Three Reasons To Identify Why Your Patio Door Lock Repair Isn't Working (And The Best Ways To Fix It)

Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio door wear and tear could cause lock malfunctions. There are fortunately, a number of simple and efficient ways to restore your uPVC patio door's security.

Whether it's realigning the lock or cleaning the mechanism that locks these simple fixes will make your home more secure.

Clean the Lock

Although patio doors are a great option to bring the outside in and keep out the elements, they can also be a security risk when your lock isn't functioning 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 maintenance you can make sure that your patio door's locks will always perform effectively.

To begin with, it's important to clean the lock on your patio door and all the moving parts. This will help remove any coatings or dirt that could be preventing your lock from functioning correctly. Begin by wiping down the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a damp, clean cloth. then employ a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub the hard-to-reach areas of the door and frame that are ingrained with dirt. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock with dry cloths to eliminate any remaining dampness and allow it to air dry before applying it to the next time.

If your patio door uses pin-tumbler latches, you can lubricate it by applying powdered Graphite to the key. You can also apply a Teflon oil like WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant is able to be applied easily and will not disintegrate over time. If you're not able to locate an appropriate lubricant you might try using a pencil with a thick tip. Insert the pencil into the lock and jiggle it around a bit how to repair patio door lock distribute the graphite.

The tracks for sliding patio doors also require regular maintenance to keep them free of dirt, dust and other debris. These tracks are particularly vulnerable to ice, snow, and other particles, which could cause them to jam or bind. This could make it difficult for your patio door to open and close.

You can clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio door repairs patio doors by removing any weather stripping that is damaged or dirty. Clean it, then replace it. The same is true for patio door rollers, which can be cleaned and then sprayed with a non-stick lubricant to help them move freely.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC French doors, like sliding patios, are operated using 3 to 4, or sometimes 5 point locking mechanisms. This includes the handle and lock cylinder that is operated with a key. They require maintenance and lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done using an oil that is thin (never WD40) and is recommended to be done at least once per year.

If hinges that are sagging don't cause the problem, it could be that the door is misaligned. It may 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 allows the latch to sit properly in the hole and avoids getting caught or rubbing against the frame.

When the cylinder is out of the way and out of the way, measure its width using an object or a piece of wood that fits into the adjustment screw gap above the lock. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the middle of the cylinder, and the inner dimension extends from the center of the 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's not aligned properly with the strike plate. Make sure that your door is in a balanced position, and that the hinge screws are tight. In many cases, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards will fix the problem.

The most common issue is when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to engage. In this situation you'll need to expand the hole using either a hammer or chisel, and then test the latch to ensure that it connects to the strike plate in a smooth manner without rubbing against or getting caught on the door's frame jamb.

You must identify the kind of mortise lock you currently are using before you purchase an alternative. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and observing whether it is round or square. Then, look at the screw holes on the existing lock and note the size of each. This will help you find an alternative that is the same size and fits perfectly into your existing hole.

You'll need to locate the mortise lock and examine it for any bends, scratches or other damage that need to be repaired. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that has frequently used to break. Replace the lock if it shows indications of damage.

After you've examined the lock and decided on the type of replacement you'll need now is the time to start working on the actual repair. The old spindle and handle should be removed from the doorway to the patio. Install the new handle. Begin by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it into position using two screws or bolts. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. After you've completed these steps then you can test the new handles to make sure they are able to open and close with ease and that the latch is catching correctly with the strike plate.

Check the Strike of the Door.

The strike plate and door latch are two parts that work together in order to lock the door. An incorrectly aligned strike plate and door latch will cause the latch to not latch the door correctly. Fortunately, this issue is often easy How To Repair Tilt And Slide Patio Door fix.

Check the receiving holes of 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. This allows it to move horizontally, but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its receiving holes with the latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate is adjusted, tighten all screws and test if the door closes smoothly.

These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding glass patio door repair patio doors. However they are vital to secure and unlock your door. The metal plates are typically located on the top and bottom of the door jamb, where they serve as the door's latch. The door latch slides into this strike plate and creates the seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not installed correctly, it may stop the latch from locking the door securely.

A misalignment between the strike plate and latch is the most common reason for a local patio door repairs lock to not close or stick. This can be checked with the "lipstick" test. Apply some lipstick across the edge of the deadbolt and then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave the mark when you close the door. This will reveal exactly where the latch joins the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low it is possible to alter the strike plate.

Locks for sliding patio doors help protect your home from burglars. If they're not working properly, you need to repair the issue quickly. Follow these steps to repair your patio door lock and restore its functionality.