patio door frame repair door lock repairs (blog)

Over time, wear and tear can lead to lock malfunctions. However, there are simple and efficient steps that can help restore your uPVC patio door’s security.

These simple fixes can make your home safer no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the mechanism.

Clean the Lock

Patio doors are ideal to let the outdoors inside and keeping out the elements. However they can pose risky for security if the lock doesn’t work properly. With time, wear and tear, cold and hot weather dirt, and other debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little attention you can ensure that your lock for your patio door always functions properly.

To begin with, it’s important to clean the lock on your patio door and all the moving parts. This will help to remove any coatings or dirt that might be hindering your lock from working properly. Begin by wiping the moving parts of the lock for your patio door using a damp cloth. then make use of a scouring pad, or a rough damp cloth to scrub the hard-to-reach areas of the door and frame that are ingrained with dirt. Then, wipe the lock down with a dry cloth to remove any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before using it.

If your patio door uses a pin-tumbler latch, you can lubricate it by applying 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 quickly and doesn’t dissolve over time. If you’re unable how to repair tilt and slide patio door find the right lubricant to use with your lock, you can apply a pencil that has a larger tip. Place the pencil in the lock and jiggle it around a bit to distribute the graphite.

Sliding patio door tracks also require regular maintenance to ensure that they’re free of dirt, dust and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to snow, ice, and other debris, which could cause them to block or become stuck. This can make it difficult for your patio door to be opened and closed.

Clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio doors by removing any damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it and replace it. The same applies for patio glass door repair near me door rollers, which can be wiped down and sprayed with a non-stick lubricant that will allow them to move freely.

Lubricate the moving parts

upvc patio door repairs French Doors, like sliding patios, operate using 3 to 4, or sometimes, 5 point locking mechanisms. They include the handle and lock cylinder that is operated by keys. They also require maintenance, specifically lubrication on the moving parts. This can be accomplished with the use of a thin oil but not WD40. It is recommended to do it every year, at a minimum.

If sagging hinges aren’t a cause, the door could be skewed and catch or hitting the strike plate hole within the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate and then use an abrasive chisel to increase the size of the mortise that it rests in. This will permit the latch to fit into the hole and prevent it from rubbing against the frame.

While the cylinder is out of the way take a measurement of its width using the help of a book or piece wood that fits into the adjustment screw gap above the lock. 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 until the end of the cylinder.

Check the width of the lock.

If your patio screen door repair door latch isn’t able to turn even after oiling and cleaning it could be because it’s not aligned properly with the strike plate. Make sure that your door is balanced, and that the hinge screws are tight. In most cases, moving the strike plate downwards or upwards could solve the issue.

The latch might not work properly in the event that the strike of the lock is too small. In this case you’ll have to increase the hole with the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to ensure that it is able to engage the strike plate without rubbing against or landing on the frame of the door jamb.

Before purchasing a new lock, you should first identify the type of mortise lock you have. You can do this by looking at the faceplate on the lock and determining whether it is square or round. Then, take a look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the size of each. This will aid you in finding an alternative lock that is the same size and fits perfectly into the hole you have already.

You’ll need to locate the mortise lock, and then examine it for any scratches, bends or other damage that requires to be fixed. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that’s frequently used to break. Replace the lock if you notice signs of damage.

Once you’ve decided on the kind of lock replacement that you require It’s time to begin the actual repair. Remove the handle and spindle from your patio door, and then install the new one. Begin by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it into position using two screws or bolts. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. Once you have completed these steps, test the handles to ensure that they can be shut and open easily and that the latch engages correctly with the strikeplate.

Check the door’s Strike

The strike plate and the door latch are two pieces which work together to lock the door. If they are not aligned properly and the latch isn’t latching the door shut correctly. Fortunately, the issue is usually simple to fix.

First, check the holes in the strike plate’s receiving to ensure that they are free of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Remove the screws that hold the strike plate in position. This will allow it to move vertically but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Then adjust the strike plate until its holes for receiving are aligned with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate has been adjusted, tighten all screws and test whether the door closes smoothly.

These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However they are vital to secure and unlock your door. These metal plates are usually placed on the top and bottom of the door jamb where they serve as the door’s latch. Then, the door latch slides into the strike plate, creating an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not properly installed, it could stop the latch from locking the door securely.

A misalignment of the strike plate and latch is the most common reason for the patio lock not to close or stick. This can be confirmed using the “lipstick” test. Rub some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt, then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave an impression when you shut the door. This will show you exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high 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. It is imperative to fix this problem as soon as you can. Follow these simple steps to fix your patio door lock and restore it’s functionality.