10 Meetups On Patio Door Lock Repair You Should Attend
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors experience wear and tear which can result in locks that fail. There are a few basic steps you can take to ensure the security of your uPVC door.
If it's resetting the lock or cleaning the mechanism that locks these simple fixes will increase the security of your home.
Clean the Lock
Although patio doors are an excellent way to let the outside in and keep the elements out but they can also pose an issue for security when your lock isn't functioning as it should. Over time, wear and tear, cold and hot weather, dirt and debris can cause damage to the lock on your patio door and make it difficult to open. With a little effort, you can make sure that the lock on your patio door always works in a proper manner.
In the beginning, it's essential to clean the lock on your patio door and all its moving parts. This will help remove any coatings or dirt that may be preventing your lock from working properly. Begin by wiping down the moving parts of your patio door's lock with a damp, clean cloth. then employ a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any hard-to-reach parts of the door and 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 air dry before applying it to the next time.
If you have an outdoor door that has pin tumbler latch mechanisms, you can grease the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or by using an lubricant based on Teflon like WD-40 Multi-Use. This type of lubricant is easy to apply and it won't disintegrate over time. If you're unable to find the right lubricant for your lock, apply a pencil that has a larger tip. Put the pencil in the lock, and shake it around to spread the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear from dirt, dust and debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow, ice, and other particles, which can cause them block or become stuck. This could 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, cleaning them, then reinstalling it. The rollers of patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed with an oil that is nonstick.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC french doors, which are similar to sliding patio doors, operate with 3 to 4 or sometimes five-point locking mechanisms, which include the handle and lock cylinder controlled by a key. These doors also require maintenance, specifically lubrication on the moving parts. This can be done using a thin oil (never WD40) and should be done every year.
If hinges that are sagging aren't the cause, the door could be skewed and catch or striking the strike plate hole in the frame. Remove the strike plate and employ a sharp tool enlarge the mortise. This allows the latch to sit properly in the hole, and also prevents scratching or catching on the frame.
Once the cylinder is cleared of the way, measure its width with the help of a book or piece wood that will fit in the adjustment screw gap 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 runs from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.
Verify the lock's width
If your patio door track repair door latch isn't able to turn even after cleaning and lubricating, it's possible that it's out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Check if your door is balanced, and if the hinge screws are in good condition. In a lot of instances, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards will fix the problem.
The latch may not engage properly if the strike of the lock is too small. In this instance you'll have to increase the hole using the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to make sure that it is able to engage the strike plate without rubbing against or landing on the frame of the door jamb.
Before purchasing a new lock, you should first identify the type of mortise lock you currently have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate on the lock and determining whether it is round or square. Then, look at the screw holes on the existing lock and note the dimensions of each. This information will allow you to locate the replacement lock that has exactly the same width and fits into the hole that you already have.
In addition to identifying the current mortise lock, you should also examine it for any bends or scratches that might require repair. A badly damaged or bent latch is more prone to break than one that's not utilized often, so make sure to replace the lock with a new one that is secure when you spot any indications of wear or damage.
Once you've decided on the kind of lock replacement you need Now it's time to begin the actual repair. Remove the old handle and spindle out of your patio door, and then put in the new one. Start by putting in the handle inside, aligning it with the spindle and then securing it by using the two bolts or screws that hold it. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. After you've completed these steps, you can test the new handles to make sure they can be opened and closed easily and that the latch locks correctly when you strike the plate.
Make sure you check the Strike of the door.
The door latch and strike plate are the two parts of the lock that work to ensure the latch secures the door. An incorrectly aligned strike plate and door latches can cause the latch to not latch the door in a proper manner. This is typically simple to fix.
Examine the holes that receive the strike plate how to repair patio door lock make sure they are clear of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then, loosen the keeper screws that keep the strike plate in place and allow it to move vertically but not detaching it from the door 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 the screws and then test the door to see whether it shuts easily with the new adjustment.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However they are vital to secure and unlock your door. The plates made of metal are located at the top and bottom jambs of your door, which are where they help support the latch. Then, the door latch is placed on the strike plate, creating the seal when it is closed. If the strike plate is damaged or rusted, or if it is not installed correctly the latch might not lock the door properly.
A misalignment of the strike plate and latch is the most common reason for a patio screen door repair near me lock to not close or stay. The easiest method to check for this is to perform the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt, then put masking tape on it. When you close the door the lipstick will leave a mark on the tape that will show exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high, you can easily adjust the strike plate.
Locks for sliding patio doors help protect your home from burglars. If they're not functioning correctly, you should solve the issue fast. If you follow these steps, you can fix your patio door frame repair door's lock and get it back to normal within a short time.