Patio Door Lock Repairs Over time, patio door wear and tear can lead to lock malfunctions. There are a few easy steps you can take to ensure the security of your uPVC door. These simple fixes will ensure your home is secure no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the locking mechanism. Clean the Lock Patio doors are great to let the outdoors inside and keeping out the elements. However, they can be risky for security if the lock doesn't work correctly. With time, wear and tear, hot and cold weather, dirt, and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. Fortunately, with some minor maintenance, you can ensure your patio door's locks always function effectively. It is important to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This will help get rid of any grime and coatings that may hinder the lock from working in the way it should. Start by wiping all the moving parts on your patio door lock using a wet cloth. Then you can use a scouring paper or rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested parts of the door frame and frame. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock with dry cloths to eliminate any remaining dampness and allow it to air dry before making use of it again. If your patio door is equipped with a pin-tumbler latch, you can lubricate it by applying powdered Graphite to the key. You can also apply a Teflon lubricant such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant is able to be applied quickly and does not dissolve over time. If you're unable to find the right lubricant to use with your lock, you can make use of a pencil with a more of a thicker tip. Put the pencil in the lock, and shake it around to distribute the graphite. Regular maintenance is also required to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear of dust, dirt and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to ice and snow, which can cause them become stuck or slack, making it harder for your patio doors to open and close. The sliding rails of the patio door track and rollers can be cleaned by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping and cleaning them before replacing it. Patio door rollers can also be cleaned and sprayed down with a nonstick lubricant. Lubricate the moving parts uPVC french doors, which are similar to sliding patio doors, operate by using 3 to 4 or sometimes five-point locking mechanisms, which include the handle and lock cylinder operated by a key. These doors also require maintenance, and specifically lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done using an oil that is thin (never WD40) and should be done every year. If hinges that are sagging aren't the cause, the door could be skewed and catch or hitting the strike plate's hole in the frame. Remove the strike plate and employ a sharp tool increase the size of the mortise. This will allow the latch to fit properly into the hole, and also prevent it from scratching against the frame. When the cylinder is out of the way and out of the way, measure its width using the help of a book or piece wood that fits into the adjustment screw gap 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 to 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, it's possible that it's not in alignment with the strike plate hole. Make sure that your door is in a balanced position, and if the hinge screws are in good condition. In most instances, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can solve the issue. The latch may not be able to engage properly if the strike of the lock is too small. In this situation you'll have to increase the hole using a chisel or hammer and then test the latch to ensure that it contacts the strike plate in a smooth manner without rubbing against or landing on the door's frame jamb. It is important to identify the type of mortise lock you have before purchasing an alternative. You can do this by looking at the faceplate on the lock and noting if it is round or square. Then, take a look at the screw holes on the existing lock and note the dimensions of each. This will assist you in finding an alternative that is the same size and will fit perfectly into the hole that you already have. You'll need to identify the mortise lock and inspect it for any bends, scratches or other damage that needs 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 you notice signs of damage. Once you've checked the lock and determined which type of replacement you need, it's time to start working on the actual repair. The old handle and spindle should be removed from the patio door. Introduce the new handle. Begin by installing the handle inside, 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 in place, too. Once you have completed these steps check the handles to ensure that they open and shut easily and that the latch is in contact correctly with the strikeplate. Make sure the door's strike is checked The door latch and strike plate are two components of the lock that work to ensure the latch secures the door. If these parts aren't aligned correctly and the latch doesn't latch the door shut correctly. Fortunately, this issue is usually easy to correct. Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to ensure they are clear of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the screws that keep the strike plate in place and allow it to move vertically, but not removing it from the frame of the door. Adjust the strike plate to align its holes for receiving with the latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted, tighten all screws and check whether the door shuts smoothly. Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to locate for homeowners with sliding patio doors, however they are essential to lock and unlock your door. These plates are usually placed on the top and bottom of the door jamb where they serve as the door's latch. The door latch slides onto this strike plate and creates a seal. If https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-ealing/ has been damaged or rusted or not installed correctly the latch might not lock the door properly. The most common reason for the patio door lock to stick or not close is a misalignment of the latch and the strike plate. This can be verified using the "lipstick" test. Apply some lipstick across the edge of the deadbolt and then cover it with masking tape. When you close the door the lipstick will leave a mark on the tape, indicating you exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high, you can easily alter the strike plate. If your sliding patio door locks are not working properly they could be a problem in keeping your home safe from burglars. It is imperative to repair the issue as soon as you can. If you follow these steps, you can fix your patio door's lock and regain its functionality in a matter of minutes.