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9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Patio Door Lock Repair
Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, the wear and tear 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 mechanism for locking These simple fixes can increase the security of your home.

Clean the Lock

While patio doors are an excellent way to let in the outside and keep the elements out but they can also pose a security risk in the event that your lock isn't operating as it should. As time passes wear and tear, cold and hot weather, dirt and debris can cause damage to your patio door's lock and cause it to become difficult to open. Fortunately, with a little maintenance, you can ensure the locks on your patio door always perform properly.

It is important to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. patio doors repairs helps get rid of any grime and coatings that may hinder the lock from working in the way it should. Start by wiping down all the moving parts of your patio door's lock with a damp cloth, then employ a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any hard-to-reach parts of the door and frame that are ingrained with dirt. Then clean the lock with a dry cloth to remove any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before using it.

If you have an outdoor door that has a pin tumbler latch mechanism, you can grease the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or using an lubricant based on Teflon like WD-40 Multi-Use. This type of lubricant can be applied quickly and does not dissolve over time. If you're unable find the correct lubricant for your lock, you can apply a pencil that has a thicker tip. Insert the pencil in the lock, then shake it to distribute the graphite.

Tracks for sliding patio doors require regular maintenance to keep them free of dust, dirt, and debris. These tracks are especially vulnerable to snow and ice which could cause them to become stuck or slack and make it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.

You can clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio doors by removing weather stripping that is dirty or damaged. Clean it, then replace it. The same applies to patio door rollers which can be wiped down and sprayed with a non-stick lubricant in order to allow them to move freely.

Lubricate the Moving Parts

uPVC french doors, similar to sliding patio doors, work using 3-4 or occasionally 5-point locking mechanisms which include the handle and lock cylinder operated by keys. These doors also need maintenance, including lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done using the use of a thin oil, but never WD40. This should be done every year, at a minimum.

If sagging hinges aren't the cause, the door may be misaligned and catching or rubbing against the strike plate's hole in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate and use an abrasive chisel, which will enlarge the mortise that it rests in. This allows the latch to fit perfectly in the hole and prevents scratching or catching on 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 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 to the end of the cylinder.


Check the width of the lock.

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. Make sure that your door is properly balanced and that the hinge screws are tight. In most 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 engage. In this case, enlarge the hole with a chisel and hammer. Then test the latch so that it doesn't rub against the door jamb frame or catch on it.

You must identify the kind of mortise lock you are using before you purchase a replacement. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and observing whether it is round or square. Then, look at the screw holes on the existing lock and note the dimensions of each. This will aid you in finding an alternative lock that is of the same size and is a perfect fit for the hole you have already.

You'll need to locate the mortise lock and examine it for bends, scratches or other damage that requires to be fixed. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that's frequently used to break. Replace the lock if it shows signs of damage.

Once you've inspected the lock and identified which type of replacement you'll need, it's time to start working on the actual repair. Remove the 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 by using the two screws or bolts which hold it. Once the handle in the interior is in, install the handle that is outside and screw it in place, too. Once you have completed these steps, test the handles to make sure that they are able to open and close easily and that the latch is in contact correctly with the strikeplate.

Make sure you check the Strike of the door.

The strike plate and the door latch are two pieces which work together to secure the door. Misaligned strike plate and door latch will result in the latch not being able to latch the door properly. Fortunately, the issue is often easy to fix.

Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to ensure they are clear of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Then, loosen the keeper screws that hold the strike plate in place, allowing it to move horizontally, but not detaching it from the frame of the door. Adjust the strike plate to align its holes for receiving with latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate is adjusted, tighten all screws and test whether the door closes smoothly.

Door strike plates can be difficult to locate for homeowners with sliding patio doors, however they're crucial to lock and unlock your door. These metal plates are located on the top and bottom jambs of the door where they support its latch. The door latch slides onto this strike plate and creates an airtight seal. If the strike plate has been damaged or rusted, or if it is not properly installed the latch may not lock the door properly.

A misalignment of the latch and strike plate is the most common reason for the patio lock to not close or stick. This can be checked with the "lipstick" test. Apply some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt, then cover it with masking tape. When you close the door the lipstick will leave marks on the tape, indicating you exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low, you can easily adjust the strike plate.

The sliding patio door locks protect your home from intruders, and if they're not functioning properly, you need to solve the issue fast. Follow these easy steps to fix your patio door lock and restore it's function.

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