3 Common Causes For Why Your Patio Door Lock Repair Isn't Working (And How To Fix It)
3 Common Causes For Why Your Patio Door Lock Repair Isn't Working (And…
Heather Reiber
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8
01.17 12:44
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors go through wear and tear that could cause locks that fail. There are fortunately, a number of simple and effective ways to restore your uPVC patio door's security.
These quick fixes will make your home safer, whether you realign the lock or clean the locking mechanism.
Clean the Lock
While emergency patio door repair doors are an excellent way to bring the outside in and keep the elements out but 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 other debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little care you can ensure that your lock for your patio door always functions in a proper manner.
It's important to clean the lock of your patio door and all the moving parts. This helps to get rid of any grime and coatings that could be preventing the lock from functioning in the way it should. Start by wiping the moving parts of your patio door lock using an aqueous cloth. Then apply a scouring pad or a rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested parts of the frame and door. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock using dry cloths to eliminate any remaining dampness, and allow it to air dry prior to applying it to the next time.
If your patio door uses a pin-tumbler latch, you can apply powdered graphite to the key. You can also apply a Teflon lubricant such as WD-40 Multi Use Product. This type of lubricant is able to be applied easily and does not dissolve over time. If you are unable to find the right lubricant for your lock, you can make use of a pencil with a more of a thicker tip. Insert the pencil in the lock, and shake it to distribute the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also essential to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear from dirt, dust and debris. They are particularly susceptible to ice and snow, which could cause them to jam or bind which makes it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.
You can clean the track rails and rollers on Sliding glass patio doors repairpatio door glass repair doors by removing any damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it and replace it. The rollers for patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed with an oil that is non-stick.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC french doors, like sliding patio doors, operate by using 3-4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms that include the handle and lock cylinder controlled by a key. These doors require maintenance, oiling 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 aren't a cause, the door could be misaligned and catching or hitting the strike plate hole within the frame. Take off the strike plate and employ a sharp tool to expand its mortise. This will allow the latch to fit into the hole and prevent it from rubbing against the frame.
When the cylinder is out of the way and out of the way, measure its width using an object or a piece of wood 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. the inner dimension extends from the center of the adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder.
Check the lock's length
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. Make sure that your door is balanced, and that the hinge screws are secure. In most cases, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards will fix the problem.
The most common issue is when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to engage. In this instance, you can widen the hole with the hammer and chisel. Then, test the latch so that it doesn't rub against the jamb frame of the door or fall the frame.
Before purchasing a new lock, first determine what kind of mortise lock you currently have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and noting whether it is round or square. Then, take a look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the dimensions of each one. This will assist you in finding an alternative that is the same size and fits perfectly into the hole you have already.
In addition to identifying the mortise lock that is currently in use, you'll also want to inspect it for any bends or scratches that may need repairing. A damaged or bent latch is more prone to break than one that's been frequently used, so be sure to replace the lock with a brand new one that is secure in the event you notice any signs of damage or wear.
Once you've inspected the lock and identified which kind of replacement you require, it's time to start 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 inside handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it into place using the two screws or bolts. Once the handle in the interior is installed, put in the exterior handle and screw it into place as well. Once you've completed these steps then you can test the new handles to ensure they open and close easily and that the latch catches correctly when you strike the plate.
Make sure you check the Strike of the door.
The door latch and strike plate are the two parts of the lock that work together to ensure that the latch is secure the door. If these parts aren't aligned correctly and the latch doesn't latch the door shut correctly. Fortunately, the issue is usually simple to fix.
Examine the holes that receive the strike plate 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 horizontally, but not separating it from the door frame. Then, you can adjust the strike plate to ensure that its holes for receiving align with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted, tighten all screws and test how to repair tilt and slide patio door see whether the door shuts smoothly.
Door strike plates can be difficult to access for homeowners who have sliding patio doors, but they're crucial for locking and unlocking your door. The plates made of metal are located between the top and bottom jambs of your door, where they serve as the support for the latch. The door latch is inserted into the strike plate and forms a seal. If the strike plate has been damaged or rusted, or if it is not installed correctly, the latch may not lock the door properly.
One of the most common reasons for an outdoor door lock to stick or not close is a misalignment between the latch and the strike plate. The easiest way to check for this is by performing the "lipstick test." Apply some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt and attach masking tape over it. When you shut the door, the lipstick will leave marks on the tape that will show exactly where the latch connects to 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 are not working properly they could be a problem in keeping your home safe from burglars. You need to repair the issue as soon as possible. Follow these easy steps to repair your patio door lock and restore its functionality.