The Ugly Facts About Patio Door Lock Repair

Patio Door Lock Repairs Over time, patio doors go through wear and tear which can lead to lock malfunctions. Fortunately, there are several simple and effective steps that can help restore your uPVC patio door's security. These easy fixes will make your home safer regardless of whether you re-align the lock or clean the locking mechanism. Clean the Lock Patio doors are great to let the outdoors in and keeping the elements out. However they can pose risky for security when the lock isn't functioning properly. 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 will always perform properly. It is essential to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This will help get rid of any dirt or coatings that might be hindering your lock from functioning effectively. Begin by wiping repairmywindowsanddoors moving parts of the lock for your patio door using 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 and frame that are covered in dirt. Then wipe the lock with a dry cloth to remove any remaining moisture. Let it air dry before you use it. If you have an outdoor door that has a pin tumbler latch mechanism, you can grease the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or using a Teflon-based lubricant 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 are unable to find the right lubricant to use with your lock, make use of a pencil with a larger tip. Put the pencil in the lock, and shake it around to spread the graphite. Regular maintenance is also essential to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free of dust, dirt and debris. These tracks are especially vulnerable to snow and ice, which could cause them to become stuck or slack and make it difficult for your patio doors to open and close. Clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio doors by removing any damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it and replace it. The rollers for patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed down with an oil that is nonstick. Lubricate the Moving Parts uPVC French Doors, similar to sliding patios, operate using 3 to 4, or sometimes 5 points locking mechanisms. These include the handle and lock cylinder which is operated by a key. These doors also require maintenance, and specifically lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished using an oil that is thin (never WD40) and should be done every year. If hinges that are sagging don't cause the problem, it could be that the door is misaligned. It could be rubbing or catching the hole of the strike plate in the frame. Remove the strike plate and employ a sharp tool to enlarge its mortise. This will permit the latch to fit into the hole, and also prevent it from scratching against the frame. Find the length of the cylinder using the help of a piece of wood or a book that can be inserted into the gap above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the center of the cylinder. the inner dimension runs from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder. Check the width of the lock. 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 balance and if the hinge screws are secure however, in many instances, moving the strike plate up or down 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 you'll need to expand the opening using either a hammer or chisel, and then test the latch to make sure that it contacts the strike plate in a smooth manner without rubbing against or landing on the frame of the door jamb. Before purchasing a new lock, you should first determine what kind of mortise lock you currently have. This can be done by looking at the end faceplate and observing whether it is square or round. Then, take a look at the screw holes in the existing lock and note the size of each. This will help you to locate the replacement lock that has the exact same width and will fit in your existing hole. You'll need to locate the mortise lock, and then examine it for any bends, scratches or other damage that need to be fixed. A badly damaged or bent latch is more likely break than one that's been used much, so be sure to replace the lock with a brand new one that is secure if you find any signs of wear or damage. After you've determined the type of lock replacement you need Now it's time to begin the actual repair. The old handle and spindle should be removed from the doorway to the patio. Insert the new handle. Start by putting in the handle inside, aligning it with the spindle, and then securing it by using the two screws or bolts that secure it. Once the handle in the interior is installed, put in the handle on the outside and screw it in the position as well. Once you've completed these steps you can test the new handles to ensure they can be opened and closed easily and that the latch catches correctly when you strike the plate. Check the door's Strike The strike plate and the door latch are two pieces which work together to lock the door. If these parts aren't aligned correctly, the latch won't latch the door shut properly. Fortunately, this issue is usually simple to fix. Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to make sure they are free of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then, loosen the keeper screws that secure the strike plate in place and allow it to move vertically, but not separating it from the frame of the door. Adjust the strike plate to align its receiving holes with the latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted tighten the screws, and test the door to see whether it shuts easily with the new adjustment. These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However they are vital to lock and unlock your door. These metal plates are located on the top and bottom jambs of your door, where they serve as the support for the latch. The door latch is able to slide into the strike plate to create a seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not installed correctly, it may stop the latch from locking the door securely. One of the most common reasons for the patio door lock to become stuck or not close is a misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This can be verified using the “lipstick” test. Apply some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt and then cover it with masking tape. When you shut the door the lipstick will leave a mark on the tape, showing exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low, you can easily adjust the strike plate. Sliding patio door locks help protect your home from burglars, and if they're not functioning properly, you need to fix the problem quickly. By following these simple steps, you'll be able to fix your patio door's lock and regain its functionality in a matter of minutes.