How To Explain Patio Door Lock Repair To A 5-Year-Old

Patio Door Lock Repairs Over time, patio door wear and tear can lead to lock malfunctions. Fortunately, there are several simple and effective steps that can help restore your uPVC patio door's security. These easy fixes can make your home safer no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the mechanism. Clean the Lock Although patio doors are an excellent way to bring the outside in and keep the elements out but they can also pose security risks when your lock isn't functioning as it should. Over time, wear and tear, hot and cold weather dirt and debris can take their toll on your patio door's lock and cause it to become difficult to open. With some minor maintenance, you can ensure the locks on your patio door always function correctly. It's essential to clean the lock on your patio door and all the moving parts. This helps to remove any dirt and coatings that could hinder the lock from functioning in the way it should. Begin by wiping down the moving parts of your patio door's lock using a damp cloth. then use a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any difficult-to-access areas of the door and frame that are ingrained with dirt. Then, wipe the lock down using a dry towel to get rid of any moisture. Let it air dry before you use it. If you have an exterior door that is fitted with a pin tumbler latch mechanism, you can lubricate the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or by using an lubricant based on Teflon like WD-40 Multi-Use. This kind of lubricant is easy to apply and it doesn't dissolve as time passes. If you're not able to find a suitable lubricant, you can try using a pencil that has an extremely thick tip. Place the pencil in the lock and jiggle it around to distribute the graphite. Tracks for sliding patio doors require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dirt, dust and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to snow, ice, and other debris, which could cause them to block or become stuck. This could make it difficult for your patio door to be opened and closed. You can clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio doors by removing any weather stripping that is dirty or damaged. Clean it, and then replace it. The same is true for patio door rollers, which can be wiped down and sprayed with a non-stick lubricant that will allow them to move freely. Lubricate the moving parts uPVC french doors, like sliding patio doors, operate by using 3 to 4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms that include the lock cylinder and handle controlled by keys. These doors require maintenance, oiling of the moving parts. This can be accomplished with an oil that is thin however, never WD40. It should be done at least once per year. If sagging hinges aren't a cause, the door could be skewed and catch or hitting the strike plate hole within the frame. Remove the strike plate and employ a sharp tool enlarge its mortise. This will permit the latch to fit into the hole and prevent it from scratching against the frame. Find the length of the cylinder using a piece of wood or a book that can be inserted into the gap above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of door to the center cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder. Check the Lock's Width If your patio door latch isn't able to turn even after cleaning and lubricating, it's possible that it's not in alignment with the strike plate hole. Verify that the door is balanced, and that the hinge screws are tight. In many cases, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can solve the issue. The latch might not work properly when the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this situation you'll need to expand the opening using the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to ensure that it contacts the strike plate in a smooth manner without rubbing against or catching on the frame of the door jamb. You should identify the type mortise lock that you have before buying a replacement. This can be done by looking at the faceplate on the lock and noting if it is round or square. Then, look at the screw holes in the existing lock and note the size of each one. This will help you find an alternative that is the same size and will fit perfectly into the hole that you already have. In addition to identifying the current mortise lock you'll also need to check it for any bends or scratches that may require repairing. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that has been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if it displays evidence of damage. Once you've identified the type of lock replacement you require Now it's time to start the actual repair. Remove 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 securing it in place by using the two bolts or screws which hold it. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. After you've completed these steps then you can test the new handles to ensure that they are able to open and close with ease and that the latch catches properly with the strike plate. Check the Strike on the door. The strike plate and door latch are two components which work together to lock the door. An incorrectly aligned strike plate and door latch will result in the latch not being able to latch the door correctly. patio door repairs near me is typically simple to fix. Check the receiving holes of the strike plate to ensure they are clear of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the screws that keep the strike plate in place, allowing it to move vertically but not separating it from the frame of your door. 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 then test the door to see whether it locks smoothly after 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. The plates made of metal are located at the top and bottom jambs of the door, where they serve as the support for the latch. The door latch slides into the strike plate to create a seal when closed. If the strike plate has been damaged or rusted, or if it is not properly installed the latch might not properly lock the door. The most common reason for the patio door lock to not close or not close is a misalignment of the latch and strike plate. The easiest method to check for this is by performing the “lipstick test.” Rub some lipstick on the edge 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 you exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high it is possible to alter the strike plate. If your sliding patio door locks aren't working correctly they could be a problem in keeping your home safe from burglars. You must repair the issue as soon as possible. By following these simple steps, you can fix the lock on your patio door and restore its functionality in a matter of minutes.