5 Killer Quora Answers To Patio Door Lock Repair
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, wear and tear could cause lock malfunctions. There are a few simple steps you can take to restore the security of your uPVC door.
If it's resetting the lock or cleaning the mechanism that locks, these quick fixes can increase the security of your home.
Clean the Lock
While patio doors are a great option to let in the outside and keep out the elements, they can also be an issue for security 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 make sure that your patio door's lock is always working properly.
To begin with, it's important to clean the lock on your patio door and all the moving parts. This will help flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that may hinder the lock from working as it should. Begin by wiping all the moving parts of your patio door's lock using a damp cloth. then make use of a scouring pad, or a rough damp cloth to scrub any difficult-to-access areas of the door or frame that are coated with dirt. You should then wipe down the entire lock using a dry cloth to remove 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 lubricate it by applying powdered graphite to the key. You can also use a Teflon oil like WD-40 Multi Use Product. This type of lubricant is easy to apply, and it doesn't dissolve over time. If you are unable to find the correct lubricant for your lock, make use of a pencil with a thicker tip. Put patio door repair into the lock and jiggle it around a bit to spread the graphite.
Sliding patio door tracks also require regular maintenance to ensure they're free of dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks can be especially vulnerable to snow and ice which can cause them jam or bind which makes it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.
The sliding rails of the patio door track and rollers can be cleaned by removing dirty or damaged weather stripping and cleaning them before reinstalling it. The rollers of patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed with a nonstick lubricant.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC French Doors, similar to sliding patios, operate using 3 to 4, or sometimes 5 points locking mechanisms. This includes the lock cylinder and handle that is operated with keys. patio door repair require maintenance and lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done using a thin oil (never WD40) and should be done once per year.
If hinges that are sagging don't cause the issue, it could be that the door isn't aligned. It could be rubbing or catching against the strike plate's hole in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate and use a sharp chisel to enlarge the mortise that it rests in. This will allow the latch to fit into the hole and also prevent it from hitting the frame.
When the cylinder is out of the way take a measurement of its width using a book or piece of wood that can fit into the adjustment screw gap above the lock. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of the door to the center of cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder.
Verify the lock's width
If your patio door latch isn't able to turn, even after oiling and cleaning it's possible that it's not aligned properly with the strike plate. Check if your door is in a balanced position, and if the hinge screws are secure. In most cases, however, simply moving the strike plate upwards or downwards will solve the issue.
Oftentimes, the problem occurs when the strike of the lock 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 that it doesn't touch the jamb frame of the door or get caught the frame.
It is important to identify the type of mortise lock you currently have before purchasing a replacement. You can do this by looking at the faceplate on the lock and noting if it is square or round. Then, take a look at the screw holes in the existing lock and note the dimensions of each one. This information will help you find a replacement that is of the same size and fits perfectly into your existing hole.
In addition to identifying the current mortise lock you should also examine it for any bends or scratches that may need repairing. A damaged or bent latch is more prone to break than one that's not frequently used, so be sure to replace the lock with a new, secure version in the event you notice any signs of damage or wear.
Once you've decided on the kind of lock replacement you require It's time to start the actual repair. The old spindle and handle must be removed from the doorway to the patio. Insert the new handle. Start by putting in the handle inside, aligning it with the spindle, and then fixing it with the two screws or bolts which hold it. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. Once you have completed these steps Test the handles to make sure they can be shut and open easily and that the latch is in contact correctly with the strikeplate.
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 locks the door. An incorrectly aligned strike plate and door latch will result in the latch not being able to latch the door properly. This problem is usually very easy to fix.
Check the holes for receiving of the strike plate to make sure they are clear of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the keeper screws that keep the strike plate in place and allow it to move vertically but not removing it from the door frame. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its holes for receiving with the latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted then tighten the screws and test the door to determine whether it locks smoothly after the new adjustment.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However they are vital to secure and unlock your door. The plates made of metal are located between the top and bottom jambs of the door, where they serve as the support for the latch. The door latch slides onto the strike plate, and it creates an airtight 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 remain in place. This can be verified using the "lipstick" test. Apply some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt and then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave a mark when you shut the door. This will reveal exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high, you can alter the strike plate.
The sliding patio door locks protect your home from burglars, and if they're not functioning properly, you need to repair the issue quickly. Follow these simple steps to repair your patio door lock and restore its function.