Patio sliding door not locking

54and56

Hi all,

I had a new patio sliding door installed 4 years ago. All has been good with it except recently it won't lock. The lever to keep the door closed works fine but the next step to actually lock the door i.e. turning the thumb latch from the inside or using the patio door key from the outside simply won't complete.

The company who installed it aren't interested in doing a call out which I'd pay for. I've tried calling and emailing but just get fobbed off.

I think I've identified the cause which is that when the door is closed and the latch levered up the little button circled below is not being sufficiently pressed in to enable the lock to deploy. It's being pressed in enough for the lever to work (the lever won't work if the button isn't pressed in) but not the lock.

I've tried closing the door with as much pressure as possible to make sure the seal is as tight as can be without success but if I open the door and manually press the button in by hand not only can I lever up the latch but I can also fully lock the door with either the thumb latch or the external key.

Am I right therefore to say that for whatever reason the button I've circled isn't being sufficiently depressed when the door is fully closed and either the door somehow needs to be adjusted so it closes even tighter than it currently does or the button mechanism needs to be reset so that it is triggered by the normal closing action of the door?

This has been a head scratcher for me for a few weeks which I need to get resolved as I'm not comfortable leaving the back door unlocked at night (the latch can be opened from the outside as well as the inside) and certainly don't want it left unlocked when we go on summer holiday for a couple of weeks in July.

Any thoughts on how I can fix this myself or a recommendation for someone who can do a call out to fix it?

blackbox

Have you tried spraying WD40 or similar on the mechanism and working it in and out a few times?

In an emergency you can usually put a rod in the channel that will prevent the sliding door from being opened (must be the exact length). Even a brush handle cut to the length will do.

phelixoflaherty

you could try and glue something to the jamb. Small coin etc.

this would push the pin back further

10-10-20

The door probably needs adjustment as they sag over time. It needs a specialist or a good DIYer. Disappointing that your installer couldn't be bothered, I had French door trouble recently on a 3 year old door and the company (Keane) sent their repair guy over within 5 days and he had the issue resolved in 20 mins... cost of zero. I was blown away.

54and56

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122167318#Comment_122167318

No, thought I'd get some knowledgeable input here before I start messing srounf with it. WD40 seems like a good starting point.

54and56

Yes, thought of that and might try to jimmy something if I can't effect an actual fix. Not ideal though and only a matter of time before anything glued on will break off with all the opening and closing action.

54and56

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122167531#Comment_122167531

Yes, I do think the door has sagged over time and needs an adjustment but that's beyond my capability. Very disappointed with the installer who are a well-established business and (I thought) a trusted brand.

A 30 minute drop in when someone is in the area (it's not urgent) would either generate a quick maintenance fee or some goodwill marketing (like you have just demonstrated with Keane's) or both. Pretty short-sighted to just give me the cold shoulder when I'm willing to both wait and pay. C'est la vie!!

54and56

Tried WD40 to loosen the mechanism and also tried sticking a clear plastic furniture protection pad to the spot on the Jamb where the trigger button makes contact but no joy from either which is weird. I know manually pressing the trigger button all the way in enables both the close lever and the thumb latch to work correctly.

I also know that the trigger button is sufficiently pressed in when the door is shut to enable the close lever to work but even with a 3mm deep hard plastic furniture protection pad glued against the spot where the trigger button makes contact with the jamb the thumb latch still won't complete the locking process.

How can the trigger button be depressed enough when the door is shut to allow the close lever to work but not the lock?

Confused.com

10-10-20

It might still be that alignment issue where the locking devices are just unable to engage when the door is closed, but can move freely when it's on an open position. Try engaging the lock while pulling up on the handle to offset the weight of the door?

Hibernicis

Pointless going near a “main” installation company. I had similar problems a few years back with two sliding patio doors (20 years old). Spoke to a “reputable” window/door company and they said it was a waste of time servicing it and quoted me for replacement €x, xxx. A friend gave me the name of a lad that services pvc doors and windows. Fixed these two, replacing mechanisms and rollers/bearings, and sorted a few other sticky pvc doors/window issues. Asked for €120 and left smiling with €150 in his hand.

If you Google “patio door service” or “pvc door service” and your county you should get some contact details. And check their reviews and prices before engaging.

Cerco

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122172206#Comment_122172206

As above. Lift the door with the handle as you close it. Keep the pressure while you engage the lock.There may be an issue with the sliding mechanism at the base, Dirt gets under them and causes wear and rusting. They are easy enough to clean and lubricate but you would need another person to help remove the door safely.

54and56

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122172206#Comment_122172206

Check out the big brains on @10-10-20 and @Cerco 😁

I was closing the lever and then trying to pull the door up to activate the thumb latch lock but then @Cerco's message prompted me to lift the door up 'then' lift the lever and then try to activate the lock and bingo that worked 🤗

So, it looks like the door just needs to be adjusted up a little.

I'll find a local independent guy who does this sort of work and get him to do it. At least then I'll know I can call him back etc as that's the business he's in. It's clear the installer I used just wants to install, not maintain. Won't be using them again.

Thanks all, once again the wonderful community of Boardsie's comes to the rescue!!

10-10-20

Lol! Great update.