14 Cartoons About Patio Door Lock Repair That'll Brighten Your Day

Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio doors experience wear and tear which can result in lock malfunctions. There are a few simple steps you can follow to ensure the security of your uPVC door.

These quick fixes will ensure your home is secure no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the locking mechanism.

Clean the Lock

Patio doors are fantastic to let the outdoors in while keeping out the elements. However they can pose risky for security in the event that the lock isn't working correctly. With time, wear and tear, cold and hot weather dirt and debris can cause damage to the lock of your patio door and make it difficult to open. With a little care, you can ensure the locks on your patio door always perform correctly.

It is essential to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This helps to remove any dirt and coatings that may hinder the lock from functioning in the way it should. Start by wiping down all the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a damp cloth, then employ 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 using a dry towel to get rid of any moisture. Allow it to air-dry before you use it.

If you have a patio door that uses pin tumbler latch mechanisms, you can apply lubrication to the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or applying a Teflon-based lubricant such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product.  RepairMyWindowsAndDoors  of lubricant is easy to apply, and it doesn't dissolve with time. If you are unable to find an appropriate lubricant You might try using a pencil that has a thick tip. Place the pencil into the lock, then shake it around to spread the graphite.

Tracks for sliding patio doors require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dirt, dust, and debris. They are particularly susceptible to ice and snow, which can cause them to be stuck or jammed and make it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.

Clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio doors by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it, then replace 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 sometimes 5 point locking mechanisms. These include the lock cylinder and handle which is operated by the key. These doors also need maintenance, and specifically lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done using a thin oil (never WD40) and is recommended to be done at least once per year.

If sagging hinges don't cause the issue, it could be that the door isn't aligned. It may be rubbing or catching the strike plate's opening in the frame. Take off the strike plate and use a sharp tool to expand the mortise. This will permit the latch to fit into the hole, and stop it from rubbing against the frame.

Once the cylinder is cleared of the way and out of the way, measure its width using the help of a book or piece 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 middle of the cylinder, while the inner dimension runs from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.

Verify 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. Check to see if the door is properly balanced and whether the hinge screws are secure However, in many cases it is possible to move the strike plate up or down can fix the issue.

Most of the time, the issue occurs when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this case you'll have to increase the hole using either a hammer or chisel, and then test the latch to ensure that it contacts the strike plate without rubbing against or landing on the door's frame jamb.

You should identify the type mortise lock you have before purchasing a replacement. This can be done by looking at the end faceplate and determining if it is round or square. Look at each screw hole on the current lock and note their dimensions. This information will help you find a replacement that is the same size and will fit perfectly into the hole that you already have.

You'll want to identify the mortise lock and inspect it for any bends, scratches or other damage that needs to be fixed. A damaged or bent latch is more prone to break than one that hasn't been used much, so be sure to replace the lock with a brand new one that is secure in the event you notice any signs of wear or damage.

Once you've checked the lock and determined which type of replacement you need then it's time to begin working on the actual repair. Take the old handle and spindle out of your patio door, and then insert the new one. Begin by installing the handle in the interior and aligning it with the spindle, and then securing it by using the two bolts or screws which hold it. Once the interior handle is installed, you can install the exterior handle and screw it into place as well. 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 is in contact properly with the strikeplate.

Check the door's Strike

The door latch and strike plate are two parts of the lock that work together to ensure that the latch is secure the door. If these parts aren't aligned correctly, the latch won't latch the door properly. This problem is usually very easy to fix.

First, examine the strike plate's receiving holes to ensure they are clear of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Remove the screws that hold the strike plate. This will allow it to move horizontally, but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Adjust the strike plate to align its receiving holes with the latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted then tighten the screws and then test the door to see whether it shuts easily with the new adjustment.

These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However they are crucial to lock and unlock your door. These metal plates are located at the top and bottom jambs of the door, where they support its latch. Then, the door latch is able to slide into the strike plate to create an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not properly installed, it could prevent the latch from locking the door securely.

One common reason for the patio door lock to stick or not close is a misalignment between the latch and strike plate. This can be verified using the "lipstick" test. Rub some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt and then cover it with masking tape. When you shut the door the lipstick will leave marks on the tape that will show you exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low you can alter the strike plate.

If your patio door locks for sliding aren't working correctly they could be a problem in keeping your home safe from burglars. You need to resolve this issue as quickly as possible. Follow these simple steps to fix your patio door lock and restore it's functionality.