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A Sage Piece Of Advice On Patio Door Lock Repair From The Age Of Five
Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio door wear and tear can cause lock malfunctions. There are a few simple steps you can follow to restore the security of your uPVC door.

These quick fixes will make your home safer no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the mechanism.

Clean the Lock

Patio doors are great for letting the outdoors in while keeping the elements out. However, they can be an issue for security when the lock isn't functioning correctly. Over time, wear, tear, hot and cold weather dirt and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little effort, you can make sure that your patio door's lock is always working properly.

It is important to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This will help remove any coatings or dirt that could be preventing the lock from working effectively. Begin by wiping down the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a damp, clean cloth. then use a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any hard-to-reach parts of the door and frame that are coated with dirt. Then, wipe the entire lock with a dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness and allow it to air dry prior to applying it to the next time.

If your patio door uses pin-tumbler locks, you can apply powdered Graphite on the key. You can also apply a Teflon oil like WD-40 Multi Use Product. This type of lubricant is able to be applied quickly and will not disintegrate over time. If you are unable to find the right lubricant for your needs You could try using a pencil with an extremely sharp tip. Put the pencil into the lock and jiggle it around to spread the graphite.

Sliding patio door tracks also require regular maintenance to ensure they're free of dust, dirt, and debris. They are particularly susceptible to ice and snow which can cause them to become stuck or slack and make it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.

Sliding patio door track rails and rollers can be cleaned by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping, cleaning them, then reinstalling it. The rollers of patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed with an oil that is non-stick.

Lubricate the moving parts

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

If sagging hinges aren't the cause, the door may be misaligned and catching or striking the strike plate's hole in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate and then use an abrasive chisel, which will enlarge the mortise it sits in. This will permit the latch to fit properly into the hole, and prevent it from rubbing against the frame.

Find the diameter of the cylinder using the help of a piece of book or wood that can be inserted into the gap above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the center of the cylinder, and the inner measurement runs from the center of the adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder.

Check the lock's length

If your patio door latch isn't able to turn, even after cleaning and lubricating, there's a possibility that it's out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Check if your door is properly balanced and that the hinge screws are secure. In many cases, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards will solve the issue.

The latch may not engage properly when the strike of the lock is too small. In this case you'll have to increase the hole with the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to make sure that it is able to engage the strike plate in a smooth manner without rubbing against or catching on the frame of the door jamb.

Before buying a replacement lock, first determine what kind of mortise lock you currently have. You can do this by taking a look at the faceplate of the lock and determining if it is round or square. 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 an alternative lock that is exactly the same width and fits into the hole you have already.

You'll want to identify the mortise lock and examine it for any scratches, bends or other damage that need to be repaired. A badly damaged or bent latch is more likely break than one that hasn't been used much, so be sure to replace the lock with a new one that is secure when you spot any indications of wear or damage.


Once you've decided on the kind of lock replacement you need It's time to start the actual repair. Remove the handle and spindle out of your patio door, and then insert the new one. Start by installing the inside handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it into position using two screws or bolts. Install patio door replacement following the interior handle. Once you have completed these steps, test the handles to make sure they can be shut and open easily and that the latch is in contact properly with the strikeplate.

Check the Strike on the door.

The door latch and strike plate are two parts of the lock that work together to ensure that the latch locks the door. A misaligned strike plate or door latches will result in the latch not being able to latch the door properly. Fortunately, this issue is usually easy to correct.

Check the holes for receiving of the strike plate to ensure they are clear of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Loosen the keeper screws holding the strike plate in place. This will allow it to move vertically, but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Then, adjust the strike plate to ensure that its holes for receiving align with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted tighten all screws and test to see whether the door shuts smoothly.

Door strike plates can be difficult to access for homeowners who have sliding patio doors, however they are essential for locking and unlocking your door. The metal plates are typically placed on the top and bottom of the door jamb, which is where they are used to support the door's latch. Then, the door latch is able to slide into the strike plate to create an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged or rusted, or if it is not installed correctly the latch might not be able to lock the door properly.

One of the most common reasons for an outdoor door lock to stick or not close is a misalignment between the latch and the strike plate. This can be confirmed using the "lipstick" test. Apply some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt. Then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave the mark when you shut the door. This will indicate 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.

The sliding patio door locks keep your home safe from burglars. If they're not working correctly, you must repair the issue quickly. Follow these steps to fix your patio door lock and restore its function.

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