Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio doors experience wear and tear that can result in locks that fail. Fortunately, there are several easy and efficient steps that can help restore your uPVC patio door’s security.

If it’s resetting the lock or cleaning the locking mechanism these simple fixes will increase the security of your home.

Clean the Lock

While patio doors are a great way to bring the outside in and keep out the elements but they can also pose security risks when your lock isn’t functioning as it should. Over time, wear and tear, hot and cold weather, dirt, and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little care, you can ensure your patio door’s locks will always perform correctly.

It is important to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This will help flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that may hinder the lock from functioning in the way it should. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts on your patio door lock using a damp cloth. Then apply a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the frame and door. You should then wipe down the entire lock with dry cloths to eliminate any remaining dampness and let it to air dry prior to using it again.

If you have a patio door that uses a pin tumbler latch mechanism You can apply lubrication to the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or by using an lubricant based on Teflon such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant can be applied easily and will not disintegrate over time. If you’re unable find the right lubricant to use with your lock, you can apply a pencil that has a more of a thicker tip. Insert the pencil into the lock and move it around a bit to distribute the graphite.

Tracks for sliding patio doors require regular maintenance to ensure that they’re free of dust, dirt, and debris. These tracks can be especially susceptible to snow and ice which can cause them to be stuck or jammed which makes it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.

Clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio doors by removing weather stripping that is damaged or dirty. Clean it and replace it. The rollers for patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed down with a nonstick lubricant.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC French Doors, similar to sliding patios, operate using 3 to 4, or sometimes 5 points locking mechanisms. These include the lock cylinder and handle that is operated by a key. These doors also need maintenance, and specifically lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished with a thin oil however, never WD40. It should be done at least once per year.

If the hinges aren’t causing the problem it could be because the door is not aligned. It may be rubbing against or catching the hole of the strike plate in the frame. Remove the strike plate, and employ a sharp tool to expand the mortise. This will allow the latch to fit into the hole, and stop it from rubbing against the frame.

Take a measurement of the width of the cylinder with a piece of book or wood that is able to fit into the space above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of door to the center cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder.

Check the width of the lock.

If your patio door latch isn’t able to turn, even after oiling and cleaning it’s possible that it is not aligned with the strike plate. Make sure that your door is balanced, and if the hinge screws are in good condition. In many cases, however, simply moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can solve the issue.

The latch may not engage properly when the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this case, you’ll need to enlarge the opening using the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to make sure that it connects to the strike plate smoothly without rubbing against or catching on the frame of the door jamb.

Before purchasing a new lock, it is important to determine what kind of mortise lock you have. This can be done by taking a look at the faceplate of the lock and determining 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 information will allow you to locate an alternative lock that is exactly the same width and fits into your existing hole.

In addition to identifying the current mortise lock you should also examine it for any scratches or bends that may require repairing. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that’s frequently used to break. Replace the lock if it shows indications of damage.

After you’ve examined the lock and decided on the type of replacement you need then it’s time to begin working on the actual repair. Take the old handle and spindle from the patio door, and then put in the new one. Begin by installing the interior handle and aligning it with the spindle and then securing it with the two screws or bolts that secure it. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. After you’ve completed the steps you can test the new handles to ensure that they are able to open and close with ease and that the latch catches properly with the strike plate.

Make sure the door’s strike is checked

The door latch and strike plate are the two components of the lock that work to ensure that the latch locks the door. An incorrectly aligned strike plate and door latches will cause the latch to not latch the door in a proper manner. Fortunately, this problem is often easy to fix.

First, inspect the strike plate’s receiving holes to ensure they are clear of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then, loosen the keeper screws that secure the strike plate in place and allow it to move vertically, but not detaching it from the frame of the door. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its holes for receiving with the latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate is adjusted, tighten all screws and check if the door closes smoothly.

patio doors repairs near me are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However they are vital for locking and unlocking your door. The metal plates are situated on the top and bottom jambs of the door which are where they help support the latch. Then, the door latch is placed on the strike plate to create the seal when it is closed. If the strike plate has been damaged, rusted, or is not properly installed 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 stick. The easiest way to check for this is by performing the “lipstick test.” Apply some lipstick on the edge of the deadbolt, and then attach masking tape over it. When you shut the door the lipstick will leave a mark on the tape that will show exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high, you can easily adjust the strike plate.

The sliding patio door locks keep your home safe from intruders, and if they’re not functioning correctly, you should fix the problem quickly. By following these easy steps, you can fix your patio door’s lock and restore its functionality in a matter of minutes.