9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Patio Door Lock Repair
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Over time, patio doors undergo wear and tear which can lead to locks that fail. Fortunately, there are several simple and effective methods that can restore your uPVC patio door's security.
It's about realigning the lock or cleaning the mechanism that locks these simple fixes will make your home more secure.
Clean the Lock
Although patio doors are a great option to let in the outside and keep the elements out 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 cause damage to the lock of your patio door lock repair (Opensourcebridge officially announced) door and make it difficult to open. With a little care you can ensure that your patio door's locks will always work effectively.
It's important to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This will help remove any coatings or dirt that may be preventing your lock from functioning effectively. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts on your patio door lock with an aqueous cloth. Then you can use a scouring paper or a damp, rough cloth to scrub the dirt-infested areas of the door frame and frame. 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 your patio door uses pin-tumbler locks, you can apply powdered Graphite to the key. You can also apply a Teflon lubricant like WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This kind of lubricant can be applied easily and doesn't dissolve over time. If you're unable to find the right lubricant to use with your lock, make use of a pencil with a larger tip. Insert the pencil into the lock and jiggle it around a bit to spread the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free of dust, dirt and other debris. They are particularly vulnerable to snow and ice, which can cause them become stuck or slack, making it harder for your patio doors to open and close.
Tracks for sliding patio door repair service patio doors and rollers can be cleaned by removing any dirty or damaged weather stripping, cleaning them, then reinstalling it. The same is true to patio door rollers which can be wiped down and sprayed with non-stick lubricant that will allow them to move freely.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC french doors, similar to sliding patio doors, work with 3-4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms which include the lock cylinder and handle controlled by keys. These doors also require maintenance, and specifically lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done using a thin oil however, never WD40. It is recommended to do it at least once a year.
If hinges that are sagging don't cause the issue it could be because the door isn't aligned. It may be rubbing against or catching the strike plate's opening in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate, and then use an abrasive chisel to increase the size of the mortise it rests in. This lets the latch sit properly in the hole, and also prevents getting caught or rubbing against the frame.
While the cylinder is out of the way, measure its width with an object or a piece of wood that will fit in the adjustment screw gap above the lock. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of the door to the center cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw until the end cylinder.
Check the Lock's Width
If your patio door latch isn't able to turn even after cleaning and lubricating, there's a possibility that it's out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Verify that the door is properly balanced and if the hinge screws are secure However, in many cases, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards could fix the problem.
The latch might not work properly when the strike of the lock is too small. In this instance, you can widen the opening with the hammer and chisel. Then, test the latch how to repair tilt and slide patio door ensure it doesn't rub against the jamb frame of the door or get caught the frame.
It is important to identify the type of mortise lock that you have before buying the replacement. This can be done by looking at the end faceplate and observing whether it is square or round. Examine each screw hole in the existing lock and note their dimensions. This will help you to find a replacement lock that is the exact same width and will fit in your existing hole.
In addition to identifying the mortise lock that is currently in use, you should also examine it for any scratches or bends that may require repairing. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that's been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if it shows evidence of damage.
Once you've checked the lock and identified 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 doorway to the patio. Install the new handle. Start by putting in the handle inside and aligning it with the spindle and then fixing it with the two screws or bolts that secure it. 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 the steps, you can test the new handles to ensure that they can be opened and closed easily and that the latch is catching properly with the strike plate.
Make sure the door's strike is checked
The strike plate and the door latch are two components that work together to secure the door. Misaligned strike plate and door latches can cause the latch to not latch the door correctly. Fortunately, this problem is usually simple to fix.
Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to make sure they are free of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the screws that keep the strike plate in place, allowing it to move vertically, but not separating it from the frame of the door. Then, you can adjust the strike plate to ensure that its holes for receiving align with the latch hooks on the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted tighten the screws, and 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 vital for locking and unlocking your door. These plates are usually located at the top and bottom of the door jamb where they support the door's latch. The door latch is inserted into the strike plate and forms a seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not properly installed, it could prevent the latch from locking the door securely.
A misalignment of the latch and strike plate is a common reason for the patio lock to not close or stick. The easiest way to check for this is with the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick on the edge of the deadbolt, and then attach masking tape over it. When you shut the door the lipstick will leave marks on the tape, showing exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high it is possible to adjust the strike plate.
Locks for sliding patio doors help keep your home safe from intruders, and if they're not working correctly, you should fix the problem quickly. Follow these steps to repair your patio door lock and restore its functionality.