12 Companies Are Leading The Way In Patio Door Lock Repair
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors experience wear and tear that could cause lock malfunctions. There are fortunately, a number of simple and efficient methods that can restore your uPVC patio door's security.
These simple fixes can make your home safer, whether you realign the lock or clean the mechanism.
Clean the Lock
Although patio doors are a great way to bring the outside in and keep the elements out however, they can also pose a security risk in the event that your lock isn't operating as it should. Over 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 attention, you can make sure that your patio door's lock is always working correctly.
It is important to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This will help get rid of any dirt or coatings that might be hindering your lock from functioning effectively. Begin by wiping the moving parts of your patio door's lock with a damp, clean cloth. then use a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub the hard-to-reach parts of the door and frame that are ingrained with dirt. Then clean the lock with a dry towel to get rid of any moisture. Allow it to air-dry before you use it.
If you have an exterior door that is fitted with pin tumbler latch mechanisms You can apply lubrication to the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or using an lubricant based on Teflon such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant can be easy to apply, and it won't disintegrate over time. If you're unable to locate a suitable lubricant you could try using a pencil with an extremely thick tip. Put the pencil into the lock and move it around to spread the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free from dust, dirt and debris. They are particularly susceptible to ice, snow, and other particles, which can cause them block or become stuck. This could make it difficult for your patio door to be opened and closed.
Sliding patio door track rails and rollers can be cleaned by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping and then cleaning it, before installing it. The rollers of patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed with an oil that is nonstick.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC French Doors, like sliding patios, operate by using 3 to 4 or occasionally 5 point locking mechanisms. These include the handle and lock cylinder which is operated by keys. They also require maintenance, and specifically lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done with an oil that is thin however, never WD40. It should be done at least once a year.
If hinges that are sagging aren't the cause, the door could be skewed and catch or striking the strike plate hole in the frame. Remove the strike plate, and employ a sharp tool increase the size of the mortise. This allows the latch to sit perfectly in the hole and avoids rubbing or catching on the frame.
Take a measurement of the width of the cylinder with a piece of wood or a book that fits into the gap above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the middle of the cylinder, and the inner dimension runs from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.
Check the Lock's Width
If your patio door latch isn't able to turn, even after cleaning and lubricating, it's possible that it's out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Verify that the door is properly balanced and that the hinge screws are in good condition. In a lot of cases, however, simply moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can solve the issue.
The most common issue is when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to engage. In this situation, you need to widen the hole with a chisel and hammer. Then test the latch so that it does not rub against the door jamb frame or catch on it.
You must identify the kind of mortise lock that you have before buying the replacement. This can be done by looking at the faceplate of the lock and determining if it is square or round. Look at each screw hole in the existing lock and note the size. This information will allow you to find the replacement lock that has the exact same width and will fit in your existing hole.
You'll want to identify the mortise lock and examine it for any scratches, bends or other damage that need to be repaired. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that has frequently used to break. Replace the lock if you notice indications of damage.
Once you've inspected the lock and determined which type of replacement you need now is the time to start working on the actual repair. sliding glass patio door replacement cost and spindle should be removed from the doorway to the patio. Insert the new handle. Start by putting in the handle in the interior and aligning it with the spindle and then fixing it with the two screws or bolts which hold it. Once the handle in the interior is installed, you can install the exterior handle and screw it into place, too. Once you have completed these steps, test the handles to make sure that they are able to open and close easily and that the latch engages properly with the strikeplate.
Make sure the door's strike is checked
The strike plate and the door latch are two parts that work together in order to lock the door. If these parts aren't aligned correctly and the latch doesn't latch the door properly. This problem is usually very simple to fix.
Check the receiving holes of the strike plate to make sure they are clear of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Loosen the keeper screws holding the strike plate in position. This will allow it to move vertically, but not separate it from the frame. Then adjust the strike plate until its receiving holes align with the latch hooks on the door latch. After the strike plate is adjusted then tighten all screws, and check whether the door shuts smoothly.
Door strike plates can be difficult to access for homeowners with sliding patio doors, but they're crucial to lock and unlock your door. These plates are usually placed on the top and bottom of the door jamb, where they serve as the door's 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 properly installed the latch may not properly lock the door.
A misalignment between the latch and strike plate is a common reason for the patio lock to not close or remain in place. This can be confirmed using the "lipstick" test. Rub some lipstick across the edge of the deadbolt. Then cover it with masking tape. When you close the door the lipstick will leave a mark on the tape, indicating you exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high it is possible to adjust the strike plate.
If your patio door locks for sliding aren't working correctly, they can keep your home safe from burglars. You must resolve this issue as quickly as possible. By following these easy steps, you'll be able to fix your patio door's lock and get it back to normal in no time.