12 Facts About Patio Door Lock Repair To Get You Thinking About The Water Cooler

patio door repairs

Over time, patio doors go through wear and tear that could cause lock malfunctions. There are a few basic steps you can follow to ensure the security of your uPVC door.

Whether it's realigning the lock or cleaning the locking mechanism, these quick fixes can help you make your home more secure.

Clean the Lock

Patio doors are great for letting the outdoors in while keeping the elements out. However, they can be risky for security if the lock doesn't work properly. With time, wear and tear, cold and hot weather dirt, and other debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With some minor maintenance you can make sure that your patio door's locks will always work effectively.

To begin with, it's crucial to clean your patio door's lock and all the moving parts. This helps flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that could hinder the lock from functioning in the way it should. Start by wiping all the moving parts of your patio door lock using an aqueous cloth. Then, use a scouring cloth or a 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 get rid of any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before using it.

If you have a patio door that uses pin tumbler latch mechanisms, you can grease the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or by using an lubricant based on Teflon like WD-40 Multi-Use. This type of lubricant can be easy to apply, and doesn't break down with time. If you are unable to locate a suitable lubricant you can try using a pencil with an extremely sharp tip. Place the pencil into the lock, and shake it around to distribute the graphite.

Regular maintenance is also essential to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear of dust, dirt and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to ice and snow which could cause them to be stuck or jammed which makes it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.

Sliding patio door track rails and rollers can be cleaned by removing weather stripping that is damaged or dirty, cleaning them, then replacing it. Patio door rollers can also be cleaned and sprayed with a nonstick lubricant.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC french doors, similar to sliding patio doors, operate using 3 to 4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms which include the lock cylinder and handle operated by the key. They also require maintenance, and specifically lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished with the use of a thin oil however, never WD40. It is recommended to do it every year, at a minimum.

If sagging hinges don't cause the problem it could be because the door is not aligned. It could be rubbing or catching against the strike plate's hole in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate and use an abrasive chisel, which will enlarge the mortise it rests in. This will permit the latch to fit properly into the hole, and prevent it from hitting the frame.


Once the cylinder is cleared of the way take a measurement of its width using the help of a book or piece wood that will fit in the adjustment screw gap above the lock. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the center of the cylinder, while the inner dimension 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 isn't able to turn even after cleaning and lubricating, it's possible that it's not in alignment with the strike plate hole. Make sure that your door is balanced, and that the hinge screws are secure. In most cases, however, simply moving the strike plate upwards or downwards will fix the problem.

Most of the time, the issue occurs when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to engage. In this instance you'll have to increase 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 smoothly without rubbing against or landing on the door's frame jamb.

You should identify the type mortise lock that you have before purchasing the replacement. You can do this by taking a look at the faceplate of the lock and determining whether it is square or round. Examine each screw hole on the existing lock, and note their size. This information will aid you in finding a replacement that is the same size and fits perfectly into your existing hole.

You'll need to identify the mortise lock and inspect it for any scratches, bends, or other damage that need to be repaired. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that's frequently used to break. Replace the lock if you notice evidence of damage.

After you've determined the type of lock replacement you need, it's now time to begin the actual repair. Take the old handle and spindle out of your patio door, and then install the new one. Start by putting in the interior handle, aligning it with the spindle, and then securing it with the two bolts or screws that secure it. Once the handle's interior is in, install the exterior handle and screw it in place, too. After you've completed these steps you can test the new handles to ensure that they can be opened and closed easily and that the latch catches correctly with the strike plate.

Check the Door's Strike

The door latch and strike plate are the two parts of the lock that work together to ensure that the latch is secure the door. If these parts aren't aligned correctly and the latch isn't latching the door properly. This is typically easy to fix.

First, inspect the strike plate's receiving holes to make sure they are free of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Remove the screws that hold the strike plate in place. This will allow it to move vertically but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Adjust the strike plate to align its holes for receiving with latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted then tighten the screws and test the door to see whether it shuts easily with the new adjustment.

Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to access for homeowners who have sliding patio doors, but they are essential for locking and unlocking your door. The metal plates are typically located on the top and bottom of the door jamb, which is where they are used to support the door's latch. Then, the door latch is able to slide into the strike plate, creating a seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not properly installed, it could hinder the latch from locking the door securely.

One of the most common reasons for an outdoor door lock to become stuck or not close is a misalignment between the latch and strike plate. The easiest method to check for this is by performing the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt and apply masking tape over it. The lipstick will leave a mark when you shut the door. This will indicate exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high it is possible to alter the strike plate.

If your sliding patio door locks are not working properly they could be a problem in keeping your home secure from intruders. You need to fix this problem as soon as possible. Follow these steps to fix your patio door lock and restore its functionality.

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Pub: 01 May 2024 11:28 UTC
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