10 Facts About Patio Door Lock Repair That Insists On Putting You In A Good Mood
Patio Door Lock Repairs Over time, patio door wear and tear can cause lock malfunctions. There are fortunately, a number of simple and effective ways to restore your uPVC patio door's security. It's about realigning the lock or cleaning the mechanism that locks These simple fixes can make your home more secure. Clean the Lock Patio doors are great to let the outdoors in while keeping out the elements. However they could pose risky for security if the lock doesn't work correctly. As time passes wear and tear hot and cold weather dirt and debris could affect the lock on your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. Fortunately, with some minor maintenance you can ensure that the locks on your patio door always work properly. It is essential to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This helps flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that may hinder the lock from working in the way it should. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts on your patio door lock with a damp cloth. Then, use a scouring cloth or a rough damp cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the door and frame. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock with dry cloths to eliminate any remaining dampness, and allow it to air dry prior to applying it to the next time. If your patio door has a pin-tumbler latch, 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 kind of lubricant can be applied with ease and doesn't dissolve over time. If you are unable to find the correct lubricant for your lock, use a pencil with more of a thicker tip. Insert the pencil into the lock and move it around a bit to distribute the graphite. Regular maintenance is also essential to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear from dust, dirt and debris. These tracks can be especially vulnerable to snow and ice, which can cause them to jam or bind which makes it difficult for your patio doors to open and close. Tracks for sliding patio doors and rollers can be cleaned by removing any damaged or dirty weather stripping, cleaning them, then installing it. Patio door rollers can also be cleaned and sprayed down with an oil that is nonstick. Lubricate the moving parts uPVC french doors, similar to sliding patio doors, work with 3-4 or occasionally 5-point locking mechanisms which include the handle and lock cylinder operated by the key. These doors also need maintenance, and specifically lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished using an oil that is thin (never WD40) and should be done once per year. If the hinges aren't causing the problem it could be because the door is not aligned. It could be rubbing or catching the strike plate's hole in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate, and then use a sharp chisel to enlarge the mortise it sits in. This will permit the latch to fit into the hole, and also prevent 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 of adjustment screw above the lock. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of the door to the center cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw until the end cylinder. Check the width of the lock. If your patio door latch is difficult to turn, even after oiling and cleaning it could be because it is not aligned with the strike plate. Check to see if the door is balanced and whether the hinge screws are tight, but in many cases, moving the strike plate up or down can fix the issue. The latch may not be able to engage properly if the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this instance, you can widen the opening with the hammer and chisel. Then, test the latch to ensure that it does not rub against the jamb frame of the door or get caught on it. Before buying a replacement lock, you should first determine the mortise type of lock you currently have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate of the lock and noting if it is square or round. Examine each screw hole on the current lock and note their dimensions. This will aid you in finding an alternative lock that is the same width and will fit perfectly into the hole you have already. You'll need to locate the mortise lock and examine it for any bends, scratches or other damage that requires to be repaired. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that's frequently used to break. Replace the lock if it shows indications of damage. Once you've checked the lock and identified which type of replacement you need then it's time to begin 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 handle inside by aligning it with the spindle and then fixing it by using the two bolts or screws that secure it. Once the handle's interior is in, install the handle on the outside and screw it in place as well. After you've completed these 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 strike plate and the door latch are two pieces that work together to lock the door. If these parts aren't aligned correctly, the latch won't latch the door shut correctly. This is typically easy to repair. First, examine the strike plate's receiving holes to ensure they are clear of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Release the screws that hold the strike plate in place. This allows it to move vertically, but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Adjust the strike plate to align its holes for receiving with the latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted, tighten the screws and then test the door to determine whether it shuts easily with the new adjustment. Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to locate for homeowners with sliding patio doors, however they're essential to lock and unlock your door. The metal plates are situated on the top and bottom jambs of the door, where they support its latch. The door latch slides into the strike plate to create the seal when it is closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or is not properly installed the latch may not be able to lock the door properly. One common reason for an outdoor door lock to not close or not close is a misalignment between the latch and the strike plate. The easiest way to check for this is to perform the “lipstick test.” Rub some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt, and then apply masking tape over it. When you shut the door the lipstick will leave marks on the tape that will show you exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low you can adjust the strike plate. If your patio door locks for sliding aren't working correctly they could be a problem in keeping your home secure from intruders. You must repair the issue as soon as you can. By following these easy steps, you can fix the lock on your patio door and restore its functionality within a short time.