How To Explain Patio Door Lock Repair To Your Grandparents
Patio Door Lock Repairs Over time, the wear and tear can lead to lock malfunctions. There are fortunately, a number of simple and effective methods that can restore your uPVC patio door's security. These simple fixes can make your home safer, whether you realign the lock or clean the mechanism. Clean the Lock While patio doors are a great way to let the outside in 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, tear, cold and hot weather dirt and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little effort you can ensure that your patio door's lock always functions in a proper manner. In the beginning, it's essential to clean your patio door's lock and all the moving parts. This will help get rid of any grime and coatings that may be preventing the lock from functioning as it should. Start by wiping the moving parts on your patio door lock with an aqueous cloth. Then, use a scouring cloth or a rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested parts of the frame and door. Then, wipe the lock down using a dry towel to get rid of any moisture. Allow it to air-dry before using it. If your patio door has pin-tumbler latches, you can apply powdered Graphite to the key. You can also use a Teflon lubricant like WD-40 Multi Use Product. This type of lubricant is able to be applied with ease and does not dissolve over time. If you're unable to find the right lubricant for your lock, make use of a pencil with a larger tip. Place the pencil in the lock and jiggle it around a bit to spread the graphite. Tracks for sliding patio doors require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dust, dirt, and debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow, ice and other debris, which can cause them get stuck or to bind. This could make it difficult for your patio door to open and close. The sliding rails of the patio door track and rollers can be cleaned by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping, cleaning them, then replacing it. Patio door rollers can also be cleaned and sprayed with an oil that is non-stick. Lubricate the Moving Parts uPVC french doors, similar to sliding patio doors, work using 3-4 or occasionally 5-point locking mechanisms that include the handle and lock cylinder operated by the key. These doors require maintenance, lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done with a thin oil (never WD40) and is recommended to be done at least once per year. If sagging hinges aren't the cause, the door may be misaligned and caught or striking the strike plate hole in the frame. The solution is to take off 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 into the hole and stop it from scratching against the frame. Find the diameter 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 the distance from the outside of the door to the middle of the cylinder. the inner measurement runs from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder. Check the lock's length If your patio door latch isn't able to turn even after cleaning and oiling, it's possible that it is not aligned with the strike plate. Verify that the door is properly balanced and whether the hinge screws are tight, but in many cases, moving the strike plate up or down can correct the issue. The most common issue is when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to engage. In this instance, you can widen the opening with a chisel and hammer. Then, test the latch to ensure it doesn't touch the door jamb frame or catch the frame. Before you purchase a replacement lock, first determine what kind of mortise lock you currently have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and noting whether it is round or square. Examine repair patio door lock in the existing lock and note their dimensions. This information will allow you to find an alternative lock that is exactly the same size and fits into the hole you have already. You'll want to identify the mortise lock and inspect it for scratches, bends, or other damage that need 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 shows evidence of damage. Once you've decided on the kind of lock replacement you require It's time to start the actual repair. The old handle and spindle must be removed from the patio door. Introduce the new handle. Start by installing the inside handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it in position using two bolts or screws. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. Once you've completed these steps you can test the new handles to ensure they open and close easily and that the latch catches properly with the strike plate. Check the Strike of the Door. The door latch and strike plate are the two components of the lock that work together to ensure that the latch is secure the door. Misaligned strike plate and door latches can cause the latch to not latch the door properly. Fortunately, this issue is often easy to fix. Check the receiving holes of the strike plate to ensure they are clear of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the screws that secure the strike plate in place and allow 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. After the strike plate has been adjusted, tighten all screws and test to see whether the door closes smoothly. These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However they are vital for locking and unlocking your door. The metal plates are situated at the top and bottom jambs of the door, where they support its latch. Then, the door latch slides into the strike plate, creating a seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged or rusted, or if it is not installed correctly, the latch may not be able to lock the door properly. One of the most common reasons for the patio door lock to stick or not close is a misalignment between the latch and strike plate. The easiest way to check for this is by performing the “lipstick test.” Rub some lipstick on the edge of the deadbolt, then attach masking tape over it. The lipstick will leave an impression when you shut the door. This will show you exactly where the latch joins the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high you can easily adjust the strike plate. If your patio door locks for sliding aren't functioning properly they could be a problem in keeping your home secure from intruders. You need to resolve this issue as quickly as you can. Follow these simple steps to fix your patio door lock and restore it's function.