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Patio Door Lock Repairs Over time, wear and tear can lead to lock malfunctions. There are a few simple steps you can take to ensure the security of your uPVC door. Whether it's realigning the lock or cleaning the mechanism for locking these simple fixes will help you make your home more secure. Clean the Lock While patio doors are a great option to let the outside in and keep out the elements, they can also be an issue for security in the event that your lock isn't operating as it should. With time, wear and tear, cold and hot weather, dirt, and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. Fortunately, with some minor maintenance you can make sure that your patio door's locks will always work effectively. It is essential to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This helps flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that could hinder the lock from functioning in the way it should. Start by wiping all the moving parts on your patio door lock with a damp cloth. Then, use a scouring cloth or a damp, rough cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the frame and door. Then clean the lock with a dry cloth to get rid of any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before you use it. If you have a patio door that uses a pin tumbler latch mechanism it is possible to lubricate the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or applying an lubricant based on Teflon such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant can be easy to apply, and doesn't break down as time passes. If you're unable find the right lubricant for your lock, you can use a pencil with more of a thicker tip. Put the pencil into the lock and move it around a bit to distribute the graphite. Regular maintenance is also required to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free from dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks can be especially susceptible to snow and ice which can cause them be stuck or jammed which makes it difficult for your patio doors to open and close. You can clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio doors by removing weather stripping that is dirty or damaged. Clean it and replace it. The rollers of patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed down with a nonstick lubricant. Lubricate the Moving Parts uPVC french doors, which are similar to sliding patio doors, work by using 3 to 4 or sometimes five-point locking mechanisms, which include the handle and lock cylinder operated by a key. They require maintenance and the lubrication of moving parts. This can be done with an oil that is thin (never WD40) and is recommended to be done at least once per year. If sagging hinges aren't a cause, the door could be skewed and catch or striking the strike plate hole within the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate, and then use an abrasive chisel to increase the size of the mortise that it rests in. This will permit the latch to fit into the hole, and prevent it from rubbing against the frame. Measure the length of the cylinder using the help of a piece of book or wood that can be inserted into the gap above the adjustment screw. 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 is difficult to turn even after cleaning and oiling 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. The latch may not engage properly in the event that the strike of the lock is too small. In this case, you'll need to enlarge the hole with 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 purchasing a new lock, it is important to determine what kind of mortise lock you have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and determining if it is round or square. Look at each screw hole on the existing lock and note their dimensions. This information will help you find an alternative that is the same size and fits perfectly into your existing hole. You'll need to locate the mortise lock, and then examine it for any scratches, bends, or other damage that requires to be repaired. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that has been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if it displays indications of damage. After you've examined the lock and decided on the kind of replacement you require then it's time to begin working on the actual repair. The old handle and spindle 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 in place using the two screws or bolts. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. Once you've completed these steps then you can test the new handles to make sure they can be opened and closed easily and that the latch locks properly with the strike plate. Check the Strike of the Door. The door latch and strike plate are the two parts of the lock that work together to ensure that the latch is secure the door. If they are not aligned properly and the latch isn't latching the door shut properly. Fortunately, this issue is usually simple to fix. Check the receiving holes of the strike plate to make sure they are free of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Release the screws that hold the strike plate. This will allow it to move horizontally, but not separate it from the frame. Adjust the strike plate to align its receiving holes with the latch hooks of the door latch. After upvc patio door repairs Repair My Windows And Doors has been adjusted then tighten the screws and test the door to determine if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment. These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However they are vital for locking and unlocking your door. The plates made of metal are located at the top and bottom jambs of your door, where they support its 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 not properly installed the latch might not lock the door properly. A misalignment between the strike plate and latch is one common cause for a patio lock to not close or stay. This can be verified using the “lipstick” test. Apply some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt and then cover it with masking tape. When you close the door the lipstick will leave an impression on the tape, indicating you exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low it is possible to adjust the strike plate. The sliding patio door locks keep your home safe from burglars. If they're not functioning properly, you need to solve the issue fast. By following these simple steps, you can repair the lock on your patio door and get it back to normal within a short time.