Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors experience wear and tear which can cause lock malfunctions. There are a few simple steps you can follow to ensure the security of your uPVC door.
These quick fixes will make your home safer no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the mechanism.
Clean the Lock
While patio doors are an excellent way to let in the outside and keep out the elements however, they can also pose security risks when your lock isn't functioning as it should. Over time, wear, tear, cold and hot weather dirt, and other debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little care, you can make sure that your lock for your patio door always works correctly.
It's important to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This helps to flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that could be preventing the lock from working in the way it should. Start by wiping down the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a damp, clean cloth. then use a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any hard-to-reach areas of the door or frame that are ingrained with dirt. You should then wipe down the entire lock using dry cloth to get rid of any remaining dampness, and allow it to dry completely before using it again.
If your patio door is equipped with pin-tumbler latches, you can apply powdered Graphite on the key. You can also use a Teflon lubricant like WD-40 Multi Use Product. This type of lubricant can be applied with ease and will not disintegrate over time. If you are unable to find the right lubricant to use with your lock, make use of a pencil with a more of a thicker tip. Put the pencil in the lock, and shake it around to distribute the graphite.
Sliding patio door tracks also require regular maintenance to ensure they're free of dirt, dust, and debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow, ice, and other particles, which can cause them get stuck or to bind. This can make it difficult for your patio door to open and shut.
Tracks for sliding patio doors and rollers can be cleaned by removing any weather stripping that is damaged or dirty and then cleaning it, before installing 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, like sliding patio doors, work with 3-4 or occasionally five-point locking mechanisms, which include the lock cylinder and handle operated by the key. These doors also require maintenance, specifically lubrication on the moving parts. This can be done using the use of a thin oil however, never WD40. It should be done every year, at a minimum.
If hinges that are sagging don't cause the problem, it could be that the door is not aligned. It could be rubbing or catching against the strike plate's hole in the frame. Remove the strike plate, and employ a sharp tool increase the size of its mortise. This allows the latch to sit perfectly in the hole and prevents getting caught or rubbing against the frame.
Find the diameter 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 the door to the center cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.
Check the Lock's Width
If your patio door latch is difficult to turn, even after cleaning and lubricating, there's a possibility that it's not in alignment with the strike plate hole. Examine if the door is in balance and if the hinge screws are secure However, in many cases, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards could fix the problem.
The most common issue is when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to engage. In this situation, you need to widen the opening using a chisel and hammer. Then test the latch to ensure that it doesn't touch the jamb frame of the door or fall the frame.
Before buying a replacement lock, it is important to determine the mortise type of lock you currently have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and observing whether it is square or round. Then, take a look at the screw holes in the existing lock and note the dimensions of each. This will aid you in finding a replacement that is of the same size and fits perfectly into the hole you have already.
In addition to identifying the mortise lock that is currently in use, you should also examine it for any scratches or bends that may need repairing. A bent or damaged latch is more likely to break than one that's been 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 examined the lock and determined which type of replacement you need then it's time to begin working on the actual repair. Remove the old handle and spindle from your patio door, and then install the new one. Start by putting in replacement glass for patio door and aligning it with the spindle, and then securing it with the two bolts or screws which hold it. Once the interior handle is installed, you can install the handle that is outside and screw it into the position as well. Once you have completed these steps Test the handles to ensure that they can be shut and open easily and that the latch engages properly with the strikeplate.
Make sure the door's strike is checked
The door latch and strike plate are two parts of the lock that work together to ensure the latch secures the door. An incorrectly aligned strike plate and door latches will cause the latch to not latch the door properly. Fortunately, this problem is usually simple to fix.
Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to ensure they are free of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Release the screws that hold the strike plate. This will allow it to move horizontally, but not separate it from the frame. Adjust the strike plate to align its holes for receiving with latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted then tighten the screws and test the door to see whether it locks smoothly after the new adjustment.
Door strike plates can be difficult to access for homeowners with sliding patio doors, but they are essential to lock and unlock your door. The plates made of metal are located on the top and bottom jambs of the door which are where they help support the latch. The door latch is able to slide into the strike plate to create an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not properly installed, it could hinder the latch from locking the door securely.
A misalignment of the strike plate and latch is a common reason for a patio lock to not close or stick. This can be confirmed using the "lipstick" test. Rub some lipstick across the edge of the deadbolt and then cover it with masking tape. When you close the door, the lipstick will leave an impression on the tape, showing you exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high it is possible to adjust the strike plate.
Sliding patio door locks help keep your home safe from burglars, and if they're not working correctly, you should repair the issue quickly. If you follow these steps, you'll be able to fix the lock on your patio door and get it back to normal within a short time.