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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 simple fixes can help you make your home more secure. Clean the Lock Although patio doors are a great option to let in the outside and keep out the elements however, they can also pose security risks in the event that your lock isn't operating as it should. With time wear and tear extreme cold and hot weather dirt and debris could cause damage to the lock of your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little attention you can ensure that the lock on your patio door always functions correctly. It's important to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This will help flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that could hinder the lock from functioning in the way it should. Start by wiping the moving parts of your patio door lock with a wet cloth. Then apply a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested parts of the door and frame. Then, wipe the lock down with a dry towel to get rid of any remaining moisture. Let it air dry before using it. If you have a patio door that uses a pin tumbler latch mechanism You can grease the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or applying a Teflon-based lubricant such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This kind of lubricant can be applied quickly and will not disintegrate over time. If you're not able to locate an appropriate lubricant You might try using a pencil with an extremely thick tip. Insert the pencil in the lock, then shake it around to distribute the graphite. Sliding patio door tracks also require regular maintenance to keep them free of dirt, dust and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to snow, ice and other debris that can cause them get stuck or to bind. This can make it difficult for your patio door to open and close. Sliding patio door track rails and rollers can be cleaned by removing weather stripping that is damaged or dirty and then cleaning it, before reinstalling it. The same applies for patio door rollers, which can be wiped down and sprayed with non-stick lubricant that will allow them to move freely. Lubricate the moving parts uPVC french doors, like sliding patio doors, operate using 3-4 or sometimes five-point locking mechanisms, which include the lock cylinder and handle operated by keys. They require maintenance and lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done with a thin oil, but never WD40. It is recommended to do it at least once a year. If hinges that are sagging don't cause the issue it could be because the door isn't aligned. It may be rubbing against or catching the strike plate's hole in the frame. Remove the strike plate, and use a sharp tool to increase the size of the mortise. This lets the latch sit properly in the hole and avoids rubbing or catching on the frame. Once the cylinder is cleared of the way, measure its width with an object or a piece of wood that can fit into the gap of adjustment screw above the lock. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the middle of the cylinder, while the inner measurement runs from the center of the adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder. Check the width of the lock. If your patio door latch is difficult to turn, even after cleaning and lubricating, there's a possibility that it is out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Make sure that your door is in a balanced position, and that the hinge screws are secure. In most cases, however, simply moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can solve the issue. The latch may not engage properly when the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this situation you'll have to increase the opening using a chisel or hammer and then test the latch to ensure that it contacts the strike plate in a smooth manner without rubbing against or catching on the door's frame jamb. You should identify the type mortise lock you currently are using before you purchase an alternative. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and noting whether it is square or round. Then, take a look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the size of each one. This will help you to locate an alternative lock that is exactly the same size and fits into the hole that you already have. You'll need to locate the mortise lock and inspect it for scratches, bends, or other damage that requires to be repaired. A badly damaged or bent latch is more prone to break than one that hasn't been utilized often, so make sure to replace the lock with a new, secure version in the event you notice any signs of wear or damage. Once you've decided on the kind of lock replacement that you require Now it's time to start the actual repair. The spindle and handle must be removed from the doorway to the patio. Introduce the new handle. Begin by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it into position using two screws or bolts. Once the handle's interior is in, install the handle that is outside and screw it into place, too. After you've completed the steps, you can test the new handles to ensure that they open and close easily and that the latch is catching correctly when you strike the plate. Check the Door's Strike The strike plate and door latch are two components which work together to lock the door. Misaligned strike plate and door latches will cause the latch to not latch the door properly. Fortunately, this problem is often easy to fix. Check the receiving holes of the strike plate to make sure they are clear of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Release the screws that hold the strike plate in position. This allows it to move vertically but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Then, adjust the strike plate until its holes for receiving align with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted then tighten the screws and then test the door to see whether it locks smoothly after the new adjustment. Door strike plates can be difficult to locate for homeowners with sliding patio doors, but they are essential to lock and unlock your door. These metal plates are usually located on the top and bottom of the door jamb where they support the door's latch. The door latch is able to slide into the strike plate, creating an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not installed correctly, it may stop the latch from locking the door securely. One common reason for an outdoor door lock to stick or not close is a misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This can be confirmed using the “lipstick” test. Apply a little lipstick across the edge of the deadbolt and then cover it with masking tape. When you shut 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 low or high you can easily adjust the strike plate. Sliding patio door locks help protect your home from burglars, and if they're not functioning properly, you need to solve the issue fast. By following patio door replacement cost , you can repair the lock on your patio door and get it back to normal in no time.