Nine Things That Your Parent Taught You About Patio Door Lock Repair
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio door lock repair door wear and tear can lead to lock malfunctions. There are fortunately, a number of simple and effective methods that can restore your uPVC patio door's security.
If it's resetting the lock or cleaning the mechanism that locks these simple fixes will make your home more secure.
Clean the Lock
Although patio doors are a great option to let the outside in and keep the elements out, they can also be security risks when your lock isn't functioning as it should. Over time, wear and tear, cold and hot weather dirt, and other debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. Fortunately, with a little care you can ensure that the locks on your patio door always function properly.
In the beginning, it's essential to clean your patio door's lock and all its moving parts. This will help to remove any coatings or dirt that could be preventing the lock from working correctly. Begin by wiping the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a damp cloth, then employ a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any hard-to-reach parts of the door and frame that are ingrained with dirt. Then clean the lock with a dry cloth to get rid of any moisture. Let it air dry before you use it.
If your patio door has pin-tumbler locks You can apply powdered Graphite to the key. You can also apply a Teflon oil like WD-40 Multi Use Product. This kind of lubricant can be applied easily and will not disintegrate over time. If you are unable to find the right lubricant to use with your lock, apply a pencil that has a more of a thicker tip. Place the pencil into the lock, and shake it around to spread the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also required to keep the tracks of sliding patio door repairs patio doors free of dust, dirt and debris. These tracks are especially vulnerable to snow and ice, which can cause them to be stuck or jammed, making it harder for your patio doors to open and close.
The sliding rails of the patio door Patio Door repair company track and rollers can be cleaned by removing any damaged or dirty weather stripping, cleaning them, then installing it. The rollers of patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed down with a nonstick lubricant.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC french doors, similar to sliding patio doors, work with 3 to 4 or sometimes five-point locking mechanisms, which include the lock cylinder and handle controlled by keys. They require maintenance and lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done using a thin oil (never WD40) and should be done once per year.
If sagging hinges don't cause the issue, it could be that the door is not aligned. It could be rubbing or catching against the strike plate's hole in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate and use an abrasive chisel, which will enlarge the mortise it rests in. This lets the latch sit properly in the hole and avoids scratching or catching on the frame.
While the cylinder is out of the way, measure its width with the help of a book or piece wood that fits into the gap between the adjustment screw and the lock. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of door to the center of cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw to the end cylinder.
Check the Lock's Width
If your patio door latch is hard to turn even after oiling and cleaning it's possible that it is not aligned with the strike plate. Make sure that your door is properly balanced and if the hinge screws are in good condition. In a lot of cases, however, simply moving the strike plate upwards or downwards will fix the problem.
The most common issue is when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to engage. In this situation, you'll need to enlarge the hole with the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to ensure that it is able to engage the strike plate smoothly without rubbing against or landing on the frame of the door jamb.
Before buying a replacement lock, 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 the size. This will enable you to find a replacement lock that is exactly the same size and fits into the hole that you already have.
In addition to identifying the current mortise lock you'll also need to check it for any bends or scratches that might require repair patio door. A damaged or bent latch is more likely break than one that's not frequently used, so be sure to replace the lock with a brand new secure and safe version if you find any signs of wear or damage.
After you've determined the type of lock replacement that you require It's time to begin the actual repair patio doors. The spindle and handle must be removed from the doorway to the patio. Insert the new handle. Start by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it in by using two screws or bolts. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. Once you have completed these steps, test the handles to ensure that they are able to open and close easily and that the latch engages correctly with the strikeplate.
Check the Strike of the Door.
The strike plate and door latch are two pieces that work together in order to lock the door. An incorrectly aligned strike plate and door latches can result in the latch not being able to latch the door properly. This issue is usually easy to repair.
Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to ensure they are free of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Remove the screws that hold the strike plate. This allows it to move vertically but not separate it from the frame. Then adjust the strike plate until its holes for receiving align with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted then tighten the screws and test the door to see whether it shuts easily with the new adjustment.
Door strike plates can be difficult to locate for homeowners with sliding patio door repairs near me doors, but they're essential to lock and unlock your door. These metal plates are located at the top and bottom jambs of the door, which are where they help support the latch. The door latch slides into the strike plate and forms an airtight seal. If the strike plate is damaged or rusted or not properly installed, the latch may not be able to lock the door properly.
The most common reason for an outdoor door lock to become stuck or not close is a misalignment between the latch and strike plate. The most effective way to test for this is by performing the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick on the edge of the deadbolt, and then apply masking tape over it. When you shut the door the lipstick will leave marks on the tape, indicating you exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high, you can adjust the strike plate.
If your patio door locks for sliding are not working properly, they can keep your home secure from intruders. It is imperative to fix this problem as soon as you can. Follow these simple steps to fix your patio door lock and restore its functionality.