Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, wear and tear can cause lock malfunctions. However, there are simple and effective steps that can help restore your uPVC patio door's security.
These simple fixes can 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 bring the outside in and keep out the elements but they can also pose an issue for security in the event that your lock isn't operating as it should. With time, wear and tear, extreme cold and hot weather, dirt and debris can affect the lock on your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. Fortunately, with some minor maintenance you can make sure that your patio door's locks always work effectively.
It is important to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This helps flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that could be preventing the lock from functioning as it should. Start by wiping the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with an aqueous cloth. Then, use a scouring cloth or a rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested areas of the door frame and frame. Then, wipe the entire lock using a dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness, and allow it to dry completely before making use of it again.
If your patio door is equipped with pin-tumbler latches You can lubricate it by applying powdered graphite to the key. You can also apply a Teflon lubricant such as WD-40 Multi Use Product. This type of lubricant can be applied quickly and doesn't dissolve over time. If you're unable find the right lubricant to use with your lock, make use of a pencil with a more of a thicker tip. Put the pencil in the lock, and shake it around to distribute the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also required to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear of dust, dirt and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to ice, snow, and other debris that could cause them to block or become stuck. This can make it difficult for your patio door to be opened and closed.
Clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio doors by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it, and then replace it. Patio door rollers can also be cleaned and sprayed with an oil that is non-stick.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC French Doors, like sliding patios, are operated using 3 to 4, or occasionally 5 points locking mechanisms. These include the handle and lock cylinder that is operated with a key. They also require maintenance, specifically lubrication on the moving parts. This can be done with an oil that is thin (never WD40) and should be done every year.
If sagging hinges aren't the cause, the door could be misaligned and caught or hitting the strike plate's hole in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate, and then use an abrasive chisel, which will enlarge the mortise it rests in. This lets the latch sit correctly in the hole and prevents scratching or catching on the frame.
When the cylinder is out of the way take a measurement of its width using the help of a book or piece wood that can fit into the adjustment screw gap above the lock. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of door to the center of cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.
Verify the lock's width
If your patio door latch isn't able to turn, even after cleaning and oiling it could be because it is not aligned with the strike plate. Check to see if the door is properly balanced and whether the hinge screws are secure, but in many cases shifting the strike plate up or down can correct the issue.
The latch may not be able to engage properly in the event that the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this instance you'll need to expand the hole with a chisel or hammer and then test the latch to make sure that it is able to engage the strike plate in a smooth manner without rubbing against or catching on the door's frame jamb.
You should identify the type mortise lock you have before purchasing the replacement. This can be done by looking at the faceplate of the lock and noting if it is round or square. Look at each screw hole in the existing lock and note the size. This will enable you to locate an alternative lock that is exactly the same size and will fit in the hole you have already.
You'll need to identify the mortise lock and inspect it for any scratches, bends or other damage that needs to be repaired. A badly damaged or bent latch is more likely break than one that hasn't been used much, so be sure to replace the lock with a brand new secure and safe version if you find any signs of damage or wear.
Once you've inspected the lock and decided on the type of replacement you need then it's time to begin working on the actual repair. The spindle and handle must be removed from the patio door. Introduce the new handle. Start by installing the inside 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 that is outside and screw it in place as well. Once 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 catches correctly when you strike the plate.
Check the Door's Strike
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 will result in the latch not being able to latch the door correctly. This problem is usually very simple to solve.
Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to ensure they are clear of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Remove the screws that hold the strike plate in position. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors will allow it to move horizontally, but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its holes for receiving with the latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate has been adjusted, tighten all screws and check whether the door closes smoothly.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However they are vital to lock and unlock your door. These metal plates are located on the top and bottom jambs of the door where they serve as the support for the latch. The door latch slides onto the strike plate and forms an airtight seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not properly installed, it could hinder the latch from locking the door securely.
One common reason for the patio door lock to stick or not close is a misalignment between the latch and strike plate. The easiest method to check for this is to perform the "lipstick test." Apply some lipstick on the edge of the deadbolt, and then put masking tape on it. When you close the door the lipstick will leave an impression on the tape, showing you exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high it is possible to alter the strike plate.
If your patio door locks for sliding aren't functioning properly they could be a problem in keeping your home safe from burglars. It is imperative to repair the issue as soon as you can. Follow these steps to repair your patio door lock and restore it's functionality.