16 Must-Follow Facebook Pages For Patio Door Lock Repair-Related Businesses
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors go through wear and tear which can cause locks that fail. There are a few easy steps you can follow to ensure the security of your uPVC door.
These quick fixes will make your home safer regardless of whether you re-align the lock or clean the locking mechanism.
Clean the Lock
While patio doors are a great option to bring the outside in and keep out the elements however, they can also pose a security risk when your lock isn't functioning as it should. Over time, wear and tear, hot and cold weather, dirt and debris can take their toll on the lock on your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little care, you can make sure that your lock for your patio door lock repair near me door always functions in a proper manner.
It's important to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This will help to remove any grime or coatings that could be preventing your lock from working correctly. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts of your patio glass repair near me door lock with a damp cloth. Then apply a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the door frame and frame. Then, wipe the entire lock with dry cloth to get rid of any remaining dampness and allow it to air dry before making use of it again.
If your patio door has a pin-tumbler latch you can apply powdered Graphite on the key. You can also use a Teflon lubricant such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant is easy to apply, and it doesn't dissolve over time. If you're unable find the correct lubricant for your lock, you can make use of a pencil with a thicker tip. Put the pencil in the lock, and shake it around to spread the graphite.
The tracks for sliding patio doors also require regular maintenance to keep them free of dust, dirt, and debris. They are particularly susceptible to ice, snow, and other debris, which could cause them to jam or bind. This could make it difficult for your patio sliding doors repair door to be opened and closed.
You can clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio doors by removing any weather stripping that is dirty or damaged. Clean it and replace it. The same is true to patio door rollers which can be wiped down and then sprayed with a non-stick lubricant that will allow them to move freely.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC french doors, which are similar to sliding patio doors, work with 3 to 4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms that include the handle and lock cylinder controlled by the key. They require maintenance and lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done using an oil that is thin (never WD40) and should be done once per year.
If sagging hinges don't cause the issue, it could be that the door isn't aligned. It could be rubbing or catching the strike plate's opening in the frame. Remove the strike plate, and use a sharp tool to increase the size of its mortise. This lets the latch sit correctly in the hole, and also prevents getting caught or rubbing against the frame.
Once the cylinder is cleared of the way, measure its width with a book or piece of 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 center of the cylinder, and 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 is difficult to turn even after oiling and cleaning, it's possible that it's not aligned with the strike plate. Examine if the door is balanced and whether the hinge screws are secure However, in many cases, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards could fix the problem.
Most of the time, the issue occurs when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this case, enlarge the opening using a chisel and hammer. Then test the latch to ensure it doesn't rub against the door jamb frame or catch on it.
It is important to identify the type of mortise lock you currently have before buying the replacement. This can be done by looking at the faceplate of the lock and determining whether it is square or round. Then, take a look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the size of each one. This will enable you to find a replacement lock that is exactly the same width and will fit in the hole that you already have.
In addition to identifying the current mortise lock, you should also examine it for any scratches or bends that may require repairing. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that has been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if it displays evidence of damage.
Once you've inspected the lock and identified which type of replacement you need then it's time to begin working on the actual repair. Remove the old handle and spindle from the patio door, and then insert the new one. Start by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it in by using two screws or bolts. Once the handle's interior is installed, you can install the handle that is outside and screw it into place as well. After you've completed these steps, test the handles to make sure that they can be shut and open easily and that the latch works properly with the strikeplate.
Check the Strike of the Door.
The strike plate and the door latch are two pieces which work together to lock the door. Misaligned strike plate and door latches will cause the latch to not latch the door correctly. Fortunately, this problem is usually simple to fix.
First, inspect the strike plate's holes for receiving to make sure 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 horizontally, but not detaching it from the door frame. Then, you can adjust the strike plate to ensure that its holes for receiving are aligned with the latch hooks on the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted tighten all screws and test whether the door shuts smoothly.
Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to locate for homeowners with sliding patio doors, however they are essential for locking and unlocking your door. The metal plates are typically placed on the top and bottom of the door jamb, where they serve as the door's latch. Then, the door latch is able to slide into the strike plate, creating the seal when it is closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not properly installed, it could stop the latch from locking the door securely.
A misalignment of the strike plate and latch is one common cause 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 on the edge of the deadbolt, then apply masking tape over it. The lipstick will leave a mark when you shut the door. This will indicate exactly where the latch joins the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low, you can easily adjust the strike plate.
If your patio door locks for sliding aren't functioning properly they could be a problem in keeping your home secure from intruders. You need to repair the issue as soon as possible. Follow these steps to repair your patio door lock and restore it's function.
