Expert Advice On Patio Door Lock Repair From An Older Five-Year-Old
Patio Door Lock Repairs Over time, patio doors experience wear and tear which can result in lock malfunctions. Fortunately, there are several simple and effective ways to restore your uPVC patio door's security. It's about realigning the lock or cleaning the mechanism for locking, these quick fixes can help you make your home more secure. Clean the Lock Patio doors are ideal for bringing the outdoors inside and keeping out the elements. However they could pose risky for security when the lock isn't functioning properly. With time, wear and tear, extreme cold and hot weather dirt and debris could cause damage to your patio door's lock and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little attention, you can make sure that your patio door's lock always functions properly. It is essential to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This helps get rid of any grime and coatings that could be preventing the lock from functioning in the way it should. Start by wiping all the moving parts of your patio door lock with a damp cloth. Then you can use a scouring paper or rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested parts of the door and frame. Then, wipe the lock down with a dry cloth to get rid of any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before you use it. If your patio door is equipped with pin-tumbler locks you can apply powdered Graphite on the key. You can also use a Teflon oil like WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant can be applied quickly and does not dissolve over time. If you are unable to find the correct lubricant for your lock, apply a pencil that has a thicker tip. Put the pencil in the lock, and shake it around to spread the graphite. Tracks for sliding patio doors require regular maintenance to keep them free of dirt, dust and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to snow, ice, and other debris, which could cause them to block or become stuck. 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 weather stripping that is damaged or dirty and cleaning them before reinstalling it. The same can be done for 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, similar to sliding patio doors, work using 3 to 4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms that include the lock cylinder and handle operated by the key. They require maintenance and oiling of the moving parts. This can be done with a thin oil (never WD40) and is recommended to be done at least once per year. If sagging hinges aren't a cause, the door could be misaligned and caught or hitting the strike plate hole in the frame. Remove the strike plate and use a sharp tool to enlarge the mortise. This will permit the latch to fit into the hole, and prevent it from rubbing against the frame. Take a measurement of the diameter of the cylinder using a piece of book or wood 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 middle of the cylinder, and the inner measurement runs from the center of the adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder. Verify the width of the lock. If your patio door latch isn't able to turn, even after cleaning and oiling it's possible that it's not aligned properly with the strike plate. Check if your door is properly balanced and that the hinge screws are secure. In most cases, however, simply moving the strike plate upwards or downwards will 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 hole using the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to make sure that it is able to engage the strike plate without rubbing against or getting caught on the door's frame jamb. It is important to identify the type of mortise lock you have before purchasing an alternative. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and observing whether it is round or square. Then, look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the size of each one. This information will aid you in finding an alternative that is 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 bends or scratches that may require repairing. A badly damaged or bent latch is more prone to break than one that's not frequently used, so be sure to replace the lock with a brand new, secure version if you find any signs of damage or wear. Once you've identified the type of lock replacement you need It's time to start the actual repair. The old spindle and handle should be removed from the patio door. Insert the new handle. Begin by installing the handle in the interior and aligning it with the spindle and then fixing it by using the two screws or bolts which hold it. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. Once you've completed these steps then you can test the new handles to make sure they are able to open and close with ease and that the latch is catching correctly when you strike the plate. Check the Door's Strike The door latch and strike plate are two components of the lock that work together to ensure the latch secures the door. If these are misaligned, the latch won't latch the door shut properly. This issue is usually easy to repair. Check the receiving holes of the strike plate to ensure they are clear of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the keeper screws that hold the strike plate in place and allow it to move horizontally, but not detaching it from the frame of the door. Adjust the strike plate to align its holes for receiving with latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate is adjusted tighten all screws and test to see whether the door closes smoothly. These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However they are crucial to lock and unlock your door. The metal plates are situated at the top and bottom jambs of the door where they support its latch. The door latch slides into this strike plate and creates the seal. If the strike plate is damaged or rusted, or if it is not properly installed the latch might not properly lock the door. patio door lock repairs near me of the latch and strike plate is one common cause for a patio lock to not close or stick. The easiest way to check for this is with the “lipstick test.” Apply some lipstick on the edge of the deadbolt, and then apply masking tape over it. The lipstick will leave an impression when you close the door. This will reveal exactly where the latch joins the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low you can adjust the strike plate. Locks for sliding patio doors help protect your home from burglars, and if they're not functioning correctly, you must solve the issue fast. If you follow these steps, you can fix your patio door's lock and get it back to normal in no time.