Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio doors experience wear and tear that can lead to lock malfunctions. There are a few basic steps you can take to ensure the security of your uPVC door.

These simple fixes can make your home safer regardless of whether you re-align the lock or clean the locking mechanism.

Clean the Lock

Although patio doors are an excellent way to let in the outside and keep out the elements but they can also pose security risks if your lock isn't working as it should. As time passes wear and tear hot and cold weather, dirt and debris can take their toll on the lock on your patio door and make it difficult to open. With a little care, you can make sure that your lock for your patio door always works properly.

It's essential to clean the lock on your patio door and all its moving parts. This helps remove any dirt and coatings that may hinder the lock from working in the way it should. Start by wiping down the moving parts of your patio door's lock using a damp cloth. then employ a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any difficult-to-access areas of the door or frame that are covered in dirt. Then, wipe the lock down with a dry towel to remove any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before using it.

If your patio door is equipped with a pin-tumbler latch You can lubricate it by applying powdered graphite to the key. You can also apply a Teflon lubricant such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant can be easy to apply and it doesn't dissolve as time passes. If you are unable to find a suitable lubricant, you can try using a pencil that has an extremely thick tip. Insert the pencil in the lock, then shake it to distribute the graphite.

Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear from dust, dirt and debris. They are particularly susceptible to ice, snow, and other debris that can cause them block or become stuck. This can make it difficult for your patio door to open and shut.

Clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio doors by removing any weather stripping that is dirty or damaged. Clean it and replace it. Patio door rollers can also be cleaned and sprayed with an oil that is nonstick.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC french doors, similar to sliding patio doors, operate with 3-4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms that include the handle and lock cylinder operated by the key. They require maintenance and the lubrication of moving parts. This can be done using a thin oil however, never WD40. It is recommended to do it at least once a year.

If the hinges aren't causing the problem it could be because the door isn't aligned. It could be rubbing against or catching the hole of the strike plate in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate, and then use an abrasive chisel to increase the size of the mortise it sits in. This will allow the latch to fit into the hole and also prevent it from scratching against the frame.

While the cylinder is out of the way take a measurement of its width using an object or a piece of wood that will fit in the adjustment screw gap above the lock. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of door to the center cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw to the end of the of the cylinder.

Check the lock's width

If your patio door latch isn't able to turn even after oiling and cleaning it could be because it's not aligned with the strike plate. Make sure that your door is properly balanced and if the hinge screws are secure. In a lot of instances, moving the strike plate downwards or upwards could fix the problem.

The latch may not engage properly if the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this case, you'll need to enlarge the opening using the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to ensure that it is able to engage the strike plate in a smooth manner without rubbing against or landing on the frame of the door jamb.

Before you purchase a replacement lock, it is important to determine the mortise type of lock you have. This can be done by looking at the end faceplate and noting whether it is square or round. Take a look at each screw hole in the existing lock and note the size. This will aid you in finding a replacement that is of the same size and will fit perfectly into the hole you have already.

In addition to identifying the current mortise lock, you'll also want to inspect it for any bends or scratches that might require repair. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that's been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if you notice evidence of damage.

Once you've checked the lock and decided on the kind of replacement you require, it's time to start working on the actual repair. Remove the handle and spindle from your patio door, and then put in the new one. Start by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it in by using two screws or bolts. Once the handle in the interior is installed, you can install the handle on the outside and screw it into place, too. After you've 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.

Make sure the door's strike is checked

The door latch and strike plate are two components of the lock that work to ensure that the latch is secure the door. If they are not aligned properly and the latch isn't latching the door shut properly. Fortunately, this issue is usually easy to correct.

First, check the strike plate's holes for receiving to ensure that they are clear of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Loosen the keeper screws holding the strike plate in place. This will allow it to move vertically but not separate it from the frame. Then, you can adjust the strike plate so that its holes for receiving align with the latch hooks on the door latch. After the strike plate is adjusted then tighten all screws, and test whether the door shuts smoothly.

These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However they are crucial for locking and unlocking your door. These plates are usually placed on the top and bottom of the door jamb which is where they are used to support the door's latch. The door latch slides onto the strike plate, and it creates the seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or is not properly installed, the latch may not properly lock the door.

One common reason for the patio door lock to not close or not close is a misalignment of the latch and strike plate. The most effective way to test for this is by performing the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt, then put masking tape on it. The lipstick will leave an impression when you close the door. This will show you exactly where the latch joins the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high, you can alter the strike plate.

The sliding patio door locks keep your home safe from intruders, and if they're not working properly, you need to fix the problem quickly. If you follow these steps, you can repair patio door lock the lock on your patio door and restore its functionality in no time.