12 Statistics About Patio Door Lock Repair To Inspire You To Look More Discerning Around The Water Cooler
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors undergo wear and tear that could lead to locks that fail. There are a few basic steps you can follow to restore the security of your uPVC door.
These easy fixes can make your home safer no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the mechanism.
Clean the Lock
Although patio doors are a great option to bring the outside in and keep out the elements however, they can also pose an issue for security when your lock isn't functioning as it should. With 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 maintenance you can make sure that your aluminium patio door repairs door's locks always work effectively.
It is essential to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This helps to get rid of any grime and coatings that may be preventing the lock from functioning as it should. Start by wiping all the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a damp cloth. Then, use a scouring cloth or a damp, rough cloth to scrub the dirt-infested areas of the frame and door. Then, wipe the entire lock with dry cloth to get rid of any remaining dampness and let 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 graphite powdered to the key or by using a Teflon-based lubricant like WD-40 Multi-Use. This kind of lubricant is easy to apply, and it doesn't dissolve as time passes. If you are unable to locate an appropriate lubricant, you could use a pencil with an extremely thick tip. Place the pencil into the lock, then shake it to distribute the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also essential to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free of dust, dirt and debris. These tracks are particularly vulnerable to ice, snow, and other particles, which could cause them to block or become stuck. This could make it difficult for your patio door to open and close.
Tracks for sliding patio doors and rollers can be cleaned by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping, cleaning them, then replacing it. The same can be done for rollers on patio doors, which can be cleaned and sprayed with a non-stick lubricant in order to allow them to move freely.
Lubricate the Moving Parts
uPVC French doors, like sliding patios, are operated using 3 to 4, or sometimes 5 points locking mechanisms. These include the lock cylinder and handle which is operated by a key. These doors also need maintenance, specifically lubrication on the moving parts. This can be done with 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 against or catching the strike plate's hole in the frame. Remove the strike plate, and use a sharp tool to increase the size of the mortise. This allows the latch to sit properly in the hole and avoids scratching or catching on the frame.
While the cylinder is out of the way take a measurement of its width using a book or piece of wood patio door Repair that can fit into the gap of adjustment screw above the lock. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the center of the cylinder, while the inner dimension extends from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.
Check the width of the lock.
If your patio door lock repair near me door latch isn't able to turn even after cleaning and lubricating, there's a possibility that it is out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Check if your door is balanced, and if the hinge screws are secure. In many instances, moving the strike plate downwards or upwards could fix the problem.
The most common issue is when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this case you'll need to expand the hole with the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to ensure that it is able to engage the strike plate smoothly without rubbing against or landing on the door's frame jamb.
Before buying a replacement lock, first determine what kind of mortise lock you currently have. This can be done by looking at the end faceplate and observing whether it is round or square. Look at each screw hole in the existing lock and note their dimensions. This information will help you find a replacement that is the same width and will fit perfectly into the hole you have already.
In addition to identifying the current mortise lock you should also examine it for any nicks or bends that might require repair. A bent or damaged latch is more likely to break than one that's not frequently used, so be sure to replace the lock with a brand new, secure version if you find any signs of wear or damage.
Once you've inspected the lock and determined which kind of replacement you require now is the time to start working on the actual repair. Remove the old handle and spindle from your patio door, and then install the new one. Start by putting in the interior handle and aligning it with the spindle, and then fixing it by using the two bolts or screws which hold it. Once the handle in the interior is installed, you can install the handle on the outside and screw it into place, too. After you've completed these steps check the handles to ensure that they open and shut easily and that the latch works correctly with the strikeplate.
Check the Door's Strike
The door latch and strike plate are two components of the lock that work together to ensure that the latch locks the door. If these parts aren't aligned correctly and the latch doesn't latch the door shut correctly. This issue is usually easy to fix.
First, examine the strike plate's receiving holes to ensure they are free of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the keeper screws that hold the strike plate in place, allowing it to move vertically, but not separating it from the frame of the door. Then adjust the strike plate until its holes for receiving are aligned with the latch hooks on the door latch. After the strike plate is adjusted tighten all screws and check whether the door shuts smoothly.
Door strike plates can be difficult to locate for homeowners with sliding glass patio door repair patio doors, but they're crucial to lock and unlock your door. These plates are usually located at the top and bottom of the door jamb where they serve as the door's latch. The door latch is able to slide into the strike plate to create a seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or is not properly installed the latch may not properly lock the door.
A misalignment of the strike plate and latch is a common reason for the patio lock not to close or stay. The most effective way to test for this is by performing the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt, and then put masking tape on it. The lipstick will leave an impression when you close the door. This will show you exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high you can easily alter the strike plate.
Locks for sliding patio doors help protect your home from burglars, and if they're not functioning correctly, you must repair the issue quickly. Follow these steps to repair your patio door lock and restore its functionality.