Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio doors go through wear and tear that can cause lock malfunctions. Fortunately, there are several simple and effective steps that can help restore your uPVC patio door's security.

These simple fixes will ensure your home is secure, whether you realign the lock or clean the 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 if your lock isn't working as it should. Over time, wear and tear, hot and cold weather dirt, and other debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little attention, you can make sure that your patio door's lock is always working properly.

It is important to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This helps remove any dirt and coatings that could be preventing the lock from functioning in the way it should. Start by wiping down 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 hard-to-reach areas of the door or frame that are ingrained with dirt. Then, wipe the lock down using a dry towel to remove any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before you use it.

If you have a patio door that uses pin tumbler latch mechanisms it is possible to grease the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or applying a lubricant made of Teflon, such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant is easy to apply and doesn't break down as time passes. If you're unable to locate an appropriate lubricant, you might use a pencil with a thick tip. Place the pencil in 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 dirt, dust and debris. These tracks are particularly vulnerable to snow, ice, and other debris, which could cause them to get stuck or to bind. This can make it difficult for your patio door to open and shut.

You can clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio doors by removing any damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it, and then replace it. The same is true for rollers on patio doors, which can be wiped down and sprayed with non-stick lubricant to help them move freely.

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 also need maintenance, and specifically lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done with a thin oil (never WD40) and should be done every year.

If hinges that are sagging aren't the cause, the door may be misaligned and catching or striking the strike plate hole within the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate and then use a sharp chisel to enlarge the mortise it rests in. This will allow the latch to fit into the hole and stop it from scratching against the frame.

While the cylinder is out of the way and out of the way, measure its width using the help of a book or piece wood that will fit in 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 dimension extends from the center of the adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder.

Verify the lock's width

If your patio door latch is difficult to turn even after cleaning and lubricating, it's possible that it's not in alignment with the strike plate hole. Verify that the door is in a balanced position, and if the hinge screws are tight. In a lot of cases, moving the strike plate downwards or upwards could fix the problem.

The latch may not be able to engage properly in the event that the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this instance you'll have to increase the hole with the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to make sure that it connects to the strike plate without rubbing against or catching on the frame of the door jamb.

Before you purchase a replacement lock, you should first identify the type of mortise lock you currently have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and determining if it is square or round. Look at each screw hole in the existing lock and note their dimensions. This will help you to find an alternative lock that is the exact same width and fits into the hole that you already have.

In addition to identifying the mortise lock that is currently in use, you'll also want to inspect it for any scratches or bends that may require repairing. A damaged or bent latch is more prone to break than one that's been utilized often, so make sure to replace the lock with a new, secure version in the event you notice any signs of damage or wear.

Once you've checked the lock and decided on the kind of replacement you require now is the time to start working on the actual repair. The old handle and spindle must be removed from the doorway to the patio. Introduce the new handle. Begin by installing the handle in the interior by aligning it with the spindle, and then securing it with the two bolts or screws that secure it. Once the handle in the interior is installed, put in the handle on the outside and screw it into the position as well. After you've completed these steps, you can test the new handles to ensure that they open and close easily and that the latch catches correctly when you strike the plate.

Check the Strike of the Door.

The door latch and strike plate are two components of the lock that work together to ensure that the latch locks the door. An incorrectly aligned strike plate and door latch will cause the latch to not latch the door in a proper manner. This problem is usually very easy to repair.

Check the receiving holes of the strike plate to ensure they are free of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the screws that secure the strike plate in place, allowing it to move vertically, but not removing it from the frame of your door. Adjust the strike plate to align its holes for receiving with latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted, tighten all screws and check whether the door closes smoothly.

These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However they are crucial to lock and unlock your door. These metal plates are usually located at the top and bottom of the door jamb where they serve as the door's latch. The door latch slides into the strike plate, and it creates the seal. If the strike plate has been damaged or rusted, or if it is not installed correctly the latch might not be able to lock the door properly.

A misalignment of the latch and strike plate is the most common reason for the patio lock to not close or remain in place. This can be checked with the "lipstick" test. Rub some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt and then cover it with masking tape. When you shut the door the lipstick will leave a mark on the tape that will show you exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high it is possible to adjust the strike plate.

sliding patio doors repairs patio door locks help protect your home from burglars. If they're not working properly, you need to repair the issue quickly. If you follow these steps, you can repair the lock on your patio door and regain its functionality within a short time.