10 Tips For Getting The Most Value From Patio Door Lock Repair
Patio Door Lock who repairs sliding patio doors
Over time, wear and tear can lead to lock malfunctions. There are a few basic steps you can take to ensure the security of your uPVC door.
These simple fixes will make your home safer regardless of whether you re-align the lock or clean the locking mechanism.
Clean the Lock
While patio doors are a great option to let in the outside and keep out the elements however, they can also pose an issue for security if your lock isn't working as it should. Over time, wear, tear, cold and hot weather dirt and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little care, you can make sure that your lock for your patio door always functions in a proper manner.
In the beginning, it's important to clean the lock of your patio sliding door repair near me door and all of its moving parts. This will help get rid of any coatings or dirt that could be preventing your lock from working correctly. Begin by wiping all the moving parts of your patio sliding door repair near me door's lock using a damp cloth. then use a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any difficult-to-access areas of the door or frame that are covered in dirt. Then wipe the lock using a dry towel to remove any remaining moisture. Let it air dry before you use it.
If you have an outdoor door that has a pin tumbler latch mechanism You can lubricate the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or using a Teflon-based lubricant like WD-40 Multi-Use. This kind of lubricant is easy to apply, and it won't disintegrate over time. If you are unable to locate a suitable lubricant You might try using a pencil that has an extremely sharp tip. Put the pencil into the lock and jiggle it around how to repair patio door lock distribute the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also essential to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free from dirt, dust and debris. They are particularly susceptible to ice, snow, and other particles, which can cause them block or become stuck. This could make it difficult for your patio door to open and shut.
The sliding rails of the emergency patio door repair door track and rollers can be cleaned by removing dirty or damaged weather stripping and then cleaning it, before reinstalling it. The rollers of patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed with a nonstick lubricant.
Lubricate the Moving Parts
uPVC French doors, like sliding patios, operate by using 3 to 4 or sometimes 5 point locking mechanisms. This includes the lock cylinder and handle which is operated by a key. They also require maintenance, and specifically lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done using a thin oil however, never WD40. It should be done at least once per year.
If hinges that are sagging aren't the cause, the door could be misaligned and caught or striking the strike plate hole in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate, and then use an abrasive chisel to increase the size of the mortise that it rests in. This will allow the latch to fit into the hole, and prevent it from rubbing against the frame.
Measure the diameter of the cylinder using the help of a piece of book or wood that fits into the gap above the adjustment screw. 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 of the cylinder.
Check the lock's width
If your patio door latch isn't able to turn even after oiling and cleaning it's possible that it's not aligned properly with the strike plate. Make sure that your door is balanced, and if the hinge screws are in good condition. In many cases, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can fix the problem.
The latch may not engage properly when the strike of the lock is too small. In this situation you'll need to expand the hole with the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to make sure that it contacts the strike plate without rubbing against or getting caught on the frame of the door jamb.
Before buying a replacement lock, first determine what kind of mortise lock you currently have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and observing whether it is square or round. Then, look at the screw holes on the existing lock and note the dimensions of each. This will assist you in finding a replacement that is of the same size and fits perfectly into the hole you have already.
You'll need to locate the mortise lock, and then examine it for any scratches, bends or other damage that requires to be fixed. A badly damaged or bent latch is more prone to break than one that hasn't been utilized often, so make sure to replace the lock with a brand new one that is secure if you find any signs of wear or damage.
Once you've checked the lock and determined which type of replacement you 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. Install the new handle. Start by putting in the interior handle and aligning it with the spindle and then securing it with the two screws or bolts that hold it. Once the interior handle is installed, put in the handle that is outside and screw it in the position as well. After you've completed the steps, you can test the new handles to ensure that they open and close easily and that the latch locks correctly when you strike the plate.
Check the door's Strike
The strike plate and the door latch are two pieces 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 correctly. Fortunately, the issue is usually easy to correct.
Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to ensure they are clear of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Release the screws that hold the strike plate in place. This allows it to move vertically, but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Adjust the strike plate to align its holes for receiving 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 if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However they are crucial to secure and unlock your door. These metal plates are located on the top and bottom jambs of your door, where they support its latch. The door latch slides onto this strike plate and creates the seal. If the strike plate is damaged or rusted or not installed correctly, the latch may not lock the door properly.
A misalignment between the strike plate and latch is the most common reason for the patio lock not to close or stay. This can be checked with the "lipstick" test. Rub some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt. Then cover it with masking tape. When you shut the door the lipstick will leave a mark on the tape, showing you exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high, you can alter the strike plate.
The sliding patio door locks keep your home safe from burglars, and if they're not functioning correctly, you should fix the problem quickly. If you follow these steps, you can fix the lock on your patio sliding doors repair door and get it back to normal within a short time.