11 Ways To Completely Sabotage Your Patio Door Lock Repair Patio Door Lock Repairs

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

These quick fixes can make your home safer no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the mechanism.

Clean the Lock


Patio doors are great to let the outdoors in while keeping the elements out. However they could pose a security threat when the lock isn't functioning correctly. Over time, wear and tear, cold and hot weather, dirt and debris can affect the lock of your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little care you can make sure that your patio door's locks will always perform effectively.

It's important to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This will help flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that may hinder the lock from functioning in the way it should. Begin by wiping all the moving parts of your patio door's lock with a damp cloth, then use a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any hard-to-reach parts of the door and frame that are covered in dirt. You should then wipe down the entire lock using a dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness and allow it to air dry before making use of it again.

If you have an outdoor door that has a pin tumbler latch mechanism it is possible to lubricate the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or by using a lubricant made of Teflon, such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This kind of lubricant is easy to apply and it won't disintegrate over time. If you're unable to find the right lubricant for your lock, apply a pencil that has a larger tip. Insert the pencil into the lock and move it around to distribute the graphite.

Tracks for sliding patio doors require regular maintenance to keep them free of dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to ice, snow, and other particles, which can cause them jam or bind. This could make it difficult for your patio door to open and shut.

Tracks for sliding patio doors and rollers can be cleaned by removing weather stripping that is damaged or dirty and then cleaning it, before installing it. The same can be done for rollers on patio doors, which can be cleaned and sprayed with non-stick lubricant that will allow them to move freely.

Lubricate the Moving Parts

uPVC french doors, similar to sliding patio doors, operate with 3-4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms which include the handle and lock cylinder operated by the key. These doors also require maintenance, specifically lubrication on the moving parts. This can be done with the use of a thin oil, but never WD40. It should be done every year, at a minimum.

If sagging hinges aren't a cause, the door could be misaligned and caught or striking the strike plate hole in the frame. Remove the strike plate, and use a sharp tool to expand its mortise. This will permit the latch to fit properly into the hole, and also prevent it from rubbing against the frame.

Measure the width of the cylinder with the help of a piece of book or wood that can be inserted into the gap above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the center of the cylinder, while the inner measurement runs from the center of the adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder.

Verify the width of the lock.

If your patio door latch isn't able to turn even after cleaning and lubricating, there's a possibility that it is out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Examine if the door is balanced and whether the hinge screws are secure However, in many cases, moving the strike plate up or down could fix the problem.

Most of the time, the issue 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 to ensure it doesn't rub against the jamb frame of the door or get caught the frame.

Before purchasing a new lock, it is important to determine what kind of mortise lock you currently have. You can do this by taking a look at the faceplate of the lock and noting if it is square or round. Take a look at each screw hole on the existing lock and note their dimensions. This information will allow you to locate a replacement lock that is the exact same width and fits into the hole you have already.

You'll need to locate the mortise lock and examine it for any bends, scratches or other damage that needs to be repaired. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that's been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if you notice evidence of damage.

Once you've inspected the lock and determined which type of replacement you'll need now is the time to start working on the actual repair. The old handle and spindle should be removed from the doorway to the patio. Insert the new handle. Begin by installing the interior handle, aligning it with the spindle and then fixing it by using the two screws or bolts that hold it. Once the interior handle is installed, you can install the exterior handle and screw it into the position as well. After you've completed these steps Test the handles to make sure that they open and shut easily and that the latch engages correctly with the strikeplate.

Check the Door's Strike

The strike plate and door latch are two parts that work together to secure the door. An incorrectly aligned strike plate and door latches can cause the latch to not latch the door in a proper manner. Fortunately, patio doors repairs is usually easy to correct.

Check the receiving holes of the strike plate to ensure 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 it will not be able to separate from the frame. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its holes for receiving with latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted, tighten the screws and then test the door to determine whether it locks smoothly after the new adjustment.

These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However they are vital to secure and unlock your door. The metal plates are typically 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 slides into 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.

The most common reason for a patio door lock to stick or not close is a misalignment between the latch and the strike plate. The most effective way to test for this is by performing the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt, then apply masking tape over it. When you close the door, the lipstick will leave a mark on the tape that will show exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high you can easily alter the strike plate.

If your sliding patio door locks aren't functioning properly they can help keep your home safe from burglars. You must resolve this issue as quickly as you can. By following these simple steps, you'll be able to fix the lock on your patio door and restore its functionality in no time.