Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, the wear and tear could cause lock malfunctions. There are a few basic steps you can take to ensure the security of your uPVC door.
It's about realigning the lock or cleaning the mechanism that locks these simple fixes will increase the security of your home.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are great for letting the outdoors in and keeping the elements out. However they could pose an issue for security if the lock doesn't work properly. With time, wear and tear, hot and cold weather, dirt and debris can affect the lock of your patio door and make it difficult to open. With a little attention, you can make sure that your lock for your patio door always functions in a proper manner.
It's important to clean your patio door's lock and all the moving parts. This helps get rid of any grime and coatings that may be preventing the lock from functioning as it should. Begin by wiping all the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with 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 or frame that are covered in dirt. You should then wipe down the entire lock using a dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness, and allow it to dry completely before using it again.
If your patio door has pin-tumbler locks You can lubricate it by applying powdered Graphite to the key. You can also use a Teflon oil like 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 locate the right lubricant for your needs You can use a pencil with a thick tip. Insert the pencil into the lock and move it around to spread the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also required to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear from dirt, dust and debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow, ice and other debris that can cause them block or become stuck. This could 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, cleaning them, then reinstalling it. Patio door rollers can also be cleaned and sprayed with a nonstick lubricant.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC French Doors, similar to sliding patios, are operated by using 3 to 4 or occasionally 5 points locking mechanisms. They include the handle and lock cylinder that is operated by the key. These doors also need maintenance, specifically lubrication on the moving parts. This can be done with a thin oil however, never WD40. It is recommended to do it at least once per year.
If sagging hinges don't cause the problem it could be because the door isn't aligned. It could be rubbing or catching 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 will permit the latch to fit properly into the hole, and also prevent it from rubbing against the frame.
Take a measurement of 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 the door to the center of 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 oiling it could be because it's not aligned with the strike plate. Examine if the door is in balance and whether the hinge screws are tight However, in many cases it is possible to move the strike plate up or down can correct the issue.
The latch might not work properly in the event that the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this situation, you'll need to enlarge the hole using the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to make sure that it is able to engage the strike plate smoothly without rubbing against or getting caught on the frame of the door jamb.
You must identify the kind of mortise lock you currently have before purchasing the replacement. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and observing whether it is round or square. Then, take a look at the screw holes in the existing lock and note the dimensions of each one. This information will allow you to locate a replacement lock that is the exact same width and will fit in your existing hole.
You'll need to locate the mortise lock, and then examine it for scratches, bends or other damage that need to be repaired. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that's been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if it displays signs of damage.
Once you've inspected the lock and identified which kind of replacement you require now is the time to start working on the actual repair. Remove the handle and spindle from your patio door, and then put in the new one. Start by installing the inside handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it into position using two screws or bolts. Install the exterior handle following 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 is in contact properly with the strikeplate.
Check the Strike on the door.
The door latch and strike plate are two components of the lock that work together to ensure that the latch is secure the door. If these are misaligned and the latch isn't latching the door shut correctly. This problem is usually very easy to fix.
Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to make sure they are clear of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Loosen the keeper screws holding the strike plate in place. This allows it to move horizontally, but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Then, you can adjust the strike plate to ensure that its receiving holes align with the latch hooks on 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.
Door strike plates can be difficult to access for homeowners with sliding patio doors, but they are essential to lock and unlock your door. These plates are usually located at the top and bottom of the door jamb, which is where they are used to support the door's latch. The door latch slides into the strike plate, and it creates an airtight seal. If patio door lock repair near me is damaged, rusted, or not installed correctly, it may stop the latch from locking the door securely.
One common reason for a patio door lock to not close or not close is a misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This can be confirmed using the "lipstick" test. Apply a little lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt and then cover it with masking tape. When you shut the door the lipstick will leave an impression on the tape, indicating exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high, you can easily alter the strike plate.
Locks for sliding patio doors help keep your home safe from burglars. If they're not working properly, you need to fix the problem quickly. If you follow these steps, you can fix your patio door's lock and get it back to normal within a short time.