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Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, the wear and tear can lead to lock malfunctions. There are a few easy steps you can follow to restore the security of your uPVC door.
These easy fixes will ensure your home is secure regardless of whether you re-align the lock or clean the mechanism.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are ideal for letting the outdoors in and keeping out the elements. However, they can be risky for security when the lock isn't functioning properly. Over time wear and tear, hot and cold 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 ensure that your lock for your patio door is always working properly.
It's essential to clean the lock on your patio door and all of its moving parts. This will help remove any grime or coatings that could be preventing your lock from functioning correctly. Start by wiping all the moving parts on your patio door lock with a wet cloth. Then, use a scouring cloth or a rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested parts of the frame and door. Then clean the lock with a dry cloth to remove any remaining 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 lubricate the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or applying a Teflon-based lubricant like WD-40 Multi-Use. This type of lubricant can be applied with ease and does not dissolve over time. If you are unable to find the right lubricant for your lock, you can apply a pencil that has a thicker tip. Insert the pencil in the lock, and shake it around to distribute the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear from dirt, dust and debris. These tracks are particularly vulnerable to ice, snow, and other debris, which can cause them get stuck or to bind. This could make it difficult for your patio door to open and shut.
Clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio doors by removing weather stripping that is dirty or damaged. Clean it, then replace it. Patio door rollers can also be cleaned and sprayed down with an oil that is nonstick.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC french doors, similar to sliding patio doors, operate by using 3-4 or occasionally five-point locking mechanisms, which 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, but never WD40. This should be done at least once per year.
If sagging hinges aren't the cause, the door could be misaligned and catching or striking the strike plate hole within the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate and then use an abrasive chisel, which will enlarge the mortise it rests in. This allows the latch to sit correctly in the hole and avoids getting caught or rubbing against the frame.
When the cylinder is out of the way, measure its width with the help of a book or piece wood that will fit in the gap of adjustment screw above the lock. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the middle of the cylinder, and the inner dimension runs from the center of the adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder.
Check the width of the lock.
If your patio door latch is difficult to turn even after oiling and cleaning it could be because it is not aligned with the strike plate. Verify that the door is balanced, and if the hinge screws are tight. In a lot of cases, however, simply moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can fix the problem.
Oftentimes, the problem occurs when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this instance, you can widen the opening with the hammer and chisel. Then test the latch to ensure that it does not rub against the jamb frame of the door or get caught on it.
You must identify the kind of mortise lock you currently are using before you purchase an alternative. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and determining if it is square or round. Then, take a look at the screw holes on the existing lock and note the size of each one. This will help you to find the replacement lock that has exactly the same width and will fit into your existing hole.
In addition to identifying the current mortise lock you'll also need to check it for any bends or scratches that may require repairing. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that's frequently used to break. Replace the lock if it shows indications of damage.
Once you've checked the lock and identified which type of replacement you'll need then it's time to begin working on the actual repair. Take my response and spindle from the patio door, and then put in the new one. Begin by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it in by using two screws or bolts. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. Once you have completed these steps check the handles to ensure that they can be shut and open easily and that the latch is in contact correctly with the strikeplate.
Check the Strike of the Door.
The strike plate and the door latch are two parts that work together in order to secure the door. If they are not aligned properly, the latch won't latch the door properly. Fortunately, the issue is usually easy to correct.
Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to ensure they are free of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Loosen the keeper screws holding the strike plate in place. This allows it to move vertically but not separate it from the frame. Then adjust the strike plate so that its receiving holes align with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted, tighten the screws and then test the door to determine whether it shuts easily with the new adjustment.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However, they are essential to secure and unlock your door. The metal plates are typically 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 onto the strike plate, and it creates a seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not installed correctly, it can prevent the latch from locking the door securely.
A misalignment between the latch and strike plate is the most common reason for a patio lock to not close or remain in place. The most effective way to test for this is to perform the "lipstick test." Apply some lipstick on the edge of the deadbolt and attach masking tape over it. The lipstick will leave an impression when you shut the door. This will show you exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high it is possible to alter the strike plate.
If your sliding patio door locks are not working properly, they can keep your home secure from intruders. It is imperative to resolve this issue as quickly as you can. Follow these steps to repair your patio door lock and restore it's function.
Homepage: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-aylesbury/
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