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Patio Door Lock Repairs Over time, patio door wear and tear could cause lock malfunctions. Fortunately, there are several simple and efficient ways to restore your uPVC patio door's security. These quick fixes will ensure your home is secure regardless of whether you re-align the lock or clean the locking mechanism. Clean the Lock Although patio doors are a great way to let the outside in and keep out the elements but they can also pose security risks when your lock isn't functioning as it should. With time, wear and tear, cold and hot weather dirt and debris can cause damage to the lock of your patio door and make it difficult to open. Fortunately, with some minor maintenance, you can ensure your patio door's locks will always function effectively. It's important to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This will help get rid of any grime and coatings that may hinder the lock from working in the way it should. Start by wiping all the moving parts of your patio door lock using a damp cloth. Then apply sliding glass patio door replacement cost scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the door and frame. Then, wipe the lock down with a dry towel to remove any remaining moisture. Let it air dry before you use it. If your patio door is equipped with pin-tumbler latches You can apply powdered Graphite to 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 as time passes. If you're not able to locate the right lubricant for your needs, you might try using a pencil with a thick tip. Place the pencil in the lock and move it around a bit to distribute the graphite. Regular maintenance is also essential to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free of dust, dirt and debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow and ice, which can cause them to be stuck or jammed which makes it difficult for your patio doors to open and close. You can clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio doors by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it, and then replace it. The rollers for patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed with an oil that is non-stick. Lubricate the moving parts uPVC French Doors, similar to sliding patios, are operated using 3 to 4, or sometimes, 5 points locking mechanisms. This includes the handle and lock cylinder that is operated by keys. These doors require maintenance, the lubrication of moving parts. This can be accomplished using an oil that is thin (never WD40) and should be done every year. If sagging hinges don't cause the issue it could be because the door is misaligned. It may be rubbing or catching the hole of the strike plate in the frame. Take off the strike plate and use a sharp tool to enlarge the mortise. This will permit the latch to fit properly into the hole and prevent it from scratching against the frame. Find the width of the cylinder with an object of wood or a book that is able to fit into the space above the adjustment screw. 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 to the end of the cylinder. Check the width of the lock. If your patio door latch is difficult to turn even after cleaning and oiling it could be because it is not aligned with the strike plate. Make sure that your door is balanced, and if the hinge screws are tight. In many instances, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can fix the problem. The latch may not be able to engage properly when the strike of the lock is too small. In this case, enlarge the opening with a chisel and hammer. Then, test the latch so that it doesn't touch the door jamb frame or catch the frame. It is important to identify the type of mortise lock that you are using before you purchase the replacement. You can do this by looking at the faceplate on the lock and determining whether it is round or square. Take a look at each screw hole in the existing lock, and note their size. This will assist you in finding a replacement that is the same width and is a perfect fit for your existing hole. In addition to identifying the mortise lock that is currently in use, you'll also want to inspect it for any scratches or bends that may require repairing. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that has been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if you notice indications of damage. After you've determined the type of lock replacement that you require, it's now time to start the actual repair. Take the old handle and spindle from your patio door, and then insert the new one. Begin by installing the interior handle, aligning it with the spindle, and then securing it in place by using the two screws or bolts that secure it. Once the interior handle is in, install the handle on the outside and screw it into the position as well. After you've completed the steps then you can test the new handles to make sure they open and close easily and that the latch locks correctly when you strike the plate. Check the Strike on the door. The strike plate and the door latch are two pieces that work together to lock the door. An incorrectly aligned strike plate and door latches can result in the latch not being able to latch the door properly. Fortunately, this problem is usually easy to correct. Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to make sure they are clear of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Remove the screws that hold the strike plate. This allows it to move horizontally, but not separate it from the 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 then tighten the screws and then test the door to determine whether it locks smoothly after the new adjustment. Door strike plates can be difficult to access for homeowners with sliding patio doors, however they're crucial for locking and unlocking your door. The metal plates are situated at the top and bottom jambs of your door, which are where they help support the latch. The door latch slides onto the strike plate and forms the seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not installed correctly, it may stop the latch from locking the door securely. A misalignment of the strike plate and latch is the most common reason for the patio lock not to close or remain in place. This can be confirmed using the “lipstick” test. Apply some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt, then cover it with masking tape. When you close the door, the lipstick will leave an impression on the tape, showing exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low you can easily alter the strike plate. The sliding patio door locks keep your home safe from intruders, and if they're not working correctly, you must solve the issue fast. By following these easy steps, you can fix your patio door's lock and regain its functionality within a short time.