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Patio Door Lock Repairs Over time, patio door wear and tear could cause lock malfunctions. There are fortunately, a number of easy and efficient ways to restore your uPVC patio door's security. Whether it's realigning the lock or cleaning the mechanism that locks these simple fixes will make your home more secure. Clean the Lock Although patio doors are a great option to bring the outside in and keep out the elements however, they can also pose an issue for security when your lock isn't functioning as it should. Over time, wear and tear, cold and hot weather dirt and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little maintenance, you can ensure the locks on your patio door always function properly. In the beginning, it's crucial to clean your patio door's lock and all its moving parts. This will help flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that may hinder the lock from working as it should. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts of your patio door's lock with a damp cloth, then make use of a scouring pad, or a rough damp cloth to scrub any difficult-to-access parts of the door and frame that are ingrained with dirt. Then wipe the lock with a dry cloth to remove any remaining moisture. Let it air dry before you use it. If you have an exterior door that is fitted with pin tumbler latch mechanisms, you can lubricate the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or by using an lubricant based on Teflon like WD-40 Multi-Use. This kind of lubricant is easy to apply, and doesn't break down with time. If you're unable find the right lubricant for your lock, use a pencil with more of a thicker tip. Put the pencil into the lock and move it around to distribute the graphite. Regular maintenance is also essential to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear from dust, dirt and debris. These tracks can be especially susceptible to snow and ice, which can cause them to be stuck or jammed and make it difficult for your patio doors to open and close. Clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio doors by removing any weather stripping that is damaged or dirty. Clean it and replace it. The same applies for patio door rollers, which can be wiped down and then sprayed with a non-stick lubricant that will allow them to move freely. Lubricate the moving parts uPVC french doors, which are similar to sliding patio doors, operate with 3-4 or sometimes five-point locking mechanisms, which include the lock cylinder and handle controlled by the key. These doors also need maintenance, specifically lubrication on the moving parts. This can be done using a thin oil (never WD40) and is recommended to be done at least once per year. If sagging hinges aren't the cause, the door could be misaligned and caught or hitting the strike plate hole in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate and then use an abrasive chisel to increase the size of the mortise it rests in. This allows the latch to fit perfectly in the hole and prevents rubbing or catching on the frame. While the cylinder is out of the way, measure its width with the help of a book or piece wood that will fit in the gap between the adjustment screw and the lock. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of door to the center cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder. Verify the lock's width If your patio door latch isn't able to turn, even after cleaning and lubricating, it's possible that it's not in alignment with the strike plate hole. Check to see if the door is in balance and whether the hinge screws are tight, but in many cases shifting the strike plate upwards or downwards could fix the problem. The latch may not be able to engage properly when the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this situation, you'll need to enlarge the opening using either a hammer or chisel, and then test the latch to make sure that it is able to engage the strike plate without rubbing against or catching on the frame of the door jamb. Before purchasing a new lock, it is important to identify the type of mortise lock you currently have. upvc patio door repairs can do this by looking at the faceplate on the lock and determining whether it is round or square. Examine each screw hole on the existing lock and note the size. This information will allow you to find a replacement lock that is exactly the same width and will fit into the hole you have already. You'll want to identify the mortise lock and examine it for any bends, scratches or other damage that requires to be repaired. A bent or damaged latch is more likely to break than one that hasn't been utilized often, so make sure to replace the lock with a brand new secure and safe version in the event you notice any signs of damage or wear. After you've examined the lock and decided on the type of replacement you'll need then it's time to begin working on the actual repair. Remove the handle and spindle out of your patio door, and then insert the new one. Begin by installing the handle inside by aligning it with the spindle and then securing it in place with the two screws or bolts that secure it. Once the handle in the interior is in, install the handle on the outside and screw it in place, too. After you've completed the steps you can test the new handles to make sure they can be opened and closed easily and that the latch is catching properly with the strike plate. Check the Strike on the door. The strike plate and door latch are two components that work together to lock the door. Misaligned strike plate and door latch will result in the latch not being able to latch the door in a proper manner. This issue is usually easy to solve. First, inspect the holes in the strike plate's receiving to ensure that they are clear of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the screws that keep the strike plate in place and allow it to move vertically but not detaching it from the door frame. Adjust the strike plate to align its receiving holes with the latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted, tighten the screws and test the door to determine if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment. These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However they are crucial to secure and unlock your door. These metal 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 not installed correctly, it may prevent the latch from locking the door securely. A misalignment of the latch and strike plate is the most common reason for the patio lock to not close or stick. The easiest way to check for this is to perform the “lipstick test.” Apply some lipstick on the edge of the deadbolt, then attach masking tape over it. The lipstick will leave an impression when you close the door. This will indicate exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high, you can easily alter the strike plate. If your patio door locks for sliding aren't functioning properly, they can keep your home safe from burglars. You must repair the issue as soon as you can. Follow these simple steps to fix your patio door lock and restore its function.