This Week's Most Remarkable Stories Concerning Patio Door Lock Repair
Patio Door Lock Repairs Over time, patio door wear and tear can cause lock malfunctions. There are a few simple steps you can take to ensure the security of your uPVC door. These simple fixes will make your home safer, whether you realign the lock or clean the locking mechanism. Clean the Lock Patio doors are great for letting the outdoors in and keeping the elements out. However they can pose an issue for security when the lock isn't functioning correctly. With time, wear and tear, cold and hot weather dirt, and other debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little attention you can ensure that your patio door's lock is always working correctly. In the beginning, it's essential to clean your patio door's lock and all the moving parts. This will help get rid of any grime and coatings that could be preventing the lock from working as it should. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a damp, clean cloth. then use a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any difficult-to-access areas of the door and frame that are coated with dirt. Then clean the lock with a dry towel to remove any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before using it. If your patio door uses pin-tumbler latches You can lubricate it by applying powdered graphite to the key. You can also apply a Teflon lubricant like WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant can be easy to apply and doesn't break down over time. If you are unable to locate a suitable lubricant, you might try using a pencil with an extremely sharp tip. Insert the pencil into the lock and move it around to distribute the graphite. patio door lock repair RepairMyWindowsAndDoors is also required to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free from dust, dirt and debris. They are particularly susceptible to snow and ice which can cause them be stuck or jammed which makes it difficult for your patio doors to open and close. The sliding rails of the patio door track and rollers can be cleaned by removing dirty or damaged weather stripping and cleaning them before reinstalling it. The rollers of patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed down with an oil that is non-stick. Lubricate the Moving Parts uPVC french doors, similar to sliding patio doors, work with 3-4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms that include the handle and lock cylinder operated by the key. These doors require maintenance, the lubrication of moving parts. This can be accomplished with the use of a thin oil however, never WD40. It should be done every year, at a minimum. If sagging hinges don't cause the issue, it could be that the door isn't aligned. It could be rubbing against or catching the strike plate's opening in the frame. Remove the strike plate and use a sharp tool to increase the size of the mortise. This will allow the latch to fit properly into the hole and stop it from scratching against the frame. Once the cylinder is cleared of the way, measure its width with an object or a piece of wood that can fit into the gap of adjustment screw above the lock. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of the door to the center cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw until 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 in balance and whether the hinge screws are secure However, in many cases shifting the strike plate up or down can fix the issue. 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 hole with the hammer and chisel. Then, test the latch so that it doesn't touch the door jamb frame or catch the frame. Before you purchase a replacement lock, first determine the mortise type of lock you currently have. You can do this by looking at the faceplate on the lock and noting if it is square or round. Take a look at each screw hole on the current lock, and note their size. This will enable you to find a replacement lock that is the exact same width and fits into the hole that you already have. In addition to identifying the mortise lock that is currently in use, you'll also need to check it for any scratches or bends that may need repairing. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that's frequently used to break. Replace the lock if it shows signs of damage. After you've examined the lock and identified which type of replacement you need, it's time to start working on the actual repair. Take the old handle and spindle out of your patio door, and then install the new one. Begin by installing the handle inside and aligning it with the spindle and then fixing it with the two screws or bolts which hold it. Once the handle in the interior is installed, you can install the exterior handle and screw it in place, too. After you've completed the steps then you can test the new handles to ensure they are able to open and close with ease and that the latch catches correctly with the strike 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 will result in the latch not being able to latch the door properly. This problem is usually very easy to solve. Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to ensure they are free of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Release the screws that hold the strike plate. This allows it to move horizontally, but not separate it from the frame. Adjust the strike plate to align its holes for receiving with latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted then tighten the screws and 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 crucial to lock and unlock your door. The plates made of metal are located on the top and bottom jambs of the door, where they serve as the support for the latch. The door latch slides into the strike plate to form an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not properly installed, it could prevent the latch from locking the door securely. A misalignment of the strike plate and latch is a common reason for the patio lock to not close or stick. The easiest way to check for this is to perform the “lipstick test.” Rub some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt, and then put masking tape on it. When you shut 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 alter the strike plate. Sliding patio door locks help keep your home safe from burglars, and if they're not working properly, you need to solve the issue fast. Follow these simple steps to fix your patio door lock and restore its functionality.