20 Trailblazers Are Leading The Way In Patio Door Lock Repair

Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio doors undergo wear and tear that could lead to locks that fail. There are fortunately, a number of easy and efficient methods that can restore your uPVC patio door's security.

These simple fixes will ensure your home is secure, whether you realign the lock or clean the mechanism.

Clean the Lock

Patio doors are fantastic for bringing the outdoors inside and keeping out the elements. However, they can be an issue for security if the lock doesn't work correctly. With time, wear and tear, cold and hot weather, dirt, and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little effort you can ensure that your patio door's lock always functions in a proper manner.

It's important to first clean the patio door handle repair near me door lock as well as all moving parts. This will help get rid of any coatings or dirt that could be preventing the lock from working effectively. Start by wiping down 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 parts of the door and frame that are ingrained with dirt. You should then wipe down the entire lock with dry cloths to eliminate any remaining dampness and allow it to air dry before using it again.

If you have a patio door that uses pin tumbler latch mechanisms it is possible to apply lubrication to the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or using a Teflon-based lubricant such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant can be applied quickly and doesn't dissolve over time. If you're unable to find a suitable lubricant you might try using a pencil with an extremely sharp tip. Insert the pencil into the lock and move it around to spread the graphite.

Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear from dust, dirt and debris. They are particularly susceptible to snow and ice which can cause them to be stuck or jammed which makes it difficult for your patio screen door repair near me doors to open and close.

Sliding patio door track rails and rollers can be cleaned by removing any weather stripping that is damaged or dirty, cleaning them, then replacing it. The same applies to patio door rollers which can be wiped down and then sprayed with a non-stick lubricant in order to allow them to move freely.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC French Doors, like sliding patios, operate using 3 to 4, or occasionally 5 points locking mechanisms. These include the lock cylinder and handle that is operated with keys. These doors also require maintenance, including lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done using a thin oil, but never WD40. It should be done every year, at a minimum.

If hinges that are sagging don't cause the issue it could be because 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 employ a sharp tool expand the mortise. This will permit the latch to fit into the hole, and prevent it from hitting the frame.

Measure the diameter of the cylinder using a piece of book or wood that is able to fit into the space above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the center of the cylinder, and the inner dimension runs from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.

Check the lock's length

If your patio door latch isn't able to turn even after cleaning and lubricating, there's a possibility that it's out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Examine if the door is in balance and whether the hinge screws are secure, but in many cases shifting the strike plate upwards or downwards could fix the problem.

The latch may not be able to engage properly when the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this situation you'll need to expand the opening using a chisel or hammer and then test the latch to make sure that it is able to engage the strike plate smoothly without rubbing against or catching on the frame of the door jamb.

You should identify the type mortise lock you currently are using before you purchase a replacement. This can be done by looking at the end faceplate and determining if it is square or round. Then, look at the screw holes in the existing lock and note the dimensions of each. This information will assist you in finding a replacement that is of the same size and fits perfectly into the hole you have already.

You'll need to identify the mortise lock, and then examine it for scratches, bends or other damage that needs to be repaired. A bent or damaged latch is more likely break than one that hasn't been utilized often, so make sure to replace the lock with a new, secure version in the event you notice any signs of damage or wear.

After you've examined the lock and decided on the type of replacement you'll need now is the time to start working on the actual repair. Remove the handle and spindle from the patio door, and then install the new one. Begin by installing the interior handle, aligning it with the spindle, and then fixing it with the two screws or bolts that hold it. Once the interior handle is installed, you can install the handle that is outside and screw it in place as well. Once you have completed these steps check the handles to make sure that they can be shut and open easily and that the latch engages properly with the strikeplate.

Check the Strike on the door.

The door latch and strike plate are the two parts of the lock that work to ensure that the latch is secure the door. An incorrectly aligned strike plate and door latches will result in the latch not being able to latch the door properly. Fortunately, the issue is usually simple to fix.

Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to ensure they are free of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Remove the screws that hold the strike plate in place. This allows it to move vertically but it will not be able to separate from the frame. 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 with sliding patio door repair near me local patio door repairs doors. However they are crucial to lock and unlock your door. These plates are usually located at the top and bottom of the door jamb where they serve as the door's latch. The door latch is inserted into this strike plate and creates an airtight seal. If the strike plate has been damaged or rusted or not installed correctly the latch might not be able to lock the door properly.

A misalignment of the strike plate and latch is the most common reason for a patio lock to not close or stay. This can be checked with the "lipstick" test. Apply a little lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt and then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave the mark when you shut the door. This will show you exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high, you can easily alter the strike plate.

If your sliding patio door locks aren't working correctly, they can keep your home secure from intruders. You need to resolve this issue as quickly as you can. By following these simple steps, you can repair patio door your patio door's lock and get it back to normal within a short time.