14 Businesses Doing A Great Job At Patio Door Lock Repair
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio door wear and tear can cause lock malfunctions. There are a few easy steps you can take to ensure the security of your uPVC door.
These simple fixes will make your home safer regardless of whether you re-align the lock or clean the mechanism.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are fantastic to let the outdoors in and keeping the elements out. However, they can be a security threat in the event that the lock isn't working properly. With time, wear and tear, hot and cold weather, dirt, and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. Fortunately, with some minor maintenance, you can ensure your patio door's locks will always work effectively.
In the beginning, it's essential to clean your patio door's lock and all the moving parts. This will help get rid of any dirt or coatings that could be preventing the lock from working effectively. Start by wiping all the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a wet cloth. Then, use a scouring cloth or rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested areas of the door frame and frame. Then, wipe the entire lock with a dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness, and allow it to dry completely before making use of it again.
If you have an outdoor door that has a pin tumbler latch mechanism it is possible to lubricate the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or using a Teflon-based lubricant like WD-40 Multi-Use. This type of lubricant can be applied easily and will not disintegrate over time. If you're unable to find a suitable lubricant you can try using a pencil that has a thick tip. Insert the pencil into the lock and jiggle it around a bit to distribute the graphite.
The tracks for sliding patio doors also require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks can be especially susceptible to snow and ice, which could cause them to be stuck or jammed which makes it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.
The sliding rails of the patio door track and rollers can be cleaned by removing dirty or damaged weather stripping and then cleaning it, before replacing it. The same can be done for rollers on patio doors, which can be cleaned and then sprayed with a non-stick lubricant to help them move freely.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC French Doors, similar to sliding patios, operate with 3 to 4 or occasionally 5 point locking mechanisms. They include the handle and lock cylinder that is operated by keys. These doors require maintenance, lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished using an oil that is thin (never WD40) and should be done every year.
If the hinges aren't causing the problem it could be because the door isn't aligned. It may be rubbing or catching the strike plate's hole in the frame. Remove the strike plate, and use a sharp tool to expand its mortise. This will allow the latch to fit into the hole, and prevent it from hitting the frame.
When the cylinder is out of the way take a measurement of its width using the help of a book or piece wood that will fit in the gap of adjustment screw above the lock. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the middle of the cylinder. 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 oiling and cleaning it's possible that it is not aligned with the strike plate. Verify that the door is in a balanced position, and if the hinge screws are tight. 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 in the event that the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this situation, you need to widen the opening with the hammer and chisel. Then, test the latch so that it does not rub against the jamb frame of the door or get caught the frame.
Before buying a replacement lock, first determine what kind of mortise lock you have. This can be done by looking at the end faceplate and observing whether it is round or square. Take a look at each screw hole in the existing lock and note the size. This information will help you find an alternative that is the same size and is a perfect fit for the hole that you already have.
You'll need to identify the mortise lock, and then examine it for scratches, bends, or other damage that need to be repaired. A badly 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 when you spot any indications of wear or 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. The spindle and handle must be removed from the patio door. Install the new handle. Start by putting in the handle in the interior by aligning it with the spindle and then securing it in place with the two bolts or screws that secure it. Install the exterior handle after 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 engages properly with the strikeplate.
Make sure the door's strike is checked
The strike plate and door latch are two parts that work together to secure the door. A misaligned strike plate or door latches will cause the latch to not latch the door properly. This problem is usually very simple to solve.
Check the holes for receiving of the strike plate to make sure they are clear of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Release the screws that hold the strike plate in place. This will allow it to move vertically, but not separate it from the frame. Then, adjust the strike plate until its receiving holes align with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted tighten the screws, and test the door to see if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However they are crucial for locking and unlocking 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. The door latch slides onto this strike plate and creates an airtight seal. If the strike plate has been damaged or rusted, or if it is not properly installed, the latch may not be able to lock the door properly.
A misalignment of the latch and strike plate is a common reason for the patio lock to not close or remain in place. The easiest method to check for this is with the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick on the edge of the deadbolt, then put masking tape on it. When you close 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 high or low, you can adjust the strike plate.
If your patio door locks for sliding aren't working correctly they can help keep your home secure from intruders. You must resolve this issue as quickly as you can. By following patio door lock repair , you can fix your patio door's lock and restore its functionality in no time.