10 Things That Your Family Teach You 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 basic steps you can follow to restore the security of your uPVC door.

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

Clean patio door repairs near me

While patio doors are a great option to let the outside in and keep the elements out but they can also pose a security risk when your lock isn't functioning as it should. As time passes, wear and tear, cold and hot weather dirt and debris could affect the lock of your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. With some minor maintenance you can make sure that your patio door's locks will always work correctly.

In the beginning, it's important to clean the lock on your patio door and all the moving parts. This will help to remove any grime or coatings that could be preventing your lock from functioning properly. Start by wiping the moving parts of your patio door lock using an aqueous cloth. Then apply a scouring pad or a damp, rough cloth to scrub the dirt-infested parts of the door and frame. Then clean the lock using a dry towel to get rid of any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before you use it.

If your patio door has pin-tumbler locks, 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 is able to be applied easily and will not disintegrate over time. If you're not able to find an appropriate lubricant, you might use a pencil with 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 free from dirt, dust and debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow, ice, and other debris that could cause them to block or become stuck. This can make it difficult for your patio door to open and close.

You can clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio doors by removing any weather stripping that is damaged or dirty. Clean it and replace it. The rollers for patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed down with an oil that is nonstick.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC French Doors, like sliding patios, operate using 3 to 4, or sometimes 5 point locking mechanisms. They include the handle and lock cylinder which is operated by a key. These doors also require maintenance, specifically lubrication on the moving parts. This can be accomplished with the use of a thin oil however, never WD40. It should be done at least once a year.

If sagging hinges don't cause the problem it could be because the door is misaligned. It could be rubbing or catching against the hole of the strike plate in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate and use an abrasive chisel, which will enlarge the mortise that it rests in. This will permit the latch to fit into the hole, and stop it from rubbing against the frame.

Measure the width of the cylinder with the help of a piece of wood or a book that can be inserted into the gap above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of 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 Width

If your patio door latch is difficult to turn, even after cleaning and lubricating, it's possible that it's out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Examine if the door is balanced and whether the hinge screws are secure, but in many cases shifting the strike plate up or down could fix the problem.

Most of the time, the issue occurs when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to engage. In this situation, you'll need to enlarge the hole with a chisel or hammer and then test the latch to make sure that it connects to the strike plate smoothly without rubbing against or getting caught on the door's frame jamb.


You should identify the type mortise lock you currently have before purchasing a replacement. You can do this by looking at the faceplate on the lock and determining if it is round or square. Then, look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the size of each. This will help you to locate a replacement lock that is exactly the same width and will fit in the hole you have already.

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

Once you've inspected the lock and determined which type of replacement you need now is the time to start working on the actual repair. Remove the handle and spindle from the patio door, and then insert the new one. Begin by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it in by using two bolts or screws. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. After you've completed these steps check the handles to make sure they are able to open and close easily and that the latch engages properly with the strikeplate.

Check the Strike on the door.

The strike plate and the door latch are two parts that work together in order to lock the door. If these are misaligned and the latch isn't latching the door shut properly. Fortunately, this issue is usually simple to fix.

First, inspect the strike plate's holes for receiving to make sure they are free of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Release the screws that hold the strike plate in place. This allows it to move horizontally, but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Then, 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 see whether it shuts easily with the new adjustment.

Door strike plates can be difficult to access for homeowners who have sliding patio doors, but they're crucial for locking and unlocking your door. These metal plates are usually located at the top and bottom of the door jamb which is where they are used to support the door's latch. The door latch is placed on the strike plate to create a seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not installed correctly, it may stop the latch from locking the door securely.

A misalignment of the latch and strike plate is the most common reason for a patio lock to not close or remain in place. This can be checked with the "lipstick" test. Apply some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt. Then cover it with masking tape. When you shut the door the lipstick will leave a mark on the tape, indicating exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low it is possible to alter the strike plate.

If your patio door locks for sliding aren't working correctly they can help keep your home safe from burglars. It is imperative to fix this problem as soon as you can. By following these simple steps, you'll be able to fix your patio door's lock and regain its functionality in a matter of minutes.