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Patio Door Lock Repairs Over time, patio doors go through wear and tear which can cause lock malfunctions. There are a few simple steps you can take to restore the security of your uPVC door. These easy fixes will ensure your home is secure, whether you realign the lock or clean the locking mechanism. Clean the Lock Patio doors are ideal for bringing the outdoors inside and keeping out the elements. However, they can be a security threat in the event that the lock isn't working properly. With time wear and tear cold and hot weather, dirt and debris can take their toll on your patio door's lock and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little effort, you can make sure that your lock for your patio door always functions properly. It's important to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This will help get rid of any dirt or coatings that may be preventing your lock from functioning correctly. Start by wiping down all the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a damp, clean cloth. then make use of a scouring pad, or a rough damp cloth to scrub the hard-to-reach areas of the door and frame that are coated with dirt. Then, wipe the entire lock using a dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness and allow it to air dry prior to using it again. If your patio door has a pin-tumbler latch, you can apply powdered Graphite on the key. You can also apply a Teflon lubricant such as WD-40 Multi Use Product. This type of lubricant can be easy to apply and doesn't break down over time. If you are unable to locate the right lubricant for your needs You can try using a pencil that has an extremely thick tip. Insert the pencil in the lock, and shake it to distribute the graphite. Regular maintenance is also required to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear from dust, dirt and debris. They are particularly susceptible to ice, snow, and other particles, which can cause them block or become stuck. This can make it difficult for your patio door to open and close. You can clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio doors by removing any weather stripping that is dirty or damaged. Clean it, then replace it. The same can be done to patio door rollers which can be wiped down and sprayed with non-stick lubricant in order to allow them to move freely. Lubricate the Moving Parts uPVC French Doors, like sliding patios, operate by using 3 to 4 or sometimes 5 point locking mechanisms. These include the handle and lock cylinder which is operated by keys. These doors also require maintenance, including lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done using an oil that is thin (never WD40) and should be done every year. If the hinges aren't causing the issue it could be because the door isn't aligned. It could be rubbing or catching against the hole of the strike plate in the frame. Remove the strike plate and employ a sharp tool to increase the size of the mortise. This will permit the latch to fit properly into the hole and prevent it from rubbing against the frame. Take a measurement of the length of the cylinder using a piece of wood or a book that fits 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, while the inner dimension extends from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder. Check the width of the lock. If your patio door latch isn't able to turn even after oiling and cleaning it could be because it's not aligned with the strike plate. Examine if the door is balanced and if the hinge screws are secure however, in many instances, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards 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'll have to increase the opening using a chisel or hammer and then test the latch to ensure that it is able to engage the strike plate in a smooth manner without rubbing against or landing on the door's frame jamb. It is important to identify the type of mortise lock you currently are using before you purchase the replacement. You can do this by looking at the faceplate of the lock and determining whether it is round or square. Then, take a look at the screw holes in the existing lock and note the size of each one. This information will assist you in finding an alternative 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 nicks or bends that may require repairing. A damaged or bent latch is more likely break than one that's not frequently used, so be sure to replace the lock with a new one that is secure in the event you notice any signs of wear or damage. Once you've decided on the kind of lock replacement you require It's time to begin the actual repair. Remove the handle and spindle out of your patio door, and then insert the new one. Start by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it into position using two bolts or screws. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. After you've completed the steps then you can test the new handles to ensure they can be opened and closed easily and that the latch locks correctly when you strike the plate. Check the door's Strike The door latch and strike plate are two parts of the lock that work to ensure the latch secures the door. A misaligned strike plate or door latch will result in the latch not being able to latch the door properly. This problem is usually very easy to solve. First, examine patio door glass replacement www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk for receiving to ensure they are free of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then, loosen the keeper screws that secure the strike plate in place and allow it to move vertically but not detaching it from the frame of your door. Then adjust the strike plate until its holes for receiving are aligned with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate has been adjusted, tighten all screws and test whether the door shuts smoothly. These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However they are vital for locking and unlocking your door. These metal plates are usually placed on the top and bottom of the door jamb where they serve as the door's latch. The door latch slides into the strike plate, and it creates a seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not installed correctly, it can prevent the latch from locking the door securely. One common reason for a patio door lock to become stuck or not close is a misalignment between the latch and the strike plate. 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 marks on the tape, indicating you exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high it is possible to adjust the strike plate. If your sliding patio door locks aren't working correctly they could be a problem in keeping your home secure from intruders. You must resolve this issue as quickly as you can. By following these easy steps, you'll be able to fix your patio door's lock and get it back to normal within a short time.