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Patio Door Lock Repairs Over time, patio door wear and tear can cause lock malfunctions. There are a few basic 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 While patio doors are a great option to bring the outside in and keep out the elements, they can also be a security risk in the event that your lock isn't operating as it should. Over time, wear and tear, hot and cold weather dirt and debris could cause damage to the lock on your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little care you can ensure that the lock on your patio door always works properly. It's important to clean the lock of your patio door and all its moving parts. This will help to remove any coatings or dirt that may be preventing your lock from functioning properly. Start by wiping the moving parts on your patio door lock with an aqueous cloth. Then, use a scouring cloth or rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested areas of the door and frame. Then wipe the lock using a dry towel to remove any remaining moisture. Let it air dry before you use it. If you have a patio door that uses a pin tumbler latch mechanism it is possible to apply lubrication to the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or applying a lubricant made of Teflon, like WD-40 Multi-Use. This kind of lubricant is easy to apply, and it doesn't dissolve over time. If you're not able to find an appropriate lubricant you could try using a pencil with an extremely thick tip. Place the pencil in the lock and move it around to distribute the graphite. Sliding patio door tracks also require regular maintenance to keep them free of dust, dirt, and debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to ice, snow, and other particles, which can cause them block or become stuck. This could make it difficult for your patio door to open and shut. Sliding patio door track rails and rollers can be cleaned by removing any dirty or damaged weather stripping, cleaning them, then reinstalling it. Patio door rollers can also be cleaned and sprayed with a nonstick lubricant. Lubricate the moving parts uPVC french doors, like sliding patio doors, operate by using 3 to 4 or sometimes five-point locking mechanisms, which include the handle and lock cylinder controlled by a key. They require maintenance and lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done with an oil that is thin (never WD40) and should be done every year. If sagging hinges don't cause the problem it could be because the door isn't aligned. It could be rubbing or catching the strike plate's opening in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate and then use a sharp chisel to enlarge the mortise that it rests in. This allows the latch to fit perfectly in the hole and avoids scratching or catching on the frame. Take a measurement of the width of the cylinder with a piece of wood or a book that can be inserted into the gap above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of the door to the center cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder. Check the lock's length 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. Verify that the door is balanced and whether the hinge screws are tight, but in many cases it is possible to move 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 properly engage. In patio door repair 'll need to expand the hole using a chisel or hammer and then test the latch to make sure that it contacts the strike plate in a smooth manner without rubbing against or catching on the door's frame jamb. It is important to identify the type of mortise lock you currently have before purchasing a replacement. This can be done by looking at the end faceplate and determining if it is round or square. Then, take a look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the size of each. This information will allow you to find the replacement lock that has exactly the same width and will fit in the hole you have already. In addition to identifying the mortise lock that is currently in use, you'll also want to inspect it for any nicks or bends that might require repair. A damaged or bent latch is more prone to break than one that's been utilized often, so make sure to replace the lock with a new secure and safe version in the event you notice any signs of wear or damage. After you've examined the lock and decided on the type of replacement you'll need, it's time to start working on the actual repair. The old handle and spindle must be removed from the patio door. Insert the new handle. Start by installing the inside handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it in place using the two bolts or screws. Once the handle in the interior is installed, put in the handle on the outside and screw it into place as well. After you've completed these steps check the handles to ensure that they are able to open and close easily and that the latch works correctly with the strikeplate. Check the Door's Strike 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. If these parts aren't aligned correctly, the latch won't latch the door properly. Fortunately, the issue is usually easy to correct. Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to ensure they are free of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Then, loosen the keeper screws that keep the strike plate in place and allow it to move vertically but not removing it from the frame of the door. Then, you can adjust the strike plate so that its holes for receiving are aligned with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted tighten all screws and check whether the door closes smoothly. Door strike plates can be difficult to access for homeowners who have sliding patio doors, but they're crucial to lock and unlock your door. The metal plates are typically located at 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 the seal. If the strike plate has been damaged or rusted, or if it is not installed correctly the latch might not properly lock the door. A misalignment of the latch and strike plate is a common reason for the patio lock not to close or stay. The most effective way to test for this is to perform the “lipstick test.” Apply some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt, then put masking tape on it. The lipstick will leave the mark when you close the door. This will show you exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low, you can easily alter the strike plate. If your sliding patio door locks aren't functioning properly they can help keep your home secure from intruders. It is imperative to fix this problem as soon as you can. Follow these simple steps to repair your patio door lock and restore its functionality.