A Positive Rant Concerning Patio Door Lock Repair

Patio Door Lock Repairs Over time, patio door wear and tear can lead to lock malfunctions. Fortunately, there are several simple and efficient steps that can help restore your uPVC patio door's security. If it's resetting the lock or cleaning the locking mechanism these simple fixes will increase the security of your home. Clean the Lock Although patio doors are a great option to bring the outside in and keep out the elements however, they can also pose a security risk when your lock isn't functioning as it should. Over time, wear and tear, hot and cold weather dirt and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. Fortunately, with some minor maintenance you can ensure that your patio door's locks always work effectively. It's important to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This helps flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that could be preventing the lock from working as it should. Begin by wiping the moving parts of the lock for your patio door using a damp cloth. then employ a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any difficult-to-access parts of the door and frame that are covered in dirt. Then clean the lock using a dry towel to get rid of any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before you use it. If your patio door has a pin-tumbler latch You can apply powdered Graphite to the key. You can also apply a Teflon lubricant such as 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 can try using a pencil that has an extremely sharp tip. Put the pencil in the lock, and shake it around to distribute the graphite. Regular maintenance is also required to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free of dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks can be especially susceptible to snow and ice which could cause them to be stuck or jammed 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 dirty or damaged weather stripping and then cleaning it, before replacing it. The same can be done for rollers on patio doors, which can be cleaned and then sprayed with a non-stick lubricant to help them move freely. Lubricate the moving parts uPVC french doors, which are similar to sliding patio doors, work by using 3 to 4 or sometimes five-point locking mechanisms, which include the lock cylinder and handle operated by a key. These doors also need maintenance, specifically lubrication on the moving parts. This can be accomplished using a thin oil (never WD40) and is recommended to be done at least once per year. If sagging hinges aren't a reason, the door could be misaligned and caught or hitting the strike plate's hole in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate, and then use an abrasive chisel to increase the size of the mortise that it rests in. This will allow the latch to fit properly into the hole, and prevent it from hitting the frame. While the cylinder is out of the way, measure its width with a book or piece of wood that can fit into the gap of adjustment screw above the lock. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the middle of the cylinder, while the inner measurement runs from the center of the adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder. Verify the lock's width If your patio door latch is hard to turn, even after cleaning and oiling it could be because it is not aligned with the strike plate. Examine if the door is balanced and if the hinge screws are tight however, in many instances, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can correct the issue. Most of the time, the issue occurs when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to engage. In this case, enlarge the opening using the hammer and chisel. Then, test the latch to ensure that it doesn't rub against the jamb frame of the door or get caught on it. Before patio door lock repair RepairMyWindowsAndDoors purchase a replacement lock, you should first identify the type of mortise lock you currently have. You can do this by taking a look at the faceplate of the lock and determining whether it is square or round. Then, take a look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the size of each one. This will help you to find the replacement lock that has exactly the same width and will fit in the hole that you already have. You'll need to identify the mortise lock and inspect it for scratches, bends, or other damage that requires to be repaired. A bent or damaged latch is more likely to break than one that's been utilized often, so make sure to replace the lock with a brand new one that is secure if you find any signs of damage or wear. Once you've inspected the lock and determined which kind of replacement you require then it's time to begin working on the actual repair. Take the old handle and spindle out of your patio door, and then put in the new one. Start by installing the inside handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it into position using two screws or bolts. 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 catches properly with the strike plate. Make sure you check the Strike of the door. The strike plate and the door latch are two components that work together to lock the door. If these are misaligned and the latch doesn't latch the door properly. This is typically simple to repair. First, check the strike plate's holes for receiving to ensure they are free of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the screws that hold the strike plate in place and allow it to move horizontally, but not detaching it from the frame of your door. Then, adjust the strike plate until its receiving holes align with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate has been adjusted, tighten all screws and test whether the door shuts smoothly. Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to locate for homeowners with sliding patio doors, however they're essential for locking and unlocking your door. These metal plates are located between the top and bottom jambs of the door, where they support its latch. The door latch is inserted into the strike plate, and it creates the seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not installed correctly, it can hinder the latch from locking the door securely. A misalignment between the strike plate and latch is one common cause for a patio lock to not 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, then apply masking tape over it. The lipstick will leave a mark when you close the door. This will indicate exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high, you can alter the strike plate. If your patio door locks for sliding aren't functioning properly, they can keep your home secure from intruders. You must fix this problem as soon as you can. Follow these steps to repair your patio door lock and restore it's functionality.