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Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio door wear and tear could cause lock malfunctions. There are a few basic steps you can take to restore the security of your uPVC door.

Whether it's realigning the lock or cleaning the mechanism for locking These simple fixes can make your home more secure.

Clean the Lock

Although patio doors are a great way to let in the outside and keep the elements out however, they can also pose security risks if your lock isn't working as it should. With patio door repairs near me Repair My Windows And Doors , wear and tear, cold and hot weather dirt and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little effort, you can make sure that your patio door's lock is always working correctly.


It's important to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This will help flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that may be preventing the lock from functioning as it should. Start by wiping the moving parts on your patio door lock with a wet cloth. Then you can use a scouring paper or a rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested parts of the frame and door. Then, wipe the lock down using a dry towel to get rid of any moisture. Allow it to air-dry before using it.

If you have an exterior door that is fitted with pin tumbler latch mechanisms You can apply lubrication to the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or using a lubricant made of Teflon, such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant is able to be applied with ease and does not dissolve over time. If you are unable to find the correct lubricant for your lock, make use of a pencil with a larger tip. Place the pencil in the lock and jiggle it around a bit to distribute the graphite.

Regular maintenance is also required to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free from dirt, dust and debris. They are particularly vulnerable to snow and ice, which could cause them to jam or bind and make 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, cleaning them, then reinstalling it. The same can be done for rollers on patio doors, which can be cleaned and sprayed with non-stick lubricant in order to allow them to move freely.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC French doors, like sliding patios, operate with 3 to 4 or sometimes 5 points locking mechanisms. This includes the handle and lock cylinder that is operated by the key. They also require maintenance, and specifically lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done using a thin oil (never WD40) and should be done every year.

If the hinges aren't causing 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. Remove the strike plate and use a sharp tool to increase the size of its mortise. This lets the latch sit correctly in the hole, and also prevents rubbing or catching on the frame.

While the cylinder is out 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 center of the cylinder. the inner measurement runs from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.

Check the Lock's Width

If your patio door latch is difficult to turn even after cleaning and oiling it could be because it is not aligned with the strike plate. Check if your door is in a balanced position, and that the hinge screws are in good condition. In many cases, however, simply moving the strike plate upwards or downwards will fix the problem.

The latch may not engage properly if the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this instance you'll need to expand the opening using the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to make sure that it connects to the strike plate smoothly without rubbing against or catching on the frame of the door jamb.

Before buying a replacement lock, it is important to identify the type of mortise lock you currently have. This can be done by taking a look at the faceplate of the lock and determining whether 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 exactly the same width and will fit into your existing hole.

You'll need to locate the mortise lock, and then examine it for any bends, scratches or other damage that need to be fixed. A bent or damaged latch is more likely break than one that's not used much, so be sure to replace the lock with a brand new secure and safe version if you find any signs of wear or damage.

After you've determined the type of lock replacement that you require, it's now time to begin the actual repair. The old spindle and handle should be removed from the patio door. 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 that secure it. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. Once you've completed these steps then you can test the new handles to ensure they are able to open and close with ease and that the latch catches correctly when you strike the plate.

Make sure the door's strike is checked

The strike plate and door latch are two parts that work together to secure the door. If these are misaligned, the latch won't latch the door shut correctly. This problem is usually very easy to repair.

First, examine the strike plate's holes for receiving to make sure they are free of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the keeper screws that secure the strike plate in place and allow it to move vertically but not removing it from the door frame. Then, adjust the strike plate to ensure that its holes for receiving align with the latch hooks on the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted then tighten all screws, and test if the door closes smoothly.

These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However they are vital to lock and unlock your door. The metal plates are typically located on the top and bottom of the door jamb where they support the door's latch. Then, the door latch is placed on the strike plate to form a seal when closed. 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 strike plate and latch is one common cause for the patio lock to not close or stick. The most effective way to test for this is to perform the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick on the edge of the deadbolt, and then apply masking tape over it. The lipstick will leave a mark when you shut the door. This will reveal exactly where the latch joins the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low it is possible to adjust the strike plate.

If your sliding patio door locks aren't functioning properly, they can keep your home secure from intruders. It is imperative to repair the issue as soon as you can. Follow these easy steps to repair your patio door lock and restore it's functionality.

Member since: Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Website: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/weymouth-patio-door-repairs-near-me/

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