What's The Ugly Truth About Patio Door Lock Repair Patio Door Lock Repairs

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

These quick fixes will ensure your home is secure, whether you realign the lock or clean the mechanism.

Clean the Lock

Patio doors are great to let the outdoors in while keeping out the elements. However they could pose risky for security in the event that the lock isn't working correctly. Over time, wear and tear, hot and cold weather, dirt, and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. Fortunately, with a little care you can ensure that your patio door's locks will always work properly.

It's important to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This helps get rid of any grime and coatings that could hinder the lock from functioning as it should. Start by wiping down patio door repairs moving parts of your patio door's lock using a damp cloth. then make use of a scouring pad, or a rough damp cloth to scrub any hard-to-reach areas of the door and frame that are ingrained with dirt. Then clean the lock with a dry cloth to get rid of any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before you use it.

If you have an outdoor door that has a pin tumbler latch mechanism, you can lubricate the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or by using an lubricant based on Teflon like WD-40 Multi-Use. This kind of lubricant is easy to apply and it won't disintegrate over time. If you're unable find the right lubricant for your lock, you can use a pencil with thicker tip. Insert the pencil into the lock and move it around a bit to spread the graphite.

Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free from dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks are particularly vulnerable to snow, ice, and other debris, which can cause them get stuck or to bind. This could make it difficult for your patio door to open and close.

Tracks for sliding patio doors and rollers can be cleaned by removing any damaged or dirty weather stripping and then cleaning it, before replacing it. The same is true for patio door rollers, which can be cleaned and sprayed with non-stick lubricant to help them move freely.

Lubricate the Moving Parts

uPVC French Doors, similar to sliding patios, are operated by using 3 to 4 or occasionally 5 points locking mechanisms. These include the lock cylinder and handle that is operated with the key. These doors also require maintenance, and specifically lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done with a thin oil but not WD40. It should be done at least once a year.

If the hinges aren't causing the issue, it could be that the door is misaligned. It could be rubbing or catching the strike plate's opening in the frame. Remove the strike plate and use a sharp tool to expand its mortise. This allows the latch to fit properly in the hole and avoids getting caught or rubbing against the frame.

Once the cylinder is cleared of the way and out of the way, measure its width using an object or a piece of wood that fits into the gap between the adjustment screw and the lock. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of the door to the center of cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.

Check the lock's length

If your patio door latch is hard to turn, even after oiling and cleaning, it's possible that it is not aligned with the strike plate. Verify that the door is properly balanced and whether the hinge screws are tight However, in many cases it is possible to move the strike plate up or down could fix the problem.

The latch may not engage properly in the event that the strike of the lock is too small. In this case, you'll need to enlarge the hole with 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 getting caught on the door's frame jamb.

Before you purchase a replacement lock, first determine the mortise type of lock you currently have. This can be done by looking at the end faceplate and determining if it is square or round. Then, look at the screw holes on the existing lock and note the dimensions of each one. This information will allow you to find an alternative lock that is the exact same width and fits into your existing hole.


You'll want to identify the mortise lock and inspect it for bends, scratches or other damage that needs to be repaired. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that's frequently used to break. Replace the lock if it displays evidence of damage.

Once you've inspected the lock and decided on the kind of replacement you require then it's time to begin working on the actual repair. patio doors repairs near me and handle must be removed from the patio door. Insert the new handle. Start by putting in the interior handle by aligning it with the spindle and then securing it with the two bolts or screws which hold it. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. After you've completed the steps, you can test the new handles to make sure they can be opened and closed easily and that the latch locks correctly when you strike the plate.

Check the door's Strike

The door latch and strike plate are the two parts of the lock that work together to ensure the latch secures the door. Misaligned strike plate and door latches can result in the latch not being able to latch the door correctly. This problem is usually very simple to fix.

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

Door strike plates can be difficult to locate for homeowners with sliding patio doors, however they're essential for locking and unlocking 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 slides onto the strike plate and forms a seal. If the strike plate is damaged or rusted or not properly installed the latch may not properly lock the door.

One of the most common reasons for the patio door lock to not close or not close is a misalignment between the latch and strike plate. The easiest method to check for this is by performing the "lipstick test." Apply some lipstick on the edge of the deadbolt and attach masking tape over it. The lipstick will leave the mark when you shut the door. This will show you exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low, you can easily adjust the strike plate.

If your sliding patio door locks aren't working correctly they could be a problem in keeping your home safe from burglars. You need to resolve this issue as quickly as you can. Follow these simple steps to fix your patio door lock and restore it's function.