5 Killer Quora Answers To Patio Door Lock Repair
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, wear and tear could cause lock malfunctions. Fortunately, there are several simple and efficient steps that can help 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 great for bringing the outdoors in and keeping the elements out. However, they can be risky for security in the event that the lock isn't working correctly. As time passes, wear and tear, extreme cold and hot weather dirt and debris can cause damage to the lock on your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little attention you can ensure that your patio sliding door repair near me door's lock always functions properly.
In the beginning, it's crucial to clean the lock of your patio door and all the moving parts. This will help to remove any coatings or dirt that may be preventing your lock from working correctly. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a damp, clean cloth. then employ a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub the hard-to-reach parts of the door and frame that are coated with dirt. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock with dry cloths to eliminate any remaining dampness and let it to dry completely before making use of it again.
If your patio door uses pin-tumbler latches, you can lubricate it by applying powdered graphite to the key. You can also apply a Teflon oil like WD-40 Multi Use Product. This kind of lubricant is easy to apply, and it won't disintegrate as time passes. If you're unable to find the correct lubricant for your lock, you can use a pencil with thicker tip. Insert the pencil into the lock and jiggle it around a bit to distribute the graphite.
Sliding patio door tracks also require regular maintenance to keep them free of dust, dirt and other debris. They are particularly 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 open and shut.
You can clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio doors by removing weather stripping that is dirty or damaged. Clean it, then replace it. The same can be done to patio door rollers which can be wiped down and then sprayed with a non-stick lubricant to help them move freely.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC french doors, which are similar to sliding patio doors, work using 3 to 4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms that include the lock cylinder and handle controlled by a key. They require maintenance and lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done with a thin oil (never WD40) and should be done once per year.
If sagging hinges don't cause the issue it could be because the door is not aligned. It may be rubbing or catching the strike plate's opening in the frame. Take off the strike plate and employ a sharp tool to enlarge its mortise. This lets the latch sit correctly in the hole and prevents rubbing or catching on the frame.
Take a measurement of the width of the cylinder with 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 middle of the cylinder, and the inner dimension extends from the center of the adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder.
Verify the width of the lock.
If your patio door latch is hard to turn even after cleaning and oiling it's possible that it is not aligned with the strike plate. Check to see if the door is properly balanced and whether the hinge screws are secure, but in many cases shifting the strike plate upwards or downwards can fix the issue.
The latch may not be able to engage properly if the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this instance, you'll need to enlarge the hole with either a 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 landing on the frame of the door jamb.
You must identify the kind of mortise lock that you have before buying the replacement. You can do this by taking a look at the faceplate of the lock and determining if it is square or round. Then, take a look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the dimensions of each one. This will help you find a replacement that is the same size and is a perfect fit for the hole that you already have.
In addition to identifying the mortise lock that is currently in use, you should also examine it for any bends or scratches that may need repairing. A damaged or bent latch is more likely break than one that's been utilized often, so make sure to replace the lock with a brand new one that is secure if you find any signs of damage or wear.
Once you've checked the lock and determined which type of replacement you need 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. Begin by installing the handle inside and aligning it with the spindle and then securing it in place by using the two screws or bolts which hold it. Once the handle in the interior is installed, put in the handle on the outside and screw it into place as well. After you've completed these steps check the handles to make sure they are able to open and close easily and that the latch engages properly with the strikeplate.
Make sure you check the Strike of the door.
The door latch and strike plate are two parts of the lock that work to ensure the latch secures the door. Misaligned strike plate and door latches will cause the latch to not latch the door in a proper manner. This problem is usually very easy to fix.
Check the receiving holes of the strike plate to make sure they are clear of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the keeper screws that keep the strike plate in place, allowing it to move vertically, but not removing it from the frame of your door. Adjust the strike plate to align its receiving holes with the latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted tighten the screws, and test the door to determine if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However they are crucial to lock and unlock your door. The plates made of metal are located at the top and bottom jambs of your door, which are where they help support the latch. Then, the door latch is placed on the strike plate to form 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.
A misalignment of the strike plate and latch is one common cause for the patio doors repairs lock to not close or stay. This can be checked with the "lipstick" test. Rub some lipstick across the edge of the deadbolt, then cover it with masking tape. When you shut the door, the lipstick will leave a mark on the tape, showing you exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high it is possible to alter the strike plate.
If your patio door locks for sliding patio door lock repair aren't functioning properly they could be a problem in keeping your home secure from intruders. It is imperative to repair the issue as soon as possible. Follow these easy steps to fix your patio door lock and restore its function.