Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, wear and tear could cause lock malfunctions. There are a few simple steps you can take to restore the security of your uPVC door.
If it's resetting the lock or cleaning the mechanism that locks, these quick fixes can increase the security of your home.
Clean the Lock
While patio doors are a great way to bring the outside in and keep out the elements, they can also be 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 debris could affect your patio door's lock and make it difficult to open. With a little maintenance you can make sure that your patio door's locks will always perform effectively.
To begin with, it's crucial to clean your patio door's lock and all the moving parts. This helps to flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that could hinder the lock from working in the way it should. Begin by wiping the moving parts of your patio door's lock using a damp cloth. then use a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any difficult-to-access areas of the door and frame that are ingrained with dirt. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock using dry cloths to eliminate any remaining dampness, and allow it to dry completely before applying it to the next time.
If your patio door is equipped with pin-tumbler latches, you can apply powdered Graphite on the key. You can also apply a Teflon lubricant such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant can be easy to apply and doesn't break down as time passes. If you're unable find the correct lubricant for your lock, use a pencil with thicker tip. Put the pencil in the lock, then shake it around to distribute the graphite.
Tracks for sliding patio doors require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dirt, dust, and debris. They are particularly susceptible to ice, snow, and other debris that can cause them jam or bind. This can make it difficult for your patio door to be opened and closed.
Sliding patio door track rails and rollers can be cleaned by removing weather stripping that is damaged or dirty and then cleaning it, before replacing it. The rollers of patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed with a nonstick lubricant.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC French Doors, similar to sliding patios, are operated using 3 to 4, or sometimes 5 point locking mechanisms. This includes the lock cylinder and handle that is operated by the key. They also require maintenance, specifically lubrication on the moving parts. This can be done with the use of a thin oil, but never WD40. This should be done at least once per year.
If hinges that are sagging aren't the cause, the door could be misaligned and catching or hitting the strike plate hole within the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate and use a sharp chisel to enlarge the mortise it sits in. This will allow the latch to fit properly into the hole and also prevent it from hitting the frame.
Find the diameter of the cylinder using a piece of book or wood that fits into the gap above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of the door to the center cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw to the end of the of the cylinder.
Verify the lock's width
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. Make sure that your door is properly balanced and if the hinge screws are tight. In a lot of cases, however, simply moving the strike plate upwards or downwards will solve the issue.
Most of the time, the issue occurs when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to properly engage. In linked web-site 'll need to expand the opening using a chisel or hammer and then test the latch to make sure that it connects to the strike plate smoothly without rubbing against or catching on the frame of the door jamb.
Before buying a replacement lock, it is important to determine what kind of mortise lock you have. This can be done by looking at the end faceplate and noting whether it is round or square. Then, take a look at the screw holes on the existing lock and note the size of each one. This information will aid you in finding a replacement that is of the same size and will fit perfectly into your existing hole.
In addition to identifying the current mortise lock, you'll also want to inspect it for any bends or scratches that may require repairing. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that has frequently used to break. Replace the lock if you notice indications of damage.
Once you've checked the lock and identified which type of replacement you'll need then it's time to begin working on the actual repair. Remove the handle and spindle out of your patio door, and then install the new one. Begin by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it in position using two bolts or screws. Once the handle in the interior is in, install the exterior handle and screw it into the position as well. After you've completed these steps check the handles to make sure that they are able to open and close easily and that the latch engages correctly with the strikeplate.
Make sure you check the Strike of the door.
The door latch and strike plate are two parts of the lock that work together to ensure that the latch is secure the door. If these are misaligned, the latch won't latch the door shut correctly. Fortunately, this problem is often easy to fix.
First, inspect the holes in the strike plate's receiving to ensure that they are clear 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 removing it from the frame of your door. Then, you can adjust the strike plate to ensure that its receiving holes 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 access for homeowners who have sliding patio doors, however they're crucial to lock and unlock your door. The metal plates are typically located on the top and bottom of the door jamb which is where they are used to support the door's latch. Then, the door latch is placed on the strike plate to form a seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not installed correctly, it can stop the latch from locking the door securely.
One common reason for an outdoor door lock to stick or not close is a misalignment between the latch and strike plate. The easiest method to check for this is with the "lipstick test." Apply some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt and apply masking tape over it. When you close the door, the lipstick will leave marks on the tape that will show exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low it is possible to adjust the strike plate.
If your patio door locks for sliding aren't functioning properly, they can keep your home safe from burglars. You need to repair the issue as soon as you can. By following these easy steps, you can fix your patio door's lock and regain its functionality in no time.