Patio Door Lock Repairs Over time, the wear and tear could cause lock malfunctions. However, there are simple and efficient steps that can help restore your uPVC patio door's security. These easy fixes can make your home safer no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the mechanism. Clean the Lock While patio doors are a great option to let in the outside and keep the elements out, they can also be an issue for security when your lock isn't functioning as it should. As time passes, wear and tear, hot and cold weather dirt and debris could affect the lock of your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little care you can make sure that your patio door's locks always function effectively. It's essential to clean your patio door's lock and all its moving parts. This helps get rid of any grime and coatings that could hinder the lock from working in the way it should. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a damp, clean cloth. then make use of a scouring pad, or a rough damp cloth to scrub any hard-to-reach areas of the door and frame that are covered in dirt. Then, wipe the lock down using a dry towel to get rid of any remaining moisture. Let it air dry before you use it. If your patio door is equipped with pin-tumbler latches You can apply powdered Graphite on the key. You can also apply a Teflon oil like WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant is able to be applied quickly and does not dissolve over time. If you are unable to find the right lubricant for your lock, you can make use of a pencil with a more of a thicker tip. Place the pencil into the lock, and shake it to distribute the graphite. Tracks for sliding patio doors require regular maintenance to ensure they're free of dust, dirt, and debris. They are particularly susceptible to snow and ice which can cause them become stuck or slack, making it harder for your patio doors to open and close. Tracks for sliding patio doors and rollers can be cleaned by removing weather stripping that is damaged or dirty and then cleaning it, before installing it. The same can be done to patio door rollers which can be wiped down and sprayed with non-stick lubricant to help them move freely. Lubricate the moving parts uPVC french doors, similar to sliding patio doors, operate with 3 to 4 or sometimes five-point locking mechanisms, which include the handle and lock cylinder controlled by keys. These doors also need maintenance, specifically lubrication on the moving parts. This can be done with a thin oil, but never WD40. It is recommended to do it at least once a year. If hinges that are sagging don't cause the issue, it could be that the door isn't aligned. It could be rubbing or catching against the hole of the strike plate in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate and use a sharp chisel to enlarge the mortise it rests in. This allows the latch to sit properly in the hole and prevents rubbing or catching on the frame. Measure the length of the cylinder using 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, while the inner dimension runs from the center of the adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder. Verify the lock's width If your patio door latch is hard to turn, even after cleaning and oiling it's possible that it's not aligned with the strike plate. Verify that the door is properly balanced and that the hinge screws are secure. In a lot of cases, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards will solve the issue. The most common issue is when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to engage. In this case, enlarge the opening with the hammer and chisel. Then, test the latch so that it doesn't rub against the door jamb frame or catch on it. Before you purchase a replacement lock, first determine the mortise type of lock you have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate on the lock and determining whether it is round or square. Take a look at each screw hole in the existing lock and note the size. This will enable you to find the replacement lock that has the exact same width and will fit in the hole that you already have. You'll need to locate the mortise lock and examine it for any scratches, bends, or other damage that need to be repaired. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/manchester-patio-door-repairs-near-me/ or damaged latch is more prone to break than one that's not utilized often, so make sure to replace the lock with a brand new secure and safe version when you spot any indications of damage or wear. Once you've identified the type of lock replacement that you require It's time to start the actual repair. Remove the handle and spindle from the patio door, and then put in the new one. Begin by installing the handle in the interior, aligning it with the spindle, and then securing it in place by using the two bolts or screws that secure it. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. After you've completed these steps then you can test the new handles to ensure that they can be opened and closed easily and that the latch locks correctly with the strike plate. Make sure the door's strike is checked The strike plate and the door latch are two pieces which work together to lock the door. An incorrectly aligned strike plate and door latches can result in the latch not being able to latch the door in a proper manner. Fortunately, the issue is usually simple to fix. Check the receiving holes of the strike plate to ensure they are clear of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then, loosen the keeper screws that keep the strike plate in place and allow it to move vertically, but not removing it from the frame of your door. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its receiving holes with the latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted then tighten the screws and then test the door to determine whether it locks smoothly after the new adjustment. These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However they are vital to lock and unlock your door. The metal plates are situated at the top and bottom jambs of the door where they serve as the support for the latch. The door latch is placed on the strike plate to form the seal when it is closed. If the strike plate is damaged or rusted or not properly installed the latch may not be able to lock the door properly. A misalignment between the latch and strike plate is one common cause for the patio lock not to close or stick. This can be confirmed using the "lipstick" test. Apply a little lipstick across the edge of the deadbolt. Then cover it with masking tape. When you shut the door, the lipstick will leave marks on the tape that will show exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high, you can easily alter the strike plate. If your patio door locks for sliding aren't functioning properly they can help keep your home safe from burglars. You must repair the issue as soon as possible. Follow these easy steps to repair your patio door lock and restore it's functionality.