DIY step-by-step instructions for repairing and replacing a lock in a plastic door

Plastic doors, due to the peculiarities of the material, require repair earlier than wooden doors. Such products do not tolerate mechanical stress, and with regular use they require constant adjustment of the hinges. And after prolonged operation, you will have to resort to replacing the lock on the plastic balcony door. Moreover, each of these procedures can be performed independently.

Methods of repairing major breakdowns

It is usually necessary to repair plastic doors for the following reasons:

• non-compliance with operating rules;
• the structure was mounted in violation of the installation technology;
• lack of proper care;
• negligent operation;
• sudden changes in temperature;
• prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

The frequency of repair directly depends on the quality of the materials from which the door is made and the fittings. The latter plays a decisive role in the life of the product.

Depending on the cause and type of failure, sealant, sealant, a new glass unit (if cracks are detected) and a defective part may be required to eliminate the malfunction.

Replacement of the handle

Handles break, mainly due to careless attitude to the door or poor-quality fittings. The design of this piece consists of an L-shaped plastic handle and a pin that fits inside the canvas and opens/closes the lock. If the handle is broken, to replace the fittings you will need to do the following:

1. Align the handle horizontally and slide the plastic sheet covering the clips.
2. Using a screwdriver, unscrew the screws and pull the handle towards you and remove the pin.
3. Align the new handle horizontally and insert it into the hole in the door.
4. Tighten the mounting bolts with a Phillips screwdriver and close the decorative trim.

After installation, it is recommended to turn the handle several times, to check the operation of the locking mechanism.

The sash opens in two positions and does not close

Plastic doors, due to design features, are often locked simultaneously in the swing and tilt positions. Such a malfunction occurs at the moment when the handle is turned vertically (the handle should be directed upwards). During this process, a corner of the chassis falls out of the attachment point and jams.

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This malfunction is eliminated in two stages. First, you need to press the sagging upper corner towards the balcony opening. Then you need to move the handle to a horizontal position.In order to prevent similar situations from happening in the future, it is recommended to purchase and install locks on the door.

The door is locked and does not open

This situation arises for various reasons. But in each case, to eliminate the malfunction, you will need to pull the door towards you, grabbing the upper right corner. At the same time, you need to move the handle to a horizontal position. Thanks to these actions, the situation described in the previous paragraph will occur. That is, the sash will open in two positions. After that, you need to press the upper right corner of the door, first turn the handle up, and then to a horizontal position.

Cracking and seizing

A squeak in a balcony door often occurs due to a lack of lubrication in the hinges and the locking mechanism. To eliminate unpleasant noise, it is necessary to treat the fittings with engine oil or another similar liquid. It is forbidden to use products containing acids or resins for this procedure.

If the door sticks constantly, this may indicate a drawdown of the canvas. This happens after many years of operation of the structure and is due to natural reasons. To eliminate this malfunction, you need to adjust the bolts located in the upper and lower hinges using a hexagon. While carrying out this procedure, it is recommended to constantly check how much the door has been raised (lowered or deviated) from the initial level. This approach avoids unnecessary work and saves time.

Avoid the cold

Plastic doors, compared to wooden doors, better protect the interior from the cold. But over time, the canvas ceases to perform its functions.

Insufficient tightening

This problem occurs because users do not follow the manufacturer's recommendations. The latter insist that the plastic doors must be adjusted with each change of season. It is recommended to tighten the corresponding bolts as much as possible for the winter, and to loosen them in the summer.

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If, as the temperature decreases, the cold begins to enter the room from the balcony, it is necessary to check the degree of support of the canvas on the jamb and, if necessary, adjust the position of the opening. To do this, you need to install the hexagon in the corresponding socket in each eccentric of the locking mechanisms and turn the parts.

How to replace the seal

If, after adjusting the pressure, the door continues to pass cold, then the reason lies in the gasket. The latter frays or cracks over time. To replace the gasket, you must do the following:

1. Open the door and turn the handle to the up position.
2. Remove the old gasket starting at the top corner.
3. Remove accumulated dirt with a soft cloth and detergent.
4. Once the strip is dry, lay a new joint so that the pieces of material meet at the corners or in the center of the end.
5. Treat the seam with rubber glue and, pressing firmly, fix it to the surface. The protruding pieces of material should be leveled with scissors or nippers.
6. Return the door leaf to its normal position.

It is recommended to carry out the described procedure at a positive temperature. In winter, the seal does not stick firmly.

If the glass is broken or cracked

If the glass is damaged, it is recommended to replace the bag with a new one.This is explained by the fact that over time new cracks will go to the sides from the location of the defect. And in some cases, due to such damage, the glass breaks, which can lead to injuries.

To remove a window, you must first remove the plastic glazing beads. This will require a sharp knife or chisel. It is recommended to start the procedure with a long glazing bead. After removing these components, insert a riving knife or other suitable object between the glass and the door leaf and remove the damaged window. Then, the support pads must be placed on the lower part of the opening. After that, you can install a new window. Rubber gaskets should also be placed on top of the glass.

At the end of the installation, check the level. If no anomaly is found, the glazing beads can be reassembled.

How to adjust the hinges

The hinges are firmly pressed to the canvas, therefore, this part rarely requires repair. Hinges, in addition to the standard function, are also used in plastic doors. With this part you can adjust the position of the leaf horizontally, vertically and cantilever. For the first, you need to insert a hex wrench into the bolt on the end of the bottom hinge. At the top there is another similar element, through which you can adjust the vertical position of the sash.

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Removing scratches and chips

Liquid plastic is used to seal minor flaws. To remove scratches and chips, you will need:

1. Treat areas where minor defects are detected with soapy water.
2. After drying, treat the canvas with the cleaner supplied with the liquid plastic.This material removes grease from the surface and at the same time primes the door.
3. Fill cracks and chips with liquid plastic, leveling the surface with a rubber trowel. At the end of the work, it is recommended to wipe the material with a paper towel (the use of fabric or synthetic in this case is prohibited).

If traces of corrosion are found on the metal parts of the balcony door, the rust should be treated with WD-40. This tool is also used to remove squeaks from hinges and locking mechanisms.

Rules of operation

To avoid breakage of plastic doors, the following recommendations must be observed:

1. Periodically treat the locking mechanisms and hinges with oil and putty with a suitable spray, which is sold in specialized stores or companies that install plastic windows.
2. Regularly check the fastening of the door handle and retighten the bolts if necessary.
3. Adjust the hinges if the door is loose.
4. When opening and closing the door, turn the handle fully.
5. Do not use excessive force when opening and closing the door.
6. Do not lean on the glass.

It is also recommended to adjust the door pressure levels at the start of each season. This will prevent cold from entering the room. If more serious problems arise (broken hinges, loose welds, etc.), you should contact a company that installs plastic structures.