Are You Responsible For The Patio Door Lock Repair Budget? 10 Terrible Ways To Spend Your Money
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors experience wear and tear that can lead to locks that fail. There are a few basic steps you can take to restore the security of your uPVC door.
These simple fixes can make your home safer regardless of whether you re-align the lock or clean the mechanism.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are fantastic to let the outdoors in while keeping the elements out. However, they can be an issue for security if the lock doesn't work properly. Over time wear and tear extreme cold and hot weather dirt and debris could affect your patio door's lock and make it difficult to open. Fortunately, with patio doors repairs near me can ensure that the locks on your patio door always perform properly.
To begin with, it's essential to clean the lock of your patio door and all of its moving parts. This will help get rid of any grime and coatings that could be preventing the lock from functioning as it should. Start by wiping down all the moving parts of your patio door's lock with a damp, clean cloth. then make use of a scouring pad, or a rough damp cloth to scrub the hard-to-reach areas of the door and frame that are ingrained with dirt. Then, wipe the entire lock with dry cloths to eliminate any remaining dampness and allow it to dry completely before applying it to the next time.
If you have an outdoor door that has pin tumbler latch mechanisms, you can apply lubrication to the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or by using a lubricant made of Teflon, like WD-40 Multi-Use. This type of lubricant is easy to apply, and it doesn't dissolve as time passes. If you're not able to locate a suitable lubricant You could try using a pencil that has an extremely thick tip. Place the pencil in the lock and jiggle it around to distribute the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also required to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free of dust, dirt and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to snow, ice, and other debris, which could cause them to jam or bind. This can make it difficult for your patio door to open and shut.
Clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio doors by removing any weather stripping that is damaged or dirty. Clean it, then replace 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 patios, operate by using 3 to 4 or sometimes 5 point locking mechanisms. These include the handle and lock cylinder which is operated by keys. These doors require maintenance, lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done with an oil that is thin (never WD40) and is recommended to be done at least once per year.
If hinges that are sagging don't cause the problem, it could be that the door isn't aligned. It may be rubbing against or catching the strike plate's opening in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate and then use a sharp chisel to enlarge the mortise it rests in. This will allow the latch to fit properly into the hole, and stop it from rubbing against the frame.
Find the diameter of the cylinder using an object 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 the door to the center of cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw until the end cylinder.
Verify the width of the lock.
If your patio door latch isn't able to turn even after cleaning and oiling it's possible that it's not aligned with the strike plate. Check to see if the door is in balance and whether the hinge screws are secure, but in many cases it is possible to move the strike plate upwards or downwards can fix the issue.
The latch might not work properly if the strike of the lock is too small. In this case you'll have to increase the opening using either a hammer or chisel, and then test the latch to make sure that it connects to the strike plate smoothly without rubbing against or getting caught on the frame of the door jamb.
It is important to identify the type of mortise lock you currently have before purchasing the replacement. This can be done by looking at the end faceplate and noting whether it is round or square. Take a look at each screw hole in the existing lock and note their dimensions. This will enable you to find an alternative lock that is exactly the same width and fits into your existing hole.
In addition to identifying the mortise lock that is currently in use, you'll also want to inspect it for any bends or scratches that might require repair. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that has been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if it shows signs of damage.
Once you've checked the lock and determined which kind of replacement you require, it's 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. Start by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it into by using two screws or bolts. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. After you've completed the steps, you can test the new handles to ensure that they can be opened and closed easily and that the latch is catching correctly when you strike the plate.
Make sure the door's strike is checked
The strike plate and door latch are two pieces which work together to lock the door. An incorrectly aligned strike plate and door latch will result in the latch not being able to latch the door in a proper manner. Fortunately, this problem is often easy to fix.
First, inspect the strike plate's receiving holes to ensure that they are clear of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Loosen patio door repairs near me holding the strike plate. 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 receiving holes with the latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted tighten the screws, and then test the door to determine if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However, they are essential to secure and unlock your door. These metal plates are located at the top and bottom jambs of the door where they serve as the support for the latch. The door latch slides onto this strike plate and creates the seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not installed correctly, it may prevent the latch from locking the door securely.
A misalignment of the latch and strike plate is a common reason for the patio lock to not close or stick. The most effective way to test for this is with the "lipstick test." Apply some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt and apply masking tape over it. When you shut the door, the lipstick will leave a mark on the tape, showing you exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low, you can alter the strike plate.
Sliding patio door locks help keep your home safe from burglars. If they're not working correctly, you must solve the issue fast. Follow these steps to repair your patio door lock and restore it's function.