The 9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Patio Door Lock Repair
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These easy fixes will make your home safer no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the locking mechanism.
Clean the Lock
While patio doors are an excellent way to bring the outside in and keep the elements out, they can also be an issue for security if your lock isn't working as it should. With time, wear and 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 the lock on your patio door lock repairs near me door always works properly.
In the beginning, it's essential to clean the lock of your patio door and all the moving parts. This helps to get rid of any grime and coatings that could be preventing the lock from working in the way it should. Start by wiping the moving parts of your patio door lock with an aqueous cloth. Then you can use a scouring paper or rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested areas of the door and frame. You should then wipe down the entire lock using dry cloths to eliminate any remaining dampness and let it to air dry before using it again.
If you have an outdoor door that has pin tumbler latch mechanisms it is possible to grease the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or applying a lubricant made of Teflon, like WD-40 Multi-Use. This type of lubricant is able to be applied quickly and doesn't dissolve over time. If you are unable to find the correct lubricant for your lock, you can apply a pencil that has a larger tip. Put the pencil into the lock and move it around a bit to spread the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear from dirt, dust and other debris. They are particularly 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 of sliding patio doors by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it, and then replace it. The rollers for patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed down with an oil that is nonstick.
Lubricate the Moving Parts
uPVC french doors, which are similar to sliding patio doors, work by using 3-4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms which include the handle and lock cylinder controlled by the key. These doors require maintenance, lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished using a thin oil (never WD40) and should be done every year.
If hinges that are sagging don't cause the issue, it could be that the door is misaligned. It could be rubbing or catching against the strike plate's hole in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate, tilt and slide patio door repairs near me then use a sharp chisel to enlarge the mortise it sits in. This will allow the latch to fit properly into the hole, and also prevent it from scratching against the frame.
While the cylinder is out of the way and out of the way, measure its width using the help of a book or piece wood that can fit into the gap of adjustment screw above the lock. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of the door to the center of cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw to the end of the of the cylinder.
Check the width of the lock.
If your patio door latch is difficult to turn even after oiling and cleaning it could be because it's not aligned properly with the strike plate. Examine if the door is in balance and if the hinge screws are tight However, in many cases, moving the strike plate up or down can correct the issue.
Oftentimes, the problem occurs when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to engage. In this situation, you need to widen the hole with an hammer and chisel. Then, test the latch to ensure that it doesn't touch the jamb frame of the door or get caught the frame.
Before you purchase a replacement lock, first determine the mortise type of lock you currently have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and determining if it is square or round. Take a look at each screw hole on the current lock, and note their size. This will help you find an alternative lock that is the same width and fits perfectly into your existing hole.
You'll need to locate the mortise lock and examine it for scratches, bends, or other damage that need to be repaired. A bent or damaged latch is more likely to break than one that hasn't been frequently used, so be sure to replace the lock with a brand new one that is secure if you find any signs of damage or wear.
After you've determined the type of lock replacement that you require It's time to begin the actual repair. The old spindle and handle must be removed from the patio door. Introduce the new handle. Start by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it into position using two screws or bolts. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. After you've completed these steps check the handles to make sure they can be shut and open easily and that the latch works correctly with the strikeplate.
Check the door's Strike
The strike plate and the door latch are two components which work together to lock the door. A misaligned strike plate or door latches can result in the latch not being able to latch the door in a proper manner. Fortunately, this problem is often easy to fix.
First, examine the strike plate's holes for receiving to make sure they are clear of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Loosen the keeper screws holding the strike plate in place. This will allow it to move horizontally, 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 the screws, and test the door to determine if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment.
Door strike plates can be difficult to locate for homeowners with sliding glass patio doors repair patio doors, however they're essential for locking and unlocking your door. The plates made of metal are located on the top and bottom jambs of the door, where they serve as the support for the latch. The door latch is placed on the strike plate to form an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate has been damaged or rusted or not installed correctly the latch might not lock the door properly.
One common reason for the patio door lock to stick or not close is a misalignment between the latch and strike plate. The easiest method to check for this is to perform the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt and attach masking tape over it. When you close the door, the lipstick will leave marks on the tape, indicating exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high, you can adjust the strike plate.
The sliding patio door locks protect your home from burglars. If they're not working correctly, you must fix the problem quickly. Follow these steps to fix your patio door lock and restore its function.