The Most Significant Issue With Patio Door Lock Repair And What You Can Do To Fix It Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio doors undergo wear and tear that can cause locks that fail. However, there are easy and efficient ways to restore your uPVC patio door's security.

If it's resetting the lock or cleaning the mechanism that locks, these quick 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 but they can also pose security risks when your lock isn't functioning as it should. As time passes wear and tear, cold and hot weather, dirt and debris can affect your patio door's lock and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little care, you can ensure your patio door's locks always work properly.

It's important to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This helps to flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that could be preventing the lock from working as it should. Start by wiping the moving parts of your patio door lock using an aqueous cloth. Then apply a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested parts of the door and frame. Then clean the lock with a dry cloth to get rid of any moisture. Let it air dry before you use it.

If you have an exterior door that is fitted with a pin tumbler latch mechanism, you can apply lubrication to the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or applying a lubricant made of Teflon, such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant can be applied easily and does not dissolve over time. If you're unable find the correct lubricant for your lock, you can make use of a pencil with a thicker tip. Insert the pencil in the lock, then shake it around to spread the graphite.

Regular maintenance is also required to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free from dust, dirt and other debris. patio door repair are especially susceptible to ice, snow, and other particles, which can cause them jam or bind. This can make it difficult for your patio door to open and close.

Clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio doors by removing weather stripping that is dirty or damaged. Clean it and replace it. The same is true for rollers on patio doors, which can be cleaned and sprayed with non-stick lubricant to help them move freely.


Lubricate the Moving Parts

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

If sagging hinges aren't a cause, the door may be misaligned and caught or rubbing against the strike plate hole in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate and use an abrasive chisel, which will enlarge the mortise it rests in. This lets the latch sit perfectly in the hole, and also prevents getting caught or rubbing against the frame.

When the cylinder is out of the way, measure its width with a book or piece of wood that can fit into the gap between the adjustment screw and the lock. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the middle 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 isn't able to turn, even after cleaning and lubricating, there's a possibility that it's out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Make sure that your door is balanced, and if the hinge screws are secure. In many instances, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can fix the problem.

Oftentimes, the problem occurs when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this instance, you can widen the opening using the hammer and chisel. Then test the latch so that it does not rub against the jamb frame of the door or get caught the frame.

Before buying a replacement lock, you should first determine the mortise type of lock you currently have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and observing whether it is round or square. Then, take a look at the screw holes in the existing lock and note the size of each one. This information will assist you in finding an alternative lock that is the same size and is a perfect fit for the hole that you already have.

You'll need to locate the mortise lock and inspect it for any scratches, bends or other damage that requires to be fixed. A badly damaged or bent latch is more likely to break than one that's not frequently used, so be sure to replace the lock with a brand new one that is secure when you spot any indications of wear or damage.

Once you've inspected the lock and determined which type of replacement you need then it's time to begin working on the actual repair. The spindle and handle should be removed from the patio door. Introduce the new handle. Begin by installing the interior handle, aligning it with the spindle and then fixing it with the two bolts or screws which hold it. Once the handle in the interior is installed, put in the handle on the outside and screw it in place, too. Once you have completed these steps check the handles to ensure that they are able to open and close easily and that the latch is in contact properly with the strikeplate.

Make sure the door's strike is checked

The strike plate and door latch are two components that work together to lock the door. A misaligned strike plate or door latches can cause the latch to not latch the door in a proper manner. This issue is usually easy to fix.

Examine the holes that receive 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 will allow it to move horizontally, but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Then, you can adjust the strike plate to ensure that its holes for receiving align with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted, tighten all screws and test to see whether the door shuts smoothly.

Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to access for homeowners with sliding patio doors, however they're essential to lock and unlock 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 inserted into the strike plate, and it creates an airtight seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not installed correctly, it can prevent the latch from locking the door securely.

A misalignment of the latch and strike plate is a common reason for the patio lock not to close or stick. This can be confirmed using the "lipstick" test. Apply some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt, then cover it with masking tape. When you close the door the lipstick will leave marks on the tape that will show exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low, you can easily adjust the strike plate.

Sliding patio door locks help protect your home from burglars, and if they're not functioning properly, you need to solve the issue fast. If you follow these steps, you'll be able to fix the lock on your patio door and regain its functionality in no time.