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The Expert Guide To Patio Door Lock Repair
Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio doors go through wear and tear that can lead to locks that fail. However, there are easy and efficient methods that can restore your uPVC patio door's security.

If it's resetting the lock or cleaning the mechanism that locks, these quick fixes can help you make your home more secure.

Clean the Lock

Although patio doors are a great way to let in the outside and keep the elements out but they can also pose a security risk if your lock isn't working as it should. As time passes wear and tear extreme cold and hot weather dirt and debris can take their toll on your patio door's lock and cause it to become difficult to open. Fortunately, with a little maintenance you can make sure that your patio door's locks will always function correctly.


It's important to clean your patio door's lock and all its moving parts. This will help remove any dirt or coatings that could be preventing your lock from functioning effectively. Start by wiping all the moving parts of your patio door lock using an aqueous cloth. Then, use a scouring cloth or rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested parts of the door and frame. Then, 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 your patio door is equipped with pin-tumbler latches you can lubricate it by applying powdered graphite to the key. You can also apply a Teflon oil like WD-40 Multi Use Product. This type of lubricant can be easy to apply, and doesn't break down over time. If you're unable to locate a suitable lubricant you can try using a pencil that has an extremely sharp tip. Put the pencil in the lock, then shake it around to spread the graphite.

Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear of dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to ice and snow which could cause them to become stuck or slack, making it harder for your patio doors to open and close.

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

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC French doors, like sliding patios, operate with 3 to 4 or sometimes 5 point locking mechanisms. They include the handle and lock cylinder which is operated by the key. They require maintenance and lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done with a thin oil (never WD40) and is recommended to be done at least once per year.

If sagging hinges aren't the cause, the door may be misaligned and caught or hitting the strike plate hole in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate and use a sharp chisel to enlarge the mortise that it rests in. This will allow the latch to fit properly into the hole, and stop it from rubbing against the frame.

Once the cylinder is cleared of the way, measure its width with an object or a piece of wood that fits into the gap of adjustment screw above the lock. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of door to the center of 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 isn't able to turn even after cleaning and oiling, it's possible that it's not aligned with the strike plate. Check if sliding patio door repair is properly balanced and that the hinge screws are in good condition. In a lot of instances, moving the strike plate downwards or upwards could solve the issue.

The latch may not engage properly if the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this situation, you need to widen the hole with the hammer and chisel. Then, test the latch so that it does not rub against the jamb frame of the door or get caught on it.

Before you purchase a replacement lock, it is important to determine what kind of mortise lock you currently have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and determining if it is round or square. Then, take a look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the size of each one. This will help you to locate the replacement lock that has exactly the same width and will fit in the hole that you already have.

You'll want to identify the mortise lock and examine it for bends, scratches or other damage that need 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 displays signs of damage.

Once you've identified the type of lock replacement you need Now it's time to start the actual repair. Take the old handle and spindle from the patio door, and then insert the new one. Begin by installing the handle inside by aligning it with the spindle and then fixing it with the two bolts or screws which hold it. Once the handle's interior is in, install the handle on the outside and screw it in place, too. After you've completed these steps check the handles to make sure they can be shut and open easily and that the latch is in contact correctly with the strikeplate.

Check the door's Strike

The door latch and strike plate are two components of the lock that work to ensure that the latch locks the door. If these are misaligned and the latch doesn't latch the door shut correctly. Fortunately, this issue is usually simple to fix.

Check the receiving holes of the strike plate to make sure they are clear of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the 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 holes for receiving with the latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted tighten the screws, and test the door to see whether it locks smoothly after the new adjustment.

Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to access for homeowners with sliding patio doors, however they're essential to lock and unlock your door. These metal plates are usually located on the top and bottom of the door jamb, where they serve as 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 has been damaged or rusted, or if it is not installed correctly, the latch may not lock the door properly.

One common reason for a patio door lock to not close or not close is a misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This can be confirmed using the "lipstick" test. Rub some lipstick across the edge of the deadbolt. Then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave an impression when you shut the door. This will reveal exactly where the latch joins the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high you can easily alter the strike plate.

If your patio door locks for sliding are not working properly they could be a problem in keeping your home secure from intruders. It is imperative to resolve this issue as quickly as possible. Follow these steps to repair your patio door lock and restore its function.

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