This Week's Most Remarkable Stories Concerning Patio Door Lock Repair
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, wear and tear can lead to lock malfunctions. There are a few easy steps you can take to restore the security of your uPVC door.
These quick fixes will ensure your home is secure no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the mechanism.
Clean the Lock
While patio doors are a great option to let the outside in and keep the elements out, they can also be an issue for security if your lock isn't working as it should. With time, wear and tear, hot and cold weather dirt and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little effort, you can make sure that your patio door's lock always works properly.
It's crucial to clean your patio door's lock and all of its moving parts. This will help get rid of any grime and coatings that could be preventing the lock from working in the way it should. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts of your patio door lock with a wet cloth. Then apply a scouring pad or a damp, rough cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the door and frame. Then, wipe the entire lock using dry cloth to get rid of any remaining dampness and let it to dry completely before applying it to the next time.
If your patio door is equipped with a pin-tumbler latch, you can apply powdered Graphite on the key. You can also apply a Teflon oil like WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This kind of lubricant can be applied easily and will not disintegrate over time. If you are unable to find the right lubricant for your lock, make use of a pencil with a larger tip. Put the pencil into the lock and jiggle it around to distribute the graphite.
Tracks for sliding patio doors require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dirt, dust and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to snow, ice and other debris that can cause them jam or bind. This can make it difficult for your patio door to open and close.
Tracks for sliding patio doors and rollers can be cleaned by removing weather stripping that is damaged or dirty and then cleaning it, before installing it. The rollers of patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed with an oil that is nonstick.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC French Doors, similar to sliding patios, are operated with 3 to 4 or sometimes 5 point locking mechanisms. They include the handle and lock cylinder that is operated with a key. These doors also require maintenance, including lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done using a thin oil, but never WD40. It is recommended to do it every year, at a minimum.
If hinges that are sagging don't cause the issue it could be because the door isn't aligned. It could be rubbing against or catching the strike plate's hole in the frame. Remove the strike plate, and use a sharp tool to enlarge its mortise. This will allow the latch to fit properly into the hole, and stop it from hitting the frame.
While the cylinder is out of the way take a measurement of its width using a book or piece of wood that will fit in the gap between the adjustment screw and the lock. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the middle of the cylinder. the inner measurement runs from the center of the 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 is not aligned with the strike plate. Verify that the door is properly balanced and that the hinge screws are in good condition. In many instances, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards will solve the issue.
Oftentimes, the problem occurs when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to engage. In this situation, you need to widen the opening with an hammer and chisel. Then, test the latch to ensure it does not rub against the door jamb frame or catch on it.
You should identify the type mortise lock that you have before buying an alternative. This can be done by looking at the faceplate on the lock and determining whether it is round or square. Take a look at each screw hole on the current lock and note their dimensions. This will enable you to locate the replacement lock that has the exact same width and will fit in the hole you have already.
You'll need to identify the mortise lock and examine it for bends, scratches or other damage that need to be repaired. A damaged or bent latch is more likely break than one that's been utilized often, so make sure to replace the lock with a new secure and safe version if you find any signs of damage or wear.
After you've determined the type of lock replacement you require, it's now time to start the actual repair. Take the old handle and spindle out of your patio door, and then insert the new one. Start by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it in by using two bolts or screws. Once the handle in the interior is in, install the handle on the outside and screw it in place as well. After you've completed the steps then you can test the new handles to ensure that they can be opened and closed easily and that the latch is catching properly with the strike plate.
Make sure the door's strike is checked
The door latch and strike plate are the two parts of the lock that work together to ensure that the latch is secure the door. Misaligned strike plate and door latches can cause the latch to not latch the door properly. Fortunately, this problem is often easy to fix.
Check the receiving holes of the strike plate to make sure they are free of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the screws that keep the strike plate in place, allowing it to move vertically, but not detaching it from the frame of your door. Adjust the strike plate to align its holes for receiving with latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted, tighten all screws and test to see if the door closes smoothly.
Door strike plates can be difficult to access for homeowners with sliding patio doors, but they're crucial for locking and unlocking your door. These plates are usually placed on the top and bottom of the door jamb, where they serve as the door's latch. The door latch is inserted into the strike plate, and it creates the seal. If double glazed patio door repairs is damaged or rusted or not properly installed the latch may not lock the door properly.
A misalignment between the strike plate and latch is one common cause for the patio lock not to close or stay. This can be verified using the "lipstick" test. Apply a little lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt and then cover it with masking tape. When you close the door, the lipstick will leave a mark on the tape, showing you exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low you can easily alter the strike plate.
If your sliding patio door locks aren't functioning properly, they can keep your home secure from intruders. It is imperative to fix this problem as soon as you can. Follow these steps to fix your patio door lock and restore its function.