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Patio Door Lock Repairs Over time, patio door wear and tear could cause lock malfunctions. Fortunately, there are several easy and efficient ways to restore your uPVC patio door's security. Whether it's realigning the lock or cleaning the mechanism for locking, these quick fixes can make your home more secure. Clean the Lock Although patio doors are a great option to let the outside in and keep out the elements, they can also be security risks in the event that your lock isn't operating as it should. As time passes wear and tear, cold and hot weather, dirt and debris can affect the lock on your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little effort, you can make sure that your patio door's lock always functions in a proper manner. To begin with, it's important to clean the lock of your patio door and all the moving parts. This will help remove any grime or coatings that may be preventing your lock from working effectively. Start by wiping the moving parts on your patio door lock with a damp cloth. Then apply a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the door frame and frame. You should then wipe down the entire lock using dry cloth to get rid of any remaining dampness and let it to dry completely before making use of it again. If you have an exterior door that is fitted with pin tumbler latch mechanisms You can apply lubrication to the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or applying a Teflon-based lubricant like WD-40 Multi-Use. This type of lubricant is easy to apply and it won't disintegrate over time. If you're unable to locate a suitable lubricant, you can use a pencil with an extremely thick tip. Place the pencil in the lock and move it around a bit to distribute the graphite. The tracks for sliding patio doors also require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks can be especially susceptible to ice and snow which could cause them to be stuck or jammed and make 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 damaged or dirty. Clean it and replace it. The rollers for patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed with an oil that is nonstick. Lubricate the moving parts uPVC French Doors, like sliding patios, are operated by using 3 to 4 or sometimes, 5 points locking mechanisms. They include the lock cylinder and handle which is operated by the key. They require maintenance and the lubrication of moving parts. This can be done with an oil that is thin (never WD40) and should be done every year. If sagging hinges aren't the reason, the door could be misaligned and catching or hitting the strike plate's hole in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate and use an abrasive chisel to increase the size of the mortise it sits in. This allows the latch to sit perfectly in the hole and prevents getting caught or rubbing against the frame. While the cylinder is out of the way take a measurement of its width using a book or piece of 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 until the end cylinder. Verify the lock's width If your patio door latch is difficult to turn, even after cleaning and lubricating, there's a possibility that it's not in alignment with the strike plate hole. Examine if the door is in balance and if the hinge screws are secure However, in many cases shifting the strike plate upwards or downwards can correct the issue. The most common issue is when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to engage. In this situation you'll have to increase the hole with the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to make sure that it contacts the strike plate without rubbing against or getting caught on the frame of the door jamb. Before you purchase a replacement lock, it is important to identify the type of mortise lock you currently have. You can do this by taking a look at the faceplate of the lock and noting if it is square or round. Take a look at each screw hole on the existing lock, and note their size. This will aid you in finding an alternative lock that is the same size and is a perfect fit for the hole that you already have. In addition to identifying the mortise lock that is currently in use, you'll also need to check it for any nicks or bends that might require repair. Repair My Windows And Doors damaged or bent latch is more likely break than one that's been frequently used, so be sure to replace the lock with a brand new one that is secure when you spot any indications of wear or damage. After you've determined the type of lock replacement that you require It's time to begin the actual repair. Take the old handle and spindle from the patio door, and then insert the new one. Start by installing the inside handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it into by using two screws or bolts. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. Once you have completed these steps, test the handles to make sure that they open and shut easily and that the latch engages properly with the strikeplate. Check the Strike on the door. The strike plate and door latch are two parts that work together in order to lock the door. Misaligned strike plate and door latches will cause the latch to not latch the door correctly. This problem is usually very easy 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 keeper screws that hold the strike plate in place, allowing it to move vertically, but not removing it from the frame of your door. Adjust the strike plate to align its holes for receiving with the latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted tighten the screws, and then test the door to determine whether it locks smoothly after the new adjustment. These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However they are crucial for locking and unlocking your door. These plates are usually located on the top and bottom of the door jamb which is where they are used to support the door's latch. The door latch slides into this strike plate and creates a seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or is not installed correctly, the latch may not properly lock the door. A misalignment between the strike plate and latch is one common cause for a patio lock to not close or remain in place. The easiest way to check for this is by performing the “lipstick test.” Apply some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt and apply masking tape over it. When you close the door the lipstick will leave an impression on the tape, indicating you exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high you can easily alter the strike plate. If your sliding patio door locks are not working properly they could be a problem in keeping your home safe from burglars. You must fix this problem as soon as possible. Follow these simple steps to repair your patio door lock and restore it's functionality.