The Most Hilarious Complaints We've Seen About Patio Door Lock Repair

Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, Patio Sliding Door Repair Near Me patio doors go through wear and tear which can cause lock malfunctions. There are fortunately, a number of easy and efficient steps that can help restore your uPVC patio door's security.

These simple fixes will make your home safer no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the mechanism.

Clean the Lock

Patio doors are ideal for letting the outdoors inside and keeping out the elements. However they could pose an issue for security when the lock isn't functioning correctly. Over time, wear, tear, cold and hot weather dirt, and other debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little effort, you can make sure that the lock on your patio door always works in a proper manner.

It's important to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This helps get rid of any grime and coatings that could be preventing the lock from functioning as it should. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts of the lock for your patio door frame repair door with a damp, clean cloth. then use a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any difficult-to-access parts of the door and frame that are ingrained with dirt. You should then wipe down the entire lock using dry cloth to get rid of any remaining dampness, and allow it to dry completely before making use of it again.

If you have an exterior door that is fitted with pin tumbler latch mechanisms, you can lubricate the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or by using a lubricant made of Teflon, such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This kind of lubricant is easy to apply and it won't disintegrate over time. If you're not able to locate an appropriate lubricant you might try using a pencil with an extremely sharp tip. Insert the pencil in the lock, then shake it around to spread the graphite.

Sliding patio door tracks also require regular maintenance to keep them free of dust, dirt, and debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow, ice and other debris that could cause them to jam or bind. This could 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 replace it. The same applies for patio door rollers, which can be cleaned and sprayed with non-stick lubricant that will allow them to move freely.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC french doors, similar to sliding patio door repair patio door repair service doors, operate with 3-4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms that include the handle and lock cylinder controlled by a key. These doors require maintenance, lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished using a thin oil (never WD40) and should be done every year.

If hinges that are sagging aren't the cause, the door could be skewed and catch or striking 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 sits in. This will allow the latch to fit properly into the hole, and stop it from scratching against the frame.

Find the width of the cylinder with a piece of book or wood that fits into the gap above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door [Redirect-302] to the middle of the cylinder, while the inner measurement runs from the center of the adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder.

Check the lock's width

If your patio door latch is difficult to turn, even after oiling and cleaning it could be because it's not aligned properly with the strike plate. Verify that the door is properly balanced and if the hinge screws are tight, but in many cases it is possible to move the strike plate upwards or downwards can fix 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 the hammer and chisel. Then, test the latch to ensure that it doesn't touch the door jamb frame or catch on it.

Before purchasing a new lock, you should first identify the type of mortise lock you have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and observing whether it is square or round. Then, look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the dimensions of each. This will help you find an alternative that is the same size and will fit perfectly into the hole that you already have.

You'll need to locate the mortise lock and inspect it for bends, scratches or other damage that need to be fixed. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that's frequently used to break. Replace the lock if it displays evidence of damage.

Once you've inspected the lock and decided on the type of replacement you'll need now is the time to start working on the actual repair patio doors. The old spindle and handle must be removed from the doorway to the patio. Insert the new handle. Start by putting in the interior handle and 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 installed, put in the exterior handle and screw it into the position as well. After you've completed these steps then you can test the new handles to ensure they are able to open and close with ease and that the latch locks properly with the strike plate.

Make sure the door's strike is checked

The strike plate and the door latch are two components which work together to secure the door. A misaligned strike plate or door latches will cause the latch to not latch the door properly. This problem is usually very easy to repair.

Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to ensure they are free of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the keeper screws that keep the strike plate in place and allow it to move horizontally, but not separating it from the frame of your door. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its holes for receiving with the latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted tighten the screws, and test the door to see whether it shuts easily with the new adjustment.

Door strike plates can be difficult to access for homeowners who have sliding patio doors, but they are essential to lock and unlock your door. These metal plates are usually placed on the top and bottom of the door jamb, where they support the door's latch. The door latch slides onto the strike plate and forms the seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not properly installed, it could stop the latch from locking the door securely.

A misalignment between the latch and strike plate is one common cause for the patio lock not to close or remain in place. The most effective way to test for this is by performing the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt, and then put masking tape on it. The lipstick will leave a mark when you close the door. This will indicate exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high, you can easily alter the strike plate.

Locks for sliding patio doors help keep your home safe from burglars, and if they're not functioning properly, you need to fix the problem quickly. By following these simple steps, you can fix the lock on your patio door and get it back to normal in no time.