Notes

The 10 Worst Patio Door Lock Repair Errors Of All Time Could Have Been Prevented
Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio doors go through wear and tear which can result in locks that fail. However, there are easy and efficient steps that can help restore your uPVC patio door's security.

If it's resetting the lock or cleaning the mechanism for locking these simple fixes will increase the security of your home.

Clean the Lock

Patio doors are great for letting the outdoors inside and keeping the elements out. However, they can be a security threat 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 attention, you can make sure that the lock on your patio door always works correctly.

It's important to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. patio door repairs near me will help remove any coatings or dirt that could be preventing your lock from working properly. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts on your patio door lock with a wet cloth. Then you can use a scouring paper or a rough damp cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the door frame and frame. You should then wipe down the entire lock with dry cloth to get rid of any remaining dampness, and allow it to dry completely before making use of it again.

If you have a patio door that uses a pin tumbler latch mechanism You can grease the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or by using a lubricant made of Teflon, like WD-40 Multi-Use. This type of lubricant is easy to apply and it doesn't dissolve with time. If you are unable to find the right lubricant for your lock, use a pencil with thicker tip. Insert the pencil in the lock, then shake it around to distribute the graphite.

Regular maintenance is also essential to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear from dirt, dust and other debris. They are particularly vulnerable to snow and ice which can cause them 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 any damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it, and then replace it. The same can be done for rollers on patio doors, which can be cleaned and sprayed with non-stick lubricant in order to allow them to move freely.

Lubricate the Moving Parts

uPVC French Doors, like sliding patios, are operated with 3 to 4 or sometimes 5 points locking mechanisms. They include the handle and lock cylinder that is operated with keys. They also require maintenance, and specifically lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished using a thin oil (never WD40) and is recommended to be done at least once per year.

If sagging hinges don't cause the issue it could be because the door isn't aligned. It may be rubbing against or catching the hole of the strike plate in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate and use an abrasive chisel to increase the size of the mortise that it rests in. This will permit the latch to fit properly into the hole and stop it from rubbing against the frame.

When the cylinder is out of the way take a measurement of its width using the help of a book or piece wood that fits into the adjustment screw gap above the lock. patio doors repairs near me is the distance from the outside of the door to the center of the cylinder, and the inner dimension runs from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.

Check 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. Verify that the door is balanced, and that the hinge screws are secure. In many cases, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can solve the issue.

Oftentimes, the problem occurs when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this case you'll need to expand the hole using either a hammer or chisel, and then test the latch to ensure that it contacts the strike plate without rubbing against or getting caught on the door's frame jamb.


Before you purchase a replacement lock, it is important to determine the mortise type of lock you have. patio door repairs near me can be done by looking at the faceplate of the lock and noting if it is square or round. Then, look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the dimensions of each one. This will help you find an alternative lock that is the same size and will fit perfectly into the hole you have already.

In addition to identifying the mortise lock that is currently in use, you should also examine it for any scratches or bends that might require repair. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that's frequently used to break. Replace the lock if it displays signs of damage.

After you've determined the type of lock replacement you require Now it's time to start the actual repair. The old handle and spindle should be removed from the doorway to the patio. Install the new handle. Start by installing the inside handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it in by using two screws or bolts. Once the interior handle is in, install the handle on the outside and screw it in the position as well. Once you've completed these steps you can test the new handles to ensure they open and close easily and that the latch is catching correctly with the strike plate.

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. If they are not aligned properly and the latch doesn't latch the door shut properly. This problem is usually very easy to solve.

Check the holes for receiving of the strike plate to make sure they are free of obstructions such as 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 door 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 the screws, and test the door to see if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment.

Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to access for homeowners who have sliding patio doors, but they're crucial to lock and unlock your door. These 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, rusted, or not properly installed, it could stop the latch from locking the door securely.

A misalignment of the latch and strike plate is a common reason for the patio lock not to close or remain in place. The easiest way to check for this is to perform the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt, and then apply masking tape over it. When you shut the door the lipstick will leave a mark on the tape, showing exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high you can alter the strike plate.

The sliding patio door locks protect your home from burglars. If they're not working correctly, you must repair the issue quickly. If you follow these steps, you can repair your patio door's lock and regain its functionality in no time.

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