20 Questions You Should Have To Ask About Patio Door Lock Repair Before You Purchase Patio Door Lock Repair Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio doors undergo wear and tear that could result in locks that fail. There are a few simple steps you can follow to ensure the security of your uPVC door.

These simple fixes will ensure your home is secure regardless of whether you re-align the lock or clean the locking mechanism.

Clean the Lock

Patio doors are great for bringing the outdoors in and keeping out the elements. However they can pose a security threat if the lock doesn't work properly. Over time, wear and tear, hot and cold weather dirt and debris can affect the lock on your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little effort, you can make sure that your patio door's lock always functions properly.

It's important to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This helps remove any dirt and coatings that could hinder the lock from functioning in the way it should. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts on your patio door lock with an aqueous cloth. Then, use a scouring cloth or rough damp cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the frame and door. Then, wipe the lock down with a dry cloth to get rid of any moisture. Let it air dry before using it.

If you have an outdoor door that has a pin tumbler latch mechanism it is possible to lubricate the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or using a lubricant made of Teflon, like WD-40 Multi-Use. This type of lubricant can be applied quickly and doesn't dissolve over time. If you are unable to find the right lubricant to use with your lock, you can use a pencil with thicker tip. Insert the pencil in the lock, then shake it around to distribute the graphite.

Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free of dust, dirt and debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow and ice, which could cause them to become stuck or slack which makes it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.

Sliding patio door track rails and rollers can be cleaned by removing any dirty or damaged weather stripping, cleaning them, then reinstalling it. The same applies for rollers on patio doors, which can be wiped down and then sprayed with a non-stick lubricant that will allow them to move freely.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC French Doors, similar to sliding patios, are operated using 3 to 4, or occasionally 5 points locking mechanisms. They include the handle and lock cylinder which is operated by a key. They require maintenance and oiling of the moving parts. This can be done using an oil that is thin, but never WD40. It is recommended to do it at least once per year.

If sagging hinges don't cause the problem it could be because the door isn't aligned. It may be rubbing or catching against the hole of the strike plate in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate, and then use an abrasive chisel to increase the size of the mortise that it rests in. This will allow the latch to fit properly into the hole, and stop it from rubbing against the frame.

Take a measurement of the diameter of the cylinder using a piece of book or wood that is able to fit into the space above the adjustment screw. 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 cylinder.

Check the width of the lock.

If your patio door latch is difficult to turn even after cleaning and oiling it could be because it's not aligned properly with the strike plate. Check to see if the door is properly balanced and if the hinge screws are secure, but in many cases, moving the strike plate up or down could fix the problem.

Oftentimes, the problem occurs when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this case you'll need to expand the opening using either a hammer or chisel, and then test the latch to make sure that it is able to engage the strike plate smoothly without rubbing against or catching on the frame of the door jamb.

Before buying Repair My Windows And Doors , you should first identify the type of mortise lock you have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and noting whether it is round or square. Then, look at the screw holes in the existing lock and note the size of each. This will aid you in finding a replacement that is of the same size and fits perfectly into your existing hole.

You'll need to locate the mortise lock and inspect it for any scratches, bends or other damage that requires to be repaired. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that has 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 type of replacement you'll need then it's time to begin working on 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 in by using two screws or bolts. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. Once you've completed these steps then you can test the new handles to ensure that they are able to open and close with ease and that the latch is catching correctly when you strike the plate.

Check the Door's Strike

The door latch and strike plate are the 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 properly. Fortunately, this problem is usually easy to correct.

Check the receiving holes of the strike plate to make sure they are free of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Release the screws that hold the strike plate in position. This allows it to move vertically but not separate it from the frame. Then, you can adjust the strike plate so that 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 to see if the door closes smoothly.

These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However they are vital to lock 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. The door latch is able to slide into the strike plate to form 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 between the latch and strike plate is one common cause for the patio lock to not close or remain in place. This can be checked with the "lipstick" test. Apply some lipstick across the edge of the deadbolt. Then cover it with masking tape. When you shut the door the lipstick will leave an impression on the tape, indicating you exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high it is possible to adjust the strike plate.

The sliding patio door locks protect your home from burglars. If they're not working correctly, you should solve the issue fast. By following these easy steps, you can fix your patio door's lock and restore its functionality within a short time.