The Most Hilarious Complaints We've Heard About Patio Door Lock Repair
Patio Door Lock Repairs Over time, patio doors undergo wear and tear which can result in locks that fail. However, there are Read the Full Document and efficient steps that can help restore your uPVC patio door's security. It's about realigning the lock or cleaning the mechanism that locks These simple fixes can increase the security of your home. Clean the Lock Although patio doors are an excellent way to bring the outside in and keep the elements out however, they can also pose security risks if your lock isn't working as it should. Over time wear and tear, cold and hot weather, dirt and debris can affect your patio door's lock and make it difficult to open. With a little care, you can make sure that your patio door's lock always functions in a proper manner. It's essential to clean the lock on your patio door and all the moving parts. This helps to get rid of any grime and coatings that could hinder the lock from functioning as it should. Begin by wiping the moving parts of your patio door's lock with a damp, clean cloth. then use a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub the hard-to-reach parts of the door and frame that are covered in dirt. Then, wipe the entire lock with dry cloths to eliminate any remaining dampness and let it to air dry before using it again. If your patio door uses a pin-tumbler latch, you can lubricate it by applying powdered graphite to the key. You can also apply a Teflon lubricant like WD-40 Multi Use Product. This type of lubricant can be applied quickly and does not dissolve over time. If you're unable to find the right lubricant for your lock, you can use a pencil with more of a thicker tip. Place the pencil in the lock and jiggle it around a bit to spread the graphite. Tracks for sliding patio doors require regular maintenance to ensure they're free of dirt, dust, and debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow, ice and other debris, which could cause them to jam or bind. This could make it difficult for your patio door to open and close. Tracks for sliding patio doors and rollers can be cleaned by removing any dirty or damaged weather stripping, cleaning them, then reinstalling it. The same is true to patio door rollers which can be cleaned and then sprayed with a non-stick lubricant to help them move freely. Lubricate the moving parts uPVC french doors, like sliding patio doors, operate using 3-4 or sometimes five-point locking mechanisms, which include the lock cylinder and handle operated by a key. These doors also require maintenance, including lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done with an oil that is thin (never WD40) and should be done every year. If hinges that are sagging don't cause the issue, it could be that the door isn't aligned. It may be rubbing against or catching the strike plate's opening in the frame. Remove the strike plate and use a sharp tool to enlarge the mortise. This allows the latch to fit properly in the hole, and also prevents rubbing or catching on the frame. Find the length of the cylinder using the help of a piece of book or wood that can be inserted into the gap above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of door to the center cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder. Verify the lock's width If your patio door latch is difficult to turn, even after cleaning and oiling, it's possible that it's not aligned properly with the strike plate. Check to see if the door is properly balanced and if the hinge screws are tight however, in many instances, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can fix the issue. The latch may not engage properly if the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this case, you'll need to enlarge the hole with either a hammer or chisel, and then test the latch to ensure that it connects to the strike plate without rubbing against or getting caught on the frame of the door jamb. You must identify the kind of mortise lock that you have before buying a replacement. This can be done by taking a look at the faceplate of the lock and determining whether it is round or square. Take a look at each screw hole on the current lock and note their dimensions. This information will allow you to locate a replacement lock that is exactly the same size and will fit in your existing hole. In addition to identifying the current mortise lock you'll also need to check it for any bends or scratches that might require repair. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that has frequently used to break. Replace the lock if it shows signs of damage. After you've examined the lock and identified which type of replacement you'll need now is the time to start working on the actual repair. The old handle and spindle must be removed from the patio door. Install the new handle. Begin by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it in place using the two screws or bolts. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. After you've completed these steps, test the handles to ensure that they are able to open and close easily and that the latch works properly with the strikeplate. Make sure the door's strike is checked The strike plate and the door latch are two parts that work together to lock the door. A misaligned strike plate or door latches can cause the latch to not latch the door in a proper manner. Fortunately, the issue is usually simple to fix. Check the receiving holes of the strike plate to make sure they are clear of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Loosen the keeper screws holding the strike plate. This allows it to move vertically, but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Then, you can adjust the strike plate until its holes for receiving align with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted tighten the screws, and then test the door to determine if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment. Door strike plates can be difficult to access for homeowners with sliding patio doors, however they're essential for locking and unlocking your door. These plates are usually placed on the top and bottom of the door jamb, where they serve as the door's latch. Then, the door latch slides into the strike plate, creating a seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not installed correctly, it may prevent the latch from locking the door securely. The most common reason for the patio door lock to stick or not close is a misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This can be verified using the “lipstick” test. Apply some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt, then cover it with masking tape. When you close the door, the lipstick will leave a mark on the tape that will show exactly where the latch meets 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 secure from intruders. You need to repair the issue as soon as you can. Follow these simple steps to fix your patio door lock and restore its function.