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Are You Responsible For An Patio Door Lock Repair Budget? 12 Ways To Spend Your Money
Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio doors undergo wear and tear that could cause lock malfunctions. There are a few easy steps you can follow to ensure the security of your uPVC door.

It's about realigning the lock or cleaning the locking mechanism These simple fixes can increase the security of your home.

Clean the Lock

While patio doors are a great way to let the outside in and keep the elements out however, they can also pose security risks if your lock isn't working as it should. With time, wear and tear, cold and hot weather dirt, and other debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little maintenance you can make sure that your patio door's locks will always work correctly.

It is important to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This helps flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that may 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 cloth, then use a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub the hard-to-reach areas of the door and frame that are coated 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 an outdoor door that has a pin tumbler latch mechanism it is possible to grease the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or by using a Teflon-based lubricant like WD-40 Multi-Use. This type of lubricant is easy to apply and it won't disintegrate with time. If you're unable to find a suitable lubricant You could try using a pencil that has an extremely sharp tip. Place the pencil in the lock and move it around a bit to distribute the graphite.

Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear from dirt, dust 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.

You can clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio doors by removing weather stripping that is damaged or dirty. Clean it and replace it. The same applies for rollers on patio doors, which can be cleaned and sprayed with a non-stick lubricant to help them move freely.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC French Doors, like sliding patios, operate by using 3 to 4 or sometimes 5 points locking mechanisms. This includes the lock cylinder and handle that is operated with a key. These doors also need maintenance, and specifically lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done using a thin oil (never WD40) and should be done once per year.

If sagging hinges don't cause the problem, it could be that the door is not aligned. It may be rubbing or catching against the strike plate's hole in the frame. Remove the strike plate, and employ a sharp tool increase the size of the mortise. This will permit the latch to fit into the hole and prevent it from rubbing against the frame.

Measure the length of the cylinder using a piece of book or wood that fits into the gap above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the middle of the cylinder, and the inner dimension extends from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.

Check the lock's length


If your patio door latch isn't able 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 properly balanced and that the hinge screws are in good condition. In a lot of cases, moving the strike plate downwards or upwards could fix the problem.

Most of the time, the issue occurs when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this situation, you need to widen the hole with an hammer and chisel. Then test the latch so that it does not rub against the door jamb frame or catch the frame.

It is important to identify the type of mortise lock that you have before buying a replacement. This can be done by looking at the faceplate of the lock and noting if it is round or square. Then, look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the dimensions of each. This information will allow you to find an alternative lock that is exactly the same width and will fit in the hole you have already.

In addition to identifying the current mortise lock, you'll also need to check it for any scratches or bends that may require repairing. A damaged or bent latch is more prone to break than one that hasn't been 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.

After you've determined the type of lock replacement you require Now it's time to start the actual repair. The spindle and handle must be removed from the patio door. Install the new handle. Start by installing the inside handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it in position using two screws or bolts. Once the handle's interior is installed, put in the handle on the outside and screw it in place as well. After you've completed these steps check the handles to make sure that they can be shut and open easily and that the latch works properly with the strikeplate.

Check the door's Strike

The strike plate and the door latch are two components that work together to lock the door. If they are not aligned properly, the latch won't latch the door shut correctly. Fortunately, patio door repairs near me is often easy to fix.

First, check the holes in the strike plate's receiving to ensure 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 horizontally, but not separate it from the frame. Then adjust the strike plate until its receiving holes align with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted then tighten the screws and then 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 crucial to secure and unlock your door. These plates are usually located at the top and bottom of the door jamb which is where they are used to support the door's latch. The door latch slides into the strike plate to form an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not installed correctly, it may hinder the latch from locking the door securely.

The most common reason for a patio door lock to stick or not close is a misalignment of the latch and the strike plate. This can be verified using the "lipstick" test. Apply some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt. Then cover patio doors repairs near me with masking tape. When you close the door the lipstick will leave marks on the tape, indicating exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low it is possible to alter the strike plate.

Locks for sliding patio doors help protect your home from burglars. If they're not working correctly, you must repair the issue quickly. If you follow these steps, you can fix the lock on your patio door and restore its functionality within a short time.