in. This will permit the latch to fit into the hole, and stop it from hitting the frame.
Take a measurement of the width of the cylinder with a piece of wood or a book that fits into the gap above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the middle of the cylinder, and the inner measurement runs from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.
Check the width of the lock.
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. Verify that the door is properly balanced and that the hinge screws are secure. In many cases, moving the strike plate downwards or upwards could fix the problem.
The latch might not work properly if the strike of the lock is too small. In this situation, you need to widen the hole with a chisel and hammer. Then, test the latch so that it does not rub against the jamb frame of the door or fall the frame.
You should identify the type mortise lock that you have before buying a replacement. This can be done by looking at the faceplate on the lock and determining whether it is square or round. Examine each screw hole on the current lock and note the size. This information will allow you to locate the replacement lock that has the exact same width and will fit in the hole that you already have.
You'll need to identify the mortise lock and examine it for scratches, bends, or other damage that needs to be fixed. A bent or damaged latch is more likely break than one that hasn't been used much, so be sure to replace the lock with a new, secure version if you find any signs of wear or damage.
Once you've checked the lock and decided on the type of replacement you'll need then it's time to begin working on the actual repair. The old handle and spindle must be removed from the patio door. Introduce the new handle. Begin by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it in position using two bolts or screws. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. After you've completed these steps, you can test the new handles to ensure that they can be opened and closed easily and that the latch locks properly with the strike plate.
Check the Strike on the door.
The strike plate and door latch are two parts that work together to secure the door. If they are not aligned properly, the latch won't latch the door shut correctly. Fortunately, this issue is usually simple to fix.
First, inspect the strike plate's receiving holes to make sure they are clear of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Release the screws that hold the strike plate in place. This allows it to move vertically, but not separate it from the frame. Adjust the strike plate to align its receiving holes with the latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted tighten all screws and test to see whether the door shuts smoothly.
Door strike plates can be difficult to access for homeowners who have sliding patio doors, however they're crucial for locking and unlocking your door. The metal plates are typically located at the top and bottom of the door jamb where they support the door's latch. Then, the door latch is able to slide into the strike plate, creating a seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged or rusted or not properly installed, the latch may not lock the door properly.
A misalignment between the latch and strike plate is one common cause for the patio lock to not close or stick. The easiest method to check for this is to perform the "lipstick test." Apply Repair My Windows And Doors along the edge of the deadbolt, then apply masking tape over it. The lipstick will leave an impression when you close the door. This will show you exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high it is possible to adjust the strike plate.
If your sliding patio door locks aren't working correctly they could be a problem in keeping your home secure from intruders. It is imperative to resolve this issue as quickly as possible. By following these simple steps, you can repair the lock on your patio door and get it back to normal in a matter of minutes.