A Proficient Rant Concerning Patio Door Lock Repair

Patio Door Lock Repairs Over time, patio doors go through wear and tear that can cause lock malfunctions. There are a few easy steps you can take to restore the security of your uPVC door. These simple fixes will ensure your home is secure, whether you realign the lock or clean the mechanism. Clean the Lock While patio doors are a great option to bring the outside in and keep the elements out however, they can also pose an issue for security in the event that your lock isn't operating as it should. As time passes wear and tear cold and hot 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 ensure your patio door's locks always work correctly. It is essential to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This will help remove any dirt and coatings that could hinder the lock from working in the way it should. Start by wiping down the moving parts of your patio door's lock with a damp cloth, then use a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub the hard-to-reach areas of the door or frame that are coated with dirt. Then, wipe the entire lock using dry cloth to get rid of any remaining dampness, and allow it to air dry prior to making use of it again. If your patio door uses pin-tumbler locks, you can apply powdered Graphite on the key. You can also apply a Teflon lubricant like WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant can be applied easily and does not dissolve over time. If you are unable to find an appropriate lubricant you could try using a pencil with an extremely thick tip. Put the pencil in the lock, then shake it around to spread the graphite. Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free from dust, dirt and debris. They are particularly vulnerable to snow and ice which could cause them to become stuck or slack, making it harder for your patio doors to open and close. Clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio doors by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it and replace it. The same applies to patio door rollers which can be wiped down and sprayed with a non-stick lubricant to help them move freely. Lubricate the Moving Parts uPVC french doors, like sliding patio doors, operate by using 3 to 4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms which include the handle and lock cylinder operated by a key. These doors require maintenance, lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished using a thin oil (never WD40) and should be done every year. If the hinges aren't causing the problem it could be because the door is misaligned. It could be rubbing or catching against the strike plate's opening in the frame. Take off the strike plate and employ a sharp tool to expand its mortise. This will allow the latch to fit properly into the hole, and stop it from hitting the frame. Measure the diameter of the cylinder using a piece of book or wood 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, while 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 oiling and cleaning, it's possible that it's not aligned properly with the strike plate. Verify that the door is balanced and whether the hinge screws are tight however, in many instances, moving the strike plate up or down can fix the issue. Oftentimes, the problem occurs when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this instance, you can widen the hole with a chisel and hammer. Then, test the latch to ensure that it does not rub against the jamb frame of the door or get caught the frame. Before you purchase a replacement lock, first identify the type of mortise lock you currently have. This can be done by looking at the end faceplate and determining if it is round or square. Take a look at each screw hole on the existing lock and note their dimensions. This will enable you to find the replacement lock that has exactly the same size and fits into the hole that you already have. In addition to identifying the current mortise lock, you should also examine it for any nicks or bends that may need repairing. A badly damaged or bent latch is more likely break than one that's been frequently used, so be sure to replace the lock with a brand new, secure version if you find any signs of damage or wear. Once you've decided on the kind of lock replacement you require, it's now time to begin the actual repair. Take the old handle and spindle from the patio door, and then put in the new one. Start by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it into by using two bolts or screws. Once the handle in the interior is in, install the exterior handle and screw it into place as well. Once you have completed these steps check the handles to make sure that they are able to open and close easily and that the latch works correctly with the strikeplate. Check the Strike of the Door. The strike plate and the door latch are two components which work together to lock the door. If they are not aligned properly and the latch isn't latching the door properly. This problem is usually very easy to repair. Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to ensure they are clear of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Then, loosen the keeper screws that secure the strike plate in place and allow it to move horizontally, but not removing it from the door frame. Then adjust the strike plate to ensure that its holes for receiving are aligned with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted then tighten all screws, and test if the door closes smoothly. Door strike plates can be difficult to access for homeowners who have sliding patio doors, however they're essential to lock and unlock your door. The plates made of metal are located at the top and bottom jambs of the door which are where they help support the latch. Then, the door latch is placed on the strike plate to create a seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not properly installed, it could prevent the latch from locking the door securely. The most common reason for a patio door lock to become stuck or not close is a misalignment of the latch and the strike plate. The easiest way to check for this is by performing the “lipstick test.” Rub some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt, then attach masking tape over it. patio door repair 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 alter the strike plate. If your patio door locks for sliding aren't functioning properly, they can keep your home safe from burglars. You must resolve this issue as quickly as you can. Follow these simple steps to fix your patio door lock and restore it's function.