Patio Door Lock Repairs Over time, patio doors go through wear and tear that can lead to lock malfunctions. There are a few basic steps you can take to ensure the security of your uPVC door. These quick fixes will make your home safer, whether you realign the lock or clean the mechanism. Clean the Lock Patio doors are fantastic to let the outdoors in while keeping out the elements. However, they can be risky for security when the lock isn't functioning correctly. Over time, wear, tear, hot and cold weather, dirt, and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little effort, you can make sure that your patio door's lock always works in a proper manner. It is essential to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This helps flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that could 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 apply a scouring pad or a damp, rough cloth to scrub the dirt-infested parts of the door and frame. Then, wipe the lock down with a dry cloth to remove any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before using it. If your patio door uses a pin-tumbler latch you can apply powdered Graphite to the key. You can also use a Teflon lubricant like WD-40 Multi Use Product. This type of lubricant is able to be applied with ease and does not dissolve over time. If you're not able to find the right lubricant for your needs, you might use a pencil with a thick tip. Place the pencil in the lock and move it around to distribute the graphite. The tracks for sliding patio doors also require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dirt, dust and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to ice, snow, and other debris that could cause them to block or become stuck. This could make it difficult for your patio door to open and shut. The sliding rails of the patio door track and rollers can be cleaned by removing any weather stripping that is damaged or dirty, cleaning them, then replacing it. The same applies for rollers on patio doors, 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 by using 3 to 4 or occasionally 5 point locking mechanisms. These include the handle and lock cylinder which is operated by keys. They also require maintenance, specifically lubrication on the moving parts. This can be accomplished with the use of a thin oil, but never WD40. It is recommended to do it every year, at a minimum. If hinges that are sagging don't cause the problem it could be because the door isn't aligned. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-watford/ may be rubbing or catching against the hole of the strike plate in the frame. Take off the strike plate and use a sharp tool to expand the mortise. This allows the latch to sit correctly in the hole and avoids scratching or catching on the frame. Once the cylinder is cleared of the way and out of the way, measure its width using a book or piece of wood that fits into the gap of adjustment screw above the lock. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the center of the cylinder, while the inner measurement runs from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder. Check the lock's length If your patio door latch is hard to turn even after oiling and cleaning it could be because it's not aligned properly with the strike plate. Check if your door is balanced, and if the hinge screws are secure. In a lot of cases, moving the strike plate downwards or upwards could fix the problem. The latch might not work properly when the strike of the lock is too small. In this situation you'll have to increase the hole with the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to ensure that it contacts the strike plate in a smooth manner without rubbing against or catching on the door's frame jamb. You must identify the kind of mortise lock that you are using before you purchase a replacement. This can be done by looking at the faceplate of the lock and noting if it is square or round. Then, take a look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the dimensions of each. This will enable you to locate an alternative lock that is exactly the same width and will fit into your existing hole. You'll want to identify the mortise lock and inspect it for scratches, bends 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 shows signs of damage. Once you've checked the lock and identified which type of replacement you need then it's time to begin working on the actual repair. Remove the old handle and spindle out of your patio door, and then insert the new one. Begin by installing the handle in the interior, aligning it with the spindle and then securing it with the two bolts or screws which hold it. Once the interior handle is installed, you can install the handle on the outside and screw it into the position as well. After you've completed these steps then you can test the new handles to ensure that they are able to open and close with ease and that the latch catches properly with the strike plate. Make sure you check the Strike of the door. The strike plate and the door latch are two pieces that work together in order to secure the door. If these are misaligned and the latch doesn't latch the door shut correctly. This problem is usually very simple to fix. First, inspect the holes in the strike plate's receiving to ensure they are free of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then, loosen the keeper screws that secure the strike plate in place and allow it to move vertically but not detaching it from the frame of the door. Then, you can adjust the strike plate until its holes for receiving are aligned with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted tighten the screws, and test the door to determine whether it locks smoothly after the new adjustment. Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to access for homeowners who have sliding patio doors, but they're crucial to lock and unlock your door. These plates are usually located on the top and bottom of the door jamb where they serve as the door's latch. The door latch slides onto the strike plate, and it creates a seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not installed correctly, it may stop the latch from locking the door securely. One of the most common reasons for an outdoor door lock to stick or not close is a misalignment between the latch and strike plate. The most effective way to test for this is with the "lipstick test." Apply some lipstick on the edge of the deadbolt, and then put masking tape on it. The lipstick will leave the mark when you close the door. This will reveal exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low you can easily adjust the strike plate. Locks for sliding patio doors help keep your home safe from burglars, and if they're not functioning correctly, you must solve the issue fast. Follow these simple steps to repair your patio door lock and restore it's function.