10 Facts About Patio Door Lock Repair That Can Instantly Put You In An Optimistic Mood

Patio Door Lock Repairs Over time, patio doors go through wear and tear which can cause lock malfunctions. There are a few simple steps you can follow to ensure the security of your uPVC door. These simple fixes will ensure your home is secure regardless of whether you re-align the lock or clean the mechanism. Clean the Lock While patio doors are a great option to let the outside in and keep the elements out but they can also pose a security risk in the event that your lock isn't operating as it should. As time passes, wear and tear, hot and cold weather, dirt and debris can affect your patio door's lock and make it difficult to open. Fortunately, with a little care you can make sure that the locks on your patio door always perform effectively. In the beginning, it's important to clean the lock of your patio door and all its moving parts. This will help get rid of any grime or coatings that could be preventing your lock from functioning correctly. Start by wiping all the moving parts on your patio door lock using a damp cloth. Then you can use a scouring paper or a rough damp cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the frame and door. Then, wipe the lock down using a dry towel to get rid of any remaining moisture. Let it air dry before using it. If your patio door has pin-tumbler locks You can lubricate it by applying powdered Graphite on the key. You can also use a Teflon oil like WD-40 Multi Use Product. This kind of lubricant can be applied with ease and doesn't dissolve over time. If you're unable find the right lubricant to use with your lock, you can make use of a pencil with a thicker tip. Place the pencil into the lock, then shake it around to distribute the graphite. Sliding patio door tracks also require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dirt, dust, and debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow and ice which can cause them to be stuck or jammed, making it harder for your patio doors to open and close. Tracks for sliding patio doors and rollers can be cleaned by removing weather stripping that is damaged or dirty, cleaning them, then replacing it. The same is true for patio door rollers, which can be wiped down and sprayed with non-stick lubricant to help them move freely. Lubricate the moving parts uPVC French Doors, like sliding patios, are operated using 3 to 4, or sometimes 5 points locking mechanisms. This includes the lock cylinder and handle which is operated by a key. They require maintenance and the lubrication of moving parts. This can be done using a thin oil (never WD40) and should be done once per year. If hinges that are sagging aren't the reason, the door could be misaligned and caught or hitting the strike plate hole within the frame. Remove the strike plate, and employ a sharp tool to enlarge its mortise. This will allow the latch to fit properly into the hole, and stop it from scratching against the frame. Once the cylinder is cleared of the way, measure its width with a book or piece of wood that will fit in the adjustment screw gap above the lock. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the middle of the cylinder, while the inner dimension extends from the center of the adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder. Check the lock's width If your patio door latch isn't able to turn, even after cleaning and lubricating, it's possible that it's out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Check to see if the door is in balance and whether the hinge screws are secure However, in many cases it is possible to move the strike plate upwards or downwards could fix the problem. The latch may not 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 an hammer and chisel. Then, test the latch to ensure that it doesn't rub against the jamb frame of the door or get caught the frame. Before you purchase a replacement lock, you should first identify the type of mortise lock you have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate on the lock and determining if it is round or square. Then, look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the dimensions of each one. This information will assist you in finding a replacement that is the same size and will fit perfectly into the hole you have already. You'll need to locate the mortise lock and inspect it for any scratches, bends, or other damage that needs to be repaired. A bent or damaged latch is more prone to break than one that's not utilized often, so make sure to replace the lock with a brand new one that is secure in the event you notice any signs of wear or damage. 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. The old spindle and handle should be removed from the patio door. Introduce the new handle. Begin by installing the handle in the interior and aligning it with the spindle, and then fixing it with the two bolts or screws that secure 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 properly with the strike plate. Check the Strike of the Door. The door latch and strike plate are two components of the lock that work together to ensure that the latch is secure the door. If these are misaligned and the latch doesn't latch the door shut properly. This issue is usually simple to solve. First, examine door replacement london for receiving 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. Then adjust the strike plate to ensure that its holes for receiving are aligned with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted then tighten the screws and then test the door to see whether it locks smoothly after the new adjustment. These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However, they are essential to lock and unlock your door. These metal plates are usually located on the top and bottom of the door jamb where they serve as the door's latch. The door latch slides into this strike plate and creates a seal. If the strike plate has been damaged or rusted or not installed correctly, the latch may not properly lock the door. A misalignment between the latch and strike plate is the most common reason for a patio lock to not close or stay. The easiest way to check for this is by performing the “lipstick test.” Apply some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt, and then put masking tape on it. The lipstick will leave the mark when you close the door. This will indicate exactly where the latch meets 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 aren't working correctly they can help keep your home safe from burglars. You need to fix this problem as soon as you can. By following these easy steps, you'll be able to fix the lock on your patio door and regain its functionality in no time.