Patio Door Lock Repairs Over time, wear and tear could cause lock malfunctions. There are a few simple steps you can take to restore the security of your uPVC door. If it's resetting the lock or cleaning the locking mechanism these simple fixes will increase the security of your home. Clean the Lock Patio doors are fantastic to let the outdoors in and keeping the elements out. However they could pose an issue for security if the lock doesn't work properly. As time passes wear and tear, cold and hot weather dirt and debris can cause damage to the lock of your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little attention, you can make sure that your lock for your patio door always functions in a proper manner. It is important to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This helps to get rid of any grime and coatings that could be preventing the lock from working in the way it should. Begin by wiping all the moving parts of the lock for your patio door using a damp cloth. then use a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any difficult-to-access areas of the door and frame that are ingrained with dirt. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock with dry cloths to eliminate any remaining dampness, and allow it to dry completely before applying it to the next time. If you have a patio door that uses pin tumbler latch mechanisms it is possible to grease the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or using a Teflon-based lubricant such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant can be applied with ease and will not disintegrate over time. If you are unable to find the correct lubricant for your lock, you can make use of a pencil with a larger 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 keep them free of dust, dirt, and debris. These tracks are particularly vulnerable to snow, ice, and other debris, which can cause them jam or bind. This could make it difficult for your patio door to be opened and closed. Clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio doors by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it and replace it. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/enfield-patio-door-repairs-near-me/ of patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed down with an oil that is nonstick. Lubricate the Moving Parts uPVC French Doors, similar to sliding patios, operate by using 3 to 4 or occasionally 5 points locking mechanisms. This includes the lock cylinder and handle that is operated by keys. These doors also need maintenance, specifically lubrication on the moving parts. This can be accomplished using an oil that is thin (never WD40) and should be done once per year. If hinges that are sagging aren't the reason, the door could be misaligned and caught or striking the strike plate's hole in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate and then use an abrasive chisel to increase the size of the mortise it sits in. This will allow the latch to fit properly into the hole, and prevent it from scratching against the frame. While the cylinder is out of the way, measure its width with an object or a piece of wood that fits into the adjustment screw gap above 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 of the 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's not in alignment with the strike plate hole. Check if your door is balanced, and that the hinge screws are secure. In most cases, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can fix the problem. Most of the time, the issue occurs when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to engage. In this situation, you'll need to enlarge the opening using either a hammer or chisel, and then test the latch to make sure that it contacts the strike plate without rubbing against or getting caught on the frame of the door jamb. It is important to identify the type of mortise lock you have before purchasing an alternative. This can be done by looking at the end faceplate and noting whether it is round or square. Then, take a look at the screw holes in the existing lock and note the size of each one. This will help you find a replacement that is the same size and is a perfect fit for your existing hole. In addition to identifying the mortise lock that is currently in use, you'll also need to check it for any bends or scratches that may require repairing. A bent or damaged latch is more likely break than one that's been utilized often, so make sure to replace the lock with a new, secure version if you find any signs of wear or damage. After you've examined the lock and identified which type of replacement you'll need, it's time to start working on the actual repair. The old handle and spindle should be removed from the doorway to the patio. Insert the new handle. Start by putting in the handle in the interior by aligning it with the spindle and then fixing it by using the two bolts or screws that hold it. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. Once you've completed these steps you can test the new handles to ensure they can be opened and closed easily and that the latch is catching correctly when you strike the plate. Make sure you check the Strike of the door. The door latch and strike plate are the two components of the lock that work to ensure that the latch locks the door. If these parts aren't aligned correctly and the latch doesn't latch the door shut properly. Fortunately, the issue is usually easy to correct. Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to make sure they are free of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the keeper screws that secure the strike plate in place, allowing it to move horizontally, but not detaching it from the door frame. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its receiving holes with the latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted then tighten the screws and test the door to determine if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment. These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However, they are essential to secure and unlock your door. These metal plates are usually located at the top and bottom of the door jamb, where they support the door's latch. Then, the door latch is able to slide into the strike plate to form an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged or rusted, or if it is not properly installed the latch might not lock the door properly. A misalignment of the latch and strike plate is one common cause for a patio lock to not close or stick. The easiest method to check for this is by performing the "lipstick test." Apply some lipstick on the edge of the deadbolt, and then attach masking tape over it. The lipstick will leave an impression when you shut the door. This will show you exactly where the latch joins the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low, you can easily alter the strike plate. If your patio door locks for sliding aren't functioning properly, they can keep your home secure from intruders. You must resolve this issue as quickly as you can. Follow these simple steps to repair your patio door lock and restore its function.