10 Things You Learned In Kindergarden That'll Help You With Patio Door Lock Repair

Patio Door Lock Repairs Over time, patio doors experience wear and tear that can cause lock malfunctions. However, there are simple and effective methods that can restore your uPVC patio door's security. These quick 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 a great way to let the outside in and keep the elements out, they can also be 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 take their toll on the lock of your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little care you can ensure that your lock for your patio door always works correctly. It is essential to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This helps to remove any dirt and coatings that may hinder the lock from working in the way it should. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a damp cloth, then use a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub the hard-to-reach parts of the door and frame that are coated with dirt. You should then wipe down the entire lock with dry cloths to eliminate any remaining dampness, and allow it to dry completely before using it again. If your patio door has a pin-tumbler latch You can lubricate it by applying powdered Graphite on the key. You can also use a Teflon lubricant like WD-40 Multi Use Product. This type of lubricant can be easy to apply, and doesn't break down with time. If you're unable find the right lubricant to use with your lock, apply a pencil that has a larger tip. Put the pencil into the lock and move it around to spread the graphite. Regular maintenance is also essential to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear from dirt, dust and debris. These tracks are especially vulnerable to snow and ice, which can cause them become stuck or slack and make it difficult for your patio doors to open and close. You can clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio doors by removing weather stripping that is damaged or dirty. Clean it, then replace it. Patio door rollers can also be cleaned and sprayed down with a nonstick lubricant. Lubricate the moving parts uPVC french doors, similar to sliding patio doors, work with 3-4 or occasionally 5-point locking mechanisms which include the lock cylinder and handle operated by the key. They require maintenance and lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done with a thin oil but not WD40. This should be done at least once a year. If sagging hinges aren't a cause, the door may be misaligned and caught or hitting the strike plate hole within the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate and then use an abrasive chisel, which will enlarge the mortise that it rests in. This allows the latch to fit properly in the hole and prevents scratching or catching on the frame. Find the length of the cylinder using the help of a piece of book or wood that is able to fit into the space 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 extends from the center of the adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder. Check the Lock's Width If your patio door latch is difficult to turn even after cleaning and lubricating, there's a possibility that it's not in 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, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards will solve the issue. The latch may not engage properly in the event that the strike of the lock is too small. In this case you'll have to increase the opening using either a hammer or chisel, and then test the latch to make sure that it connects to the strike plate smoothly without rubbing against or landing on the frame of the door jamb. It is important to identify the type of mortise lock you have before purchasing the replacement. patio door repairs near me can be done by looking at the faceplate of the lock and noting if it is square or round. Then, look at the screw holes on the existing lock and note the size of each. This will aid you in finding an alternative lock that is the same width and is a perfect fit for the hole that you already have. You'll need to identify the mortise lock, and then examine it for scratches, bends or other damage that needs to be fixed. A bent or damaged latch is more likely break than one that hasn't been frequently used, so be sure to replace the lock with a brand new one that is secure if you find any signs of wear or damage. Once you've checked the lock and decided on the type of replacement you need then it's time to begin working on the actual repair. Take the old handle and spindle from the patio door, and then install the new one. Begin by installing the handle in the interior by aligning it with the spindle, and then fixing it with the two bolts or screws which hold it. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. After you've completed these steps, you can test the new handles to ensure they can be opened and closed easily and that the latch is catching properly with the strike plate. Make sure you check the Strike of the door. The door latch and strike plate are two parts of the lock that work to ensure that the latch locks the door. If these are misaligned and the latch isn't latching the door properly. This problem is usually very easy to fix. First, inspect the strike plate's holes for receiving to ensure that they are free of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the keeper screws that hold the strike plate in place, allowing it to move vertically, but not detaching it from the frame of your door. 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 has been adjusted then tighten the screws and test the door to determine whether it locks smoothly after the new adjustment. Door strike plates can be difficult to access for homeowners who have sliding patio doors, but they are essential to lock and unlock your door. The metal plates are situated between the top and bottom jambs of your door, where they serve as the support for the latch. The door latch is placed on the strike plate, creating a seal when closed. If the strike plate has been damaged or rusted, or if it is not installed correctly the latch may not properly lock the door. One of the most common reasons for the patio door lock to stick or not close is a misalignment between the latch and strike plate. The easiest method to check for this is with the “lipstick test.” Rub some lipstick on the edge of the deadbolt and put masking tape on it. When you shut the door, the lipstick will leave marks on the tape, showing exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high you can easily adjust the strike plate. The sliding patio door locks protect your home from burglars, and if they're not functioning correctly, you should solve the issue fast. If you follow these steps, you'll be able to fix your patio door's lock and restore its functionality within a short time.