10 Facts About Patio Door Lock Repair That Will Instantly Put You In The Best Mood
Patio Door Lock Repairs Over time, patio door wear and tear could cause lock malfunctions. There are fortunately, a number of simple and efficient steps that can help restore your uPVC patio door's security. These easy fixes will make your home safer regardless of whether you re-align the lock or clean the mechanism. Clean sliding glass patio door repair While patio doors are a great option to bring the outside in and keep the elements out but they can also pose a security risk when your lock isn't functioning as it should. Over time, wear and tear, cold and hot weather dirt and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little attention you can ensure that the lock on your patio door is always working correctly. To begin with, it's essential to clean your patio door's lock and all its moving parts. This helps to get rid of any grime and coatings that may be preventing the lock from functioning in the way it should. Start by wiping down all the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a damp cloth, then make use of a scouring pad, or a rough damp cloth to scrub any difficult-to-access parts of the door and frame that are coated with dirt. Then, wipe the lock down with a dry towel to get rid of any remaining moisture. Let it air dry before you use it. 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 oil like WD-40 Multi Use Product. This type of lubricant can be easy to apply and doesn't break down over time. If you are unable to find the correct lubricant for your lock, use a pencil with more of a thicker tip. Put the pencil into the lock and jiggle it around to spread the graphite. Sliding patio door tracks also require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dirt, dust, and debris. They are particularly susceptible to snow, ice and other debris, 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 doors by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it and replace it. The rollers for patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed down with an oil that is nonstick. Lubricate the moving parts uPVC french doors, like sliding patio doors, operate by using 3-4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms which include the handle and lock cylinder operated by the key. These doors require maintenance, oiling of the moving parts. This can be done with a thin oil, but never WD40. It should be done at least once per year. If sagging hinges aren't the reason, the door could be misaligned and catching or striking the strike plate 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 allow the latch to fit into the hole and prevent it from rubbing against the frame. Take a measurement of the width of the cylinder with the help of a piece of wood or a book that can be inserted into the gap above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the center of the cylinder. the inner dimension extends from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder. Check the lock's width If your patio door latch is difficult to turn, even after cleaning and lubricating, it's possible that it's out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Examine if the door is balanced and if the hinge screws are secure however, in many instances, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can correct the issue. Oftentimes, the problem occurs when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this case, enlarge the opening using an hammer and chisel. Then, test the latch so that it doesn't touch the jamb frame of the door or get caught the frame. Before buying a replacement lock, it is important to identify the type of mortise lock you have. This can be done by taking a look at the faceplate of the lock and noting if it is round or square. Then, take a look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the dimensions of each. This information will help you find an alternative that is the same size and is a perfect fit for the hole that you already have. You'll need to locate the mortise lock and inspect it for any bends, scratches or other damage that requires 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 evidence of damage. After you've determined the type of lock replacement that you require Now it's time to start the actual repair. Remove the old handle and spindle out of your patio door, and then put in the new one. Start by putting in the interior handle, aligning it with the spindle and then securing it in place with the two screws or bolts that hold it. Once the handle's interior is in, install the handle that is outside and screw it in the position as well. After you've completed these steps, test the handles to make sure that they open and shut easily and that the latch is in contact properly with the strikeplate. Check the door's Strike The strike plate and the door latch are two pieces which work together to secure the door. An incorrectly aligned strike plate and door latches can result in the latch not being able to latch the door properly. Fortunately, this problem is usually easy to correct. Check the holes for receiving of the strike plate to make sure they are free of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Remove the screws that hold the strike plate in place. This will allow 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 latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted tighten the screws, and then test the door to determine if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment. These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However they are vital to secure and unlock your door. These plates are usually placed on the top and bottom of the door jamb, where they support the door's latch. Then, the door latch slides into the strike plate, creating the seal when it is closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not installed correctly, it may prevent the latch from locking the door securely. One of the most common reasons for an outdoor door lock to not close or not close is a misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This can be confirmed using the “lipstick” test. Apply some lipstick across the edge of the deadbolt, then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave an impression 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 adjust the strike plate. Sliding patio door locks help protect your home from intruders, and if they're not working properly, you need to repair the issue quickly. By following these easy steps, you can fix your patio door's lock and regain its functionality in no time.