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10 Reasons Why People Hate Patio Door Lock Repair. Patio Door Lock Repair
Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio doors go through wear and tear that can result in lock malfunctions. There are fortunately, a number of simple and effective methods that can restore your uPVC patio door's security.

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

Clean the Lock

While patio doors are a great way to let in the outside and keep out the elements but they can also pose an issue for security when your lock isn't functioning as it should. Over time wear and tear, cold and hot weather, dirt and debris can affect the lock of your patio door and make it difficult to open. With some minor maintenance you can ensure that your patio door's locks always perform correctly.

It's essential to clean your patio door's lock and all of its moving parts. This will help remove any coatings or dirt that may be preventing your lock from functioning correctly. Start by wiping down the moving parts of your patio door's lock with a damp cloth, then make use of a scouring pad, or a rough damp cloth to scrub any hard-to-reach areas of the door and frame that are ingrained with dirt. You should then wipe down the entire lock using dry cloths to eliminate any remaining dampness and allow it to dry completely before applying it to the next time.

If your patio door uses pin-tumbler locks, you can lubricate it by applying powdered Graphite on the key. You can also apply a Teflon lubricant such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. patio door repairs of lubricant is able to be applied easily and doesn't dissolve over time. If you're unable to find the correct lubricant for your lock, use a pencil with more of a thicker tip. Place the pencil into the lock, then shake it to distribute the graphite.

The tracks for sliding patio doors also require regular maintenance to ensure they're free of dust, dirt, and debris. These tracks can be especially vulnerable to snow and ice which can cause them become stuck or slack and make it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.

Tracks for sliding patio doors and rollers can be cleaned by removing weather stripping that is damaged or dirty, cleaning them, then replacing it. The rollers for patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed down with a nonstick lubricant.


Lubricate the Moving Parts

uPVC french doors, similar to sliding patio doors, work using 3-4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms that include the handle and lock cylinder operated by keys. These doors also need maintenance, and specifically lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done with an oil that is thin (never WD40) and should be done every year.

If hinges that are sagging aren't the reason, the door could be misaligned and catching or striking the strike plate hole in the frame. Remove the strike plate, and employ a sharp tool to expand the mortise. This allows the latch to sit properly in the hole and avoids scratching or catching on 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 between the adjustment screw and the lock. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the middle of the cylinder, and the inner measurement runs from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.

Verify the lock's width

If your patio door latch is difficult to turn, even after cleaning and lubricating, there's a possibility that it's out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Make sure that your door is in a balanced position, and if the hinge screws are in good condition. In a lot of cases, however, simply moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can solve the issue.

The most common issue is when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this situation, you'll need to enlarge the hole using the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to ensure that it contacts the strike plate without rubbing against or landing on the door's frame jamb.

Before buying a replacement lock, first determine the mortise type of lock you currently have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate on 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 information will allow you to find a replacement lock that is the exact same width and fits into your existing hole.

You'll want to identify the mortise lock, and then examine it for scratches, bends, or other damage that needs to be repaired. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that has been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if you notice signs of damage.

Once you've checked the lock and determined which kind of replacement you require then it's time to begin working on the actual repair. The spindle and handle must be removed from the patio door. Install the new handle. Start by putting in the interior handle and aligning it with the spindle and then fixing it with the two bolts or screws that secure it. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. After you've completed these steps Test the handles to make sure they open and shut easily and that the latch works correctly with the strikeplate.

Check the Strike of the Door.

The strike plate and the door latch are two components which work together to lock the door. If they are not aligned properly and the latch doesn't latch the door properly. Fortunately, the issue is usually easy to correct.

Check the holes for receiving of the strike plate to ensure they are free of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then, loosen the keeper screws that secure the strike plate in place, allowing it to move vertically, but not removing 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. Once the strike plate is adjusted then tighten the screws and 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 vital to lock and unlock your door. These metal plates are usually located on 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 this strike plate and creates an airtight seal. If the strike plate is damaged or rusted or not properly installed the latch might not lock the door properly.

A misalignment between the strike plate and latch is the most common reason for a patio lock to not close or stick. This can be confirmed using the "lipstick" test. Apply some lipstick across the edge of the deadbolt and then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave a mark when you close the door. This will indicate exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high, you can adjust the strike plate.

Sliding patio door locks help keep your home safe from burglars. If they're not working properly, you need to repair the issue quickly. By following these easy steps, you'll be able to fix the lock on your patio door and get it back to normal in no time.

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