Patio Door Lock Repairs Over time, patio doors experience wear and tear that can cause locks that fail. However, there are simple and efficient methods that can restore your uPVC patio door's security. These simple fixes will make your home safer no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the locking mechanism. Clean the Lock Patio doors are ideal for letting the outdoors inside and keeping out the elements. However they can pose risky for security if the lock doesn't work correctly. As time passes, wear and tear, cold and hot weather, dirt and debris can take their toll on the lock of your patio door and make it difficult to open. With a little attention, you can make sure that the lock on your patio door is always working in a proper manner. In the beginning, it's essential to clean your patio door's lock and all of its moving parts. This will help get rid of any dirt or coatings that may be preventing your lock from functioning effectively. Begin by wiping the moving parts of your patio door's lock using a damp cloth. then employ a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any hard-to-reach areas of the door and frame that are ingrained with dirt. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock using dry cloths to eliminate any remaining dampness and allow it to air dry prior to applying it to the next time. If your patio door has 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 applied easily and doesn't dissolve over time. If you're unable find the right lubricant to use with your lock, you can use a pencil with larger tip. Insert the pencil into the lock and move it around a bit to distribute the graphite. Tracks for sliding patio doors require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dirt, dust, and debris. They are particularly susceptible to ice, snow, and other debris, which could cause them to get stuck or to bind. This could make it difficult for your patio door to open and close. Clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio doors by removing weather stripping that is dirty or damaged. Clean it, then replace it. The same can be done for rollers on patio doors, which can be wiped down and then sprayed with a non-stick lubricant in order to allow them to move freely. Lubricate the moving parts uPVC French Doors, similar to sliding patios, are operated by using 3 to 4 or sometimes, 5 points locking mechanisms. These include the handle and lock cylinder that is operated with keys. These doors also need maintenance, and specifically lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done using an oil that is thin (never WD40) and should be done once per year. If sagging hinges aren't the reason, the door could be skewed and catch or rubbing against the strike plate hole in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate, and then use an abrasive chisel, which will enlarge the mortise it rests in. This lets the latch sit correctly in the hole and avoids getting caught or rubbing against the frame. Once the cylinder is cleared of the way, measure its width with a book or piece of 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 of cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw to the end cylinder. Check the lock's length If your patio door latch is difficult to turn even after oiling and cleaning it's possible that it's not aligned with the strike plate. Verify that the door is balanced and if the hinge screws are secure, but in many cases it is possible to move the strike plate upwards or downwards could fix the problem. The latch might not work properly if the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this case, enlarge the hole with a chisel and hammer. Then test the latch to ensure that it doesn't rub against the jamb frame of the door or fall the frame. 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 faceplate on the lock and noting if it is square or round. Examine each screw hole in the existing lock, and note their size. This information will allow you to find a replacement lock that is exactly the same width and will fit into the hole that you already have. You'll need to identify the mortise lock, and then examine it for any scratches, bends or other damage that needs to be fixed. A damaged or bent latch is more likely to break than one that's not used much, so be sure to replace the lock with a new, secure version in the event you notice any signs of wear or damage. Once you've inspected the lock and identified which type of replacement you need then it's time to begin working on the actual repair. The old spindle and handle should be removed from the doorway to the patio. Introduce the new handle. Begin by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it in by using two bolts or screws. Once the handle's interior is in, install the exterior handle and screw it into place as well. Once you have completed these steps check the handles to ensure that they are able to open and close easily and that the latch is in contact properly with the strikeplate. Check the Strike on the door. The door latch and strike plate are two parts of the lock that work to ensure that the latch locks the door. Misaligned strike plate and door latches can result in the latch not being able to latch the door in a proper manner. This problem is usually very simple to solve. Check the holes for receiving of the strike plate to make sure they are clear of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Remove the screws that hold the strike plate in place. 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 is adjusted then tighten all screws, and check if the door closes smoothly. Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to locate for homeowners with sliding patio doors, but they're essential to lock and unlock your door. The metal plates are situated between the top and bottom jambs of the door, where they support its latch. The door latch slides onto the strike plate, and it creates the seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not installed correctly, it can stop the latch from locking the door securely. One common reason for an outdoor door lock to stick or not close is a misalignment between the latch and strike plate. The easiest method to check for this is to perform the "lipstick test." Apply some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt, and then put masking tape on it. When you close the door the lipstick will leave a mark on the tape, showing exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low it is possible to adjust the strike plate. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/poole-patio-door-repairs-near-me/ for sliding patio doors help protect your home from intruders, 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 function.