Patio Door Lock Repairs Over time, the wear and tear can cause lock malfunctions. However, there are simple and effective steps that can help restore your uPVC patio door's security. Whether it's realigning the lock or cleaning the mechanism that locks these simple fixes will help you make your home more secure. Clean the Lock Patio doors are great for letting the outdoors inside and keeping out the elements. However they can pose risky for security when the lock isn't functioning properly. With time, wear and tear, extreme cold and hot weather, dirt and debris can 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 will always function effectively. It is essential to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This will help get rid of any dirt or coatings that may be preventing your lock from working properly. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts of your patio door lock using a wet cloth. Then apply a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested parts of the door and frame. Then, wipe the lock down with a dry cloth to get rid of any moisture. Allow it to air-dry before you use it. If you have an exterior door that is fitted with pin tumbler latch mechanisms You can grease the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or applying an lubricant based on Teflon like WD-40 Multi-Use. This kind of lubricant can be applied quickly and doesn't dissolve over time. If you're unable find the right lubricant to use with your lock, make use of a pencil with a thicker tip. Put the pencil in the lock, and shake it around to spread the graphite. The tracks for sliding patio doors also require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dirt, dust, and debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow and ice which could cause them to jam or bind, making it harder for your patio doors to open and close. Tracks for sliding patio doors and rollers can be cleaned by removing any damaged or dirty weather stripping and cleaning them before replacing it. The same can be done for rollers on patio doors, which can be wiped down and sprayed with non-stick lubricant that will allow them to move freely. Lubricate the moving parts uPVC french doors, which are similar to sliding patio doors, operate with 3-4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms that include the lock cylinder and handle operated by keys. They also require maintenance, and specifically lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done with 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 is misaligned. It may be rubbing or catching the hole of the strike plate in the frame. Remove the strike plate, and employ a sharp tool to enlarge the mortise. 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 and out of the way, measure its width using an object or a piece of wood that will fit in the gap between the adjustment screw and the lock. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of door to the center cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw until the end cylinder. Check the lock's length If your patio door latch is difficult to turn, even after cleaning and lubricating, it's possible that it is out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Check to see if the door is in balance and if the hinge screws are tight, but in many cases, moving the strike plate up or down could fix the problem. The latch might not work properly when the strike of the lock is too small. In this case you'll need to expand the hole with the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to ensure that it connects to the strike plate smoothly 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 the replacement. You can do this by looking at the faceplate of the lock and determining if it is square or round. Look at each screw hole on the existing lock, and note their size. This information will assist you in finding an alternative that is the same size and is a perfect fit for the hole you have already. You'll want to identify the mortise lock, and then examine it for scratches, bends, or other damage that requires to be repaired. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that has frequently used to break. Replace the lock if it shows signs of damage. After you've examined the lock and determined which type of replacement you'll need, it's time to start working on the actual repair. Remove the old handle and spindle from the patio door, and then put in the new one. Start by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it in position using two bolts or screws. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. Once you've completed these steps you can test the new handles to make sure they can be opened and closed easily and that the latch locks correctly with the strike plate. Check the door's Strike The door latch and strike plate are the two components of the lock that work to ensure that the latch locks the door. An incorrectly aligned strike plate and door latches will result in the latch not being able to latch the door correctly. Fortunately, this problem is usually easy to correct. First, inspect the holes in the strike plate's receiving to make sure they are clear of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the screws that secure the strike plate in place and allow it to move horizontally, but not removing 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 then test the door to see whether it shuts easily with the new adjustment. Door strike plates can be difficult to access for homeowners who have sliding patio doors, however they're crucial to lock and unlock your door. The plates made of metal are located at the top and bottom jambs of the door where they serve as the support for the latch. The door latch slides onto this strike plate and creates an airtight seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or is not installed correctly the latch may not lock the door properly. A misalignment of the strike plate and latch is a common reason for the patio lock not to close or remain in place. This can be confirmed using the "lipstick" test. Rub some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt and then cover it with masking tape. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/christchurch-patio-door-repairs-near-me/ will leave the mark when you shut the door. This will indicate exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low you can alter the strike plate. The sliding patio door locks protect your home from burglars. If they're not functioning correctly, you should fix the problem quickly. Follow these simple steps to fix your patio door lock and restore its functionality.