10 Tell-Tale Signs You Need To Get A New Patio Door Lock Repair

Patio Door Lock Repairs Over time, the wear and tear could cause lock malfunctions. There are a few basic steps you can take to restore the security of your uPVC door. These quick fixes can make your home safer no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the locking mechanism. Clean the Lock Although patio doors are a great way to bring the outside in and keep out the elements however, 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, hot and cold weather dirt, and other debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. Fortunately, with a little maintenance you can make sure that the locks on your patio door always perform correctly. It's essential to clean the lock of your patio door and all of its moving parts. This will help get rid of any dirt or coatings that could be preventing your lock from working effectively. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts of your patio door's lock with a damp, clean cloth. then use a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any hard-to-reach areas of the door and frame that are ingrained with dirt. Then, wipe the lock down using a dry towel to get rid of any remaining moisture. Let it air dry before you use it. If your patio door is equipped with a pin-tumbler latch you can lubricate it by applying powdered Graphite to the key. You can also use 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, you can use a pencil with thicker tip. Place the pencil into the lock, and shake it around to distribute the graphite. Tracks for sliding patio doors require regular maintenance to keep them free of dirt, dust, and debris. They are particularly susceptible to ice and snow which could cause them to become stuck or slack, making it harder for your patio doors to open and close. Sliding patio door track rails and rollers can be cleaned by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping and cleaning them before reinstalling it. The rollers for patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed with a nonstick lubricant. Lubricate the moving parts uPVC french doors, which are similar to sliding patio doors, operate with 3-4 or occasionally five-point locking mechanisms, which include the handle and lock cylinder controlled by the key. These doors require maintenance, the lubrication of moving parts. sliding glass patio door repair can be done using an oil that is thin however, never WD40. It is recommended to do it at least once per year. If hinges that are sagging don't cause the problem it could be because the door isn't aligned. It may be rubbing or catching the strike plate's opening in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate and then use a sharp chisel to enlarge the mortise it rests in. This allows the latch to sit perfectly in the hole and prevents scratching or catching on the frame. Take a measurement of the diameter of the cylinder using a piece of wood or a book that is able to fit into the space above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the center of the cylinder, and the inner measurement runs from the center of the adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder. Verify the width of the lock. If your patio door latch is difficult to turn, even after oiling and cleaning, it's possible that it's not aligned with the strike plate. Verify that the door is properly balanced and if the hinge screws are in good condition. In many instances, moving the strike plate downwards or upwards could solve the issue. Oftentimes, the problem occurs when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this case you'll have to increase the opening using the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to make sure that it is able to engage the strike plate without rubbing against or landing on the door's frame jamb. Before purchasing a new lock, you should first determine what kind of mortise lock you have. You can do this by looking at the faceplate on the lock and determining if it is square or round. Look at each screw hole on the existing lock and note their dimensions. This will aid you in finding an alternative lock that is the same width and fits perfectly into the hole that you already have. In addition to identifying the current mortise lock you'll also want to inspect it for any nicks or bends that may require repairing. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that has been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if it displays indications of damage. Once you've identified 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 installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it into by using two bolts or screws. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. After you've completed these steps you can test the new handles to ensure they open and close 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 to ensure the latch secures the door. A misaligned strike plate or door latch will result in the latch not being able to latch the door correctly. Fortunately, the issue is often easy to fix. First, inspect the strike plate's holes for receiving to make sure they are free of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then, loosen the keeper screws that hold the strike plate in place and allow it to move horizontally, but not separating it from the door frame. Then adjust the strike plate to ensure that its holes for receiving are aligned with the latch hooks on the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted then tighten the screws and test the door to see whether it locks smoothly after the new adjustment. Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to access for homeowners who have sliding patio doors, but they're essential for locking and unlocking your door. These metal plates are usually located at the top and bottom of the door jamb where they support the door's latch. The door latch is placed on the strike plate to create a seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged or rusted, or if it is not installed correctly the latch may not be able to lock the door properly. A misalignment of the strike plate and latch is a common reason for the patio lock to not close or stick. This can be verified using the “lipstick” test. Apply some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt and then cover it with masking tape. When you shut the door, the lipstick will leave an impression on the tape, showing exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high you can alter the strike plate. Sliding patio door locks help protect your home from burglars, and if they're not working correctly, you must fix the problem quickly. Follow these steps to repair your patio door lock and restore its function.