Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, wear and tear can lead to lock malfunctions. There are fortunately, a number of simple and effective ways to restore your uPVC patio screen door repair door's security.

Whether it's realigning the lock or cleaning the mechanism for locking These simple fixes can help you make your home more secure.

Clean the Lock

Patio doors are great to let the outdoors in and keeping out the elements. However they can pose risky for security if the lock doesn't work properly. With time wear and tear extreme cold and hot weather dirt and debris could take their toll on the lock of your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. With some minor maintenance you can make sure that the locks on your patio door always work correctly.

It's crucial to clean the lock on your patio door and all the moving parts. This helps to flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that may be preventing the lock from functioning in the way it should. Start by wiping the moving parts of the lock for your aluminium patio door repairs door with a damp cloth. Then you can use a scouring paper or a rough damp cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the frame and door. Then wipe the lock with a dry towel to remove any remaining moisture. Let it air dry before using it.

If you have an exterior door that is fitted with a pin tumbler latch mechanism, you can lubricate the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or by using an lubricant based on Teflon like WD-40 Multi-Use. This kind of lubricant can be applied easily and doesn't dissolve over time. If you're unable to find a suitable lubricant you can use a pencil with an extremely sharp tip. Place the pencil in the lock and move it around to spread the graphite.

The tracks for sliding patio doors also require regular maintenance to ensure they're free of dirt, dust, and debris. They are particularly susceptible to snow, ice, and other debris that could cause them to block or become stuck. This could make it difficult for your patio door to open and shut.

You can clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio doors by removing any weather stripping that is dirty or damaged. Clean it, and then replace it. The rollers of patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed with an oil that is nonstick.

Lubricate the Moving Parts

uPVC French Doors, like sliding patios, operate by using 3 to 4 or sometimes 5 point locking mechanisms. They include the lock cylinder and handle that is operated with a key. They require maintenance and oiling of the moving parts. This can be done using an oil that is thin however, never WD40. It should be done at least once per year.

If sagging hinges aren't a reason, the door could be skewed and catch or rubbing against the strike plate hole in the frame. Remove the strike plate, and employ a sharp tool expand its mortise. This allows the latch to sit correctly in the hole, and also prevents rubbing or catching on the frame.

Measure the diameter of the cylinder using the help of a piece of wood or a book 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 to the end of the of the cylinder.

Verify 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 secure. In most cases, however, simply 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 instance you'll have to increase the hole using either a hammer or chisel, and then test the latch to ensure that it is able to engage the strike plate in a smooth manner without rubbing against or landing on the door's frame jamb.

Before purchasing a new lock, first determine the mortise type of lock you have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and determining if it is round or square. Take a look at each screw hole on the existing lock, and note their size. This will aid you in finding an alternative lock that is the same width and is a perfect fit for your existing hole.

In addition to identifying the current mortise lock, you should also examine it for any scratches or bends that may require repairing. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that has been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if it shows evidence of damage.

Once you've inspected the lock and identified which type of replacement you'll need, it's time to start working on the actual repair. Remove the old handle and spindle out of your patio door, and then insert the new one. Begin by installing the interior handle by aligning it with the spindle, and then securing it in place by using the two bolts or screws that hold it. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. Once you've completed these steps you can test the new handles to make sure they are able to open and close with ease and that the latch locks correctly when you strike the plate.

Check the Strike of the Door.

The door latch and strike plate are two parts of the lock that work to ensure that the latch locks the door. A misaligned strike plate or door latch will cause the latch to not latch the door correctly. Fortunately, this issue is often easy to fix.

Check the holes for receiving of the strike plate to ensure they are clear of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the screws that secure the strike plate in place, allowing it to move vertically but not detaching it from the frame of your door. Then adjust the strike plate until its receiving holes align with the latch hooks on the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted then tighten all screws, and test to see whether the door closes smoothly.

These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio door repair patio doors. However they are crucial to lock and unlock your door. The plates made of metal are located at the top and bottom jambs of the door where they support its latch. Then, the door latch slides into the strike plate to create the seal when it is closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not installed correctly, it may stop the latch from locking the door securely.

A misalignment of the strike plate and latch is a common reason for a patio lock to not close or stay. The most effective way to test for this is with the "lipstick test." Apply some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt, and then put masking tape on it. The lipstick will leave an impression when you close the door. This will reveal exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high you can easily adjust the strike plate.

Locks for sliding patio doors repair patio doors help keep your home safe from intruders, and if they're not functioning correctly, you must fix the problem quickly. By following these easy steps, you'll be able to fix the lock on your patio door and restore its functionality in a matter of minutes.