24 Hours To Improving Patio Door Lock Repair
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio door wear and tear can cause lock malfunctions. There are fortunately, a number of simple and efficient ways to restore your uPVC patio door lock repairs door's security.
These simple fixes will ensure your home is secure no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the locking mechanism.
Clean the Lock
While patio doors are a great option to let in the outside and keep out the elements however, they can also pose security risks in the event that your lock isn't operating as it should. Over time, wear and tear, cold and hot weather, dirt and debris can take their toll on the lock on your patio door and make it difficult to open. With some minor maintenance, you can ensure your patio door's locks always perform effectively.
It is essential to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This will help to remove any dirt or coatings that might be hindering your lock from working properly. Start by wiping down the moving parts of your patio door's lock with a damp, clean cloth. then use a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any hard-to-reach areas of the door or frame that are ingrained with dirt. Then, wipe the lock down using a dry towel to get rid of any moisture. Let it air dry before using it.
If you have an exterior door that is fitted with pin tumbler latch mechanisms You can lubricate the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or using a lubricant made of Teflon, like WD-40 Multi-Use. This kind of lubricant is easy to apply, and doesn't break down over time. If you're unable find the right lubricant for your lock, apply a pencil that has a larger tip. Insert the pencil into the lock and jiggle it around to spread the graphite.
The tracks for sliding patio doors repair patio screen door repair near me doors also require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks can be especially susceptible to ice and snow, which can cause them jam or bind, making it harder for your patio doors to open and close.
Tracks for sliding patio doors and rollers can be cleaned by removing any damaged or dirty weather stripping and then cleaning it, before reinstalling it. Patio door rollers can also be cleaned and sprayed with an oil that is non-stick.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC French doors, like sliding glass patio door repair patios, operate using 3 to 4, or sometimes 5 point locking mechanisms. These include the handle and lock cylinder that is operated by the key. These doors also need maintenance, including lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done using an oil that is thin (never WD40) and is recommended to be done at least once per year.
If the hinges aren't causing the problem, it could be that the door isn't aligned. It may be rubbing against or catching the strike plate's hole in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate, and then use an abrasive chisel to increase the size of the mortise that it rests in. This will permit the latch to fit properly into the hole, and also prevent it from rubbing against the frame.
While the cylinder is out of the way take a measurement of its width using the help of a book or piece wood that fits into the gap between the adjustment screw and the lock. 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.
Check the Lock's Width
If your patio door latch is hard to turn, even after cleaning and oiling it's possible that it's not aligned properly with the strike plate. Examine if the door is balanced and if the hinge screws are tight However, in many cases, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can correct the issue.
Most of the time, the issue occurs when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to engage. In this case, enlarge the opening using a chisel and hammer. Then test the latch so that it doesn't rub against the jamb frame of the door or get caught the frame.
You should identify the type mortise lock you have before purchasing an alternative. This can be done by looking at the end 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 will assist you in finding an alternative that is of the same size and will fit perfectly into 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 scratches or bends that might require repair. A damaged or bent latch is more likely break than one that's not used much, so be sure to replace the lock with a brand new secure and safe 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 need then it's time to begin working on the actual repair. Remove the handle and spindle from your patio door, and then put in the new one. Start by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it in position using two bolts or screws. Once the handle's interior is installed, put in the handle that is outside and screw it into place, too. After you've completed these steps check the handles to make sure that they can be shut and open easily and that the latch works correctly with the strikeplate.
Check the door's Strike
The door latch and strike plate are two parts of the lock that work together to ensure that the latch is secure the door. A misaligned strike plate or door latch will cause the latch to not latch the door in a proper manner. This is typically simple to fix.
Check the holes for receiving of the strike plate to make sure they are free of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Release the screws that hold the strike plate. This will allow it to move vertically, but not separate it from the frame. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its receiving holes with the latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted tighten all screws and check whether the door shuts smoothly.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However they are vital to lock and unlock your door. The metal plates are situated between the top and bottom jambs of the door which are where they help support the latch. The door latch is placed on the strike plate to form the seal when it is closed. If the strike plate has been damaged, rusted, or is not installed correctly, the latch may not lock the door properly.
The most common reason for an outdoor door lock to not close or not close is a misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This can be verified using the "lipstick" test. Apply a little lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt, then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave a mark when you close the door. This will reveal exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low it is possible to adjust the strike plate.
The sliding patio door repair patio door locks protect your home from intruders, and if they're not working correctly, you must fix the problem quickly. Follow these easy steps to repair your patio door lock and restore it's function.