patio screen door repair Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio doors go through wear and tear which can lead to locks that fail. There are a few basic steps you can follow to restore the security of your uPVC door.

If it's resetting the lock or cleaning the locking mechanism These simple fixes can make your home more secure.

Clean the Lock

Patio doors are great for letting the outdoors inside and keeping out the elements. However they could pose a security threat if the lock doesn't work correctly. As time passes, wear and tear, extreme cold and hot weather dirt and debris can take their toll on the lock on your patio door and make it difficult to open. Fortunately, with a little care, you can ensure your patio door's locks will always function effectively.

In the beginning, it's crucial to clean the lock of your patio door and all of its moving parts. This will help get rid of any coatings or dirt that may be preventing the lock from working effectively. Begin by wiping down the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a damp cloth, then employ a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any difficult-to-access areas of the door and frame that are covered in dirt. You should then wipe down the entire lock using 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 a pin tumbler latch mechanism You can grease the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or by using a Teflon-based lubricant such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This kind of lubricant is easy to apply and doesn't break down as time passes. If you're unable to find the correct lubricant for your lock, you can make use of a pencil with a larger tip. Insert the pencil in the lock, and shake it to distribute the graphite.

Regular maintenance is also required to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear from dirt, dust and other debris. These tracks can be especially susceptible to ice and snow, which can cause them to become stuck or slack which makes it difficult for your aluminium patio door repairs doors to open and close.

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

Lubricate the Moving Parts

uPVC French doors, like sliding patios, are operated using 3 to 4, or sometimes, 5 points locking mechanisms. They include the handle and lock cylinder that is operated by the key. These doors require maintenance, oiling of the moving parts. This can be done using an oil that is thin (never WD40) and is recommended to be done at least once per year.

If sagging hinges don't cause the problem, it could be that the door isn't aligned. It could be rubbing or catching against the strike plate's opening in the frame. Take off the strike plate and use a sharp tool to increase the size of its mortise. This allows the latch to sit correctly in the hole and avoids rubbing or catching on the frame.

Find the width of the cylinder with an object of book or wood that is able to fit into the space above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the center of the cylinder, and the inner dimension 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 oiling, it's possible that it's not aligned properly with the strike plate. Verify that the door is in balance and if the hinge screws are secure However, in many cases, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can correct the issue.

The most common issue is when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to engage. In this instance you'll need to expand the opening using either a hammer or chisel, and then test the latch to ensure that it is able to engage the strike plate without rubbing against or landing on the door's frame jamb.

It is important to identify the type of mortise lock that you are using before you purchase a replacement. This can be done by looking at the end faceplate and noting whether it is round or square. Look at each screw hole in the existing lock and note their dimensions. This information will assist you in finding an alternative lock that is of the same size and is a perfect fit for your existing hole.

You'll need to identify the mortise lock, and then examine it for bends, scratches or other damage that requires to be fixed. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that has been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if it displays evidence of damage.

Once you've inspected the lock and decided on the type of replacement you'll need, it's time to start working on the actual repair. The old spindle and handle must be removed from the patio door. Introduce the new handle. Start by putting in the handle inside by aligning it with the spindle and then securing it in place with the two bolts or screws that hold it. Once the handle's interior is installed, put in the handle that is outside and screw it into place, too. Once you have completed these steps, test the handles to make sure that they can be shut and open easily and that the latch engages correctly with the strikeplate.

Check the door's Strike

The door latch and strike plate are the two parts of the lock that work to ensure that the latch locks the door. If these parts aren't aligned correctly and the latch isn't latching the door properly. This issue is usually easy to solve.

Check the receiving holes of the strike plate to make sure they are clear of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the keeper screws that hold the strike plate in place, allowing it to move vertically but not removing it from the frame of the door. Then, adjust the strike plate to ensure that its receiving holes align with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted then tighten all screws, and test if the door closes smoothly.

Door strike plates can be difficult to access for homeowners with sliding patio doors, but they are essential 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 is inserted into the strike plate and forms a seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not installed correctly, it can stop the latch from locking the door securely.

The most common reason for an outdoor door lock to become stuck or not close is a misalignment between the latch and strike plate. This can be confirmed using the "lipstick" test. Apply some lipstick across the edge of the deadbolt, then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave an impression when you shut the door. This will show you exactly where the latch joins the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low, you can alter the strike plate.

Sliding patio door locks help protect your home from burglars, and if they're not working correctly, you must fix the problem quickly. Follow these easy steps to fix your patio door lock and restore it's functionality.