When It's Time For Patio Door Lock Replacement
If your patio door lock isn't operating well, it might be time to replace it. It's a fairly simple procedure.
The first step is to identify the kind of lock you have. You can do this by observing the position of the keyway within the lock assembly. Some keyways are vertical, while others are bent at 45 degrees.
Identifying your existing lock
The patio door is one of the most sought-after points of entry into homes for burglars. This is due to the fact that it typically opens into an open or ventilating position. It is often located at the back of the house, making it easy to hide an incline or other equipment for climbing. This makes securing your patio doors essential whether you are trying to keep children from leaving your property or deter an intruder who is determined to break into your home.
To help you choose the best replacement for your patio door lock you should be familiar with the locks you have. This will allow you to determine what kind of lock you currently have, the features it has and what kind of security it offers. This is an important step to consider before buying new hardware. It will ensure that the new lock is properly installed and securely fastened.
It is often possible to determine the type of lock by looking at the exterior of the door frame or the inside of the handle. You can also examine the locking mechanism of your door, whether it has a latch, and if a key is required to engage it.
The most popular lock used in uPVC patio doors is a euro-cylinder that is operated by either a handle or a key. The cylinder is fitted with an sleeve that keeps the pin inside which stops it from being removed from the lock. The euro cylinder offers some degree of security, based on the manufacturer and whether the lock has passed a reputable anti snap testing but here at SheffLOCK we recommend a 3 star diamond accredited TS007 ULTION euro cylinder as it offers far more protection from the most recent methods of snapping locks.
A mortise is a type of steel locking system that is built into the frame. This style of lock is found on both aluminum and wood patio doors. If installed correctly, they can be very safe as the bolt is recessed in the frame. This means that a burglar would have to cut the frame of the patio door or window sill before gaining access to the lock.
Find out the width of your door
Patio doors are the most vulnerable entry point into your home. This is particularly true if you have lots of glass. Installing locks of high quality will ensure your home is secure and could save you money on insurance. The main types of patio door lock are:
Based on the style and function you're after, there are many various lock options to choose from. Some locks have bolts which twist, cylinders that utilize a lock key and mortise locking systems that have hook latches.
Use a tape measure around the edge of your patio door to note the thickness. It is recommended to determine the thickness of the frame of the door (known as a jamb) in several places and then use the smallest figure to to determine which lock type will be best for you.
If you are installing a new patio door, then you should take a measure of the rough opening width. This is the opening that the patio door will fit into, and the size that you will need from the manufacturer in order to purchase the new door. Ask your supplier for assistance or consult our helpful guide if you're unsure what measurement to take.
It is also important to measure the rough opening height however this can be tricky since the floor of your home might not be level. You could measure in three areas in the middle, the centre along both sides, and the corners, and then take the smallest measurement to get your height.
Once you've got the measurements, you can select the right lock to fit your door and your home. You can also install an additional security lock to give you additional protection against intruders such as a patlock handle lock designed to prevent the door from being opened if it's not locked or latched.
For maximum security For maximum security, a central rail-operated key-operated lock is a great option. It locks the door of your patio into the frame at various points and requires 1 turn to lock them all together. They offer a greater level of security than basic locks and could result in a reduction in your home insurance costs.
Check the end-face plate
If you're looking to replace the handle on your patio door you must determine the specifics of the lock you currently have in order to select an appropriate replacement. This will ensure that your new handle and spindle fit correctly on the door, and that your new latch is secured in the correct hasp of the latch.
First, look at the face plate at the end to determine if it's round or square. This will allow you to determine the type of mortise lock you are using. It is important to note the screw hole size so you can find the right replacement with your existing screws.
It is also important to examine the location of your current keyway. There are a variety of patio door locks and it is essential to know which your current lock has so that you can match it with the correct keyway opening.
Examine the latch keeper on the edge of your door jamb. If the latch keeper is too far away it will be difficult to grasp the latch hasp and the door will not close properly. This can be corrected by putting washers behind the latch keeper.
If you own an E2105 mortise lock the latch keeper should be approximately 1 inch away from the edge of the frame. You might also want to measure the height of your latch holder.
In the majority of instances the latch holder will be slightly higher than the keyway opening of your existing lock. This is to ensure that it does not interfere with the operation of your sliding door.
If your latch keeper is not at the right height, you can lower it by inserting an nut or screw into the bottom of the keeper and tightening it. Be cautious not to tighten too much this screw, as it could cause damage to the lock mechanism or the door. If the latch holder is too high, you can raise the latch holder by tightening a nut screw at the top of the keeper on the jamb.
Observe the Screw Holes
Some patio door locks use bolts to secure the doors, while others utilize a key-operated lock cylinder. Both types of locks need regular maintenance to function correctly. To keep your patio door secure, Lowe's offers a wide range of sliding glass door hardware and locking solutions. You can pick from a wide selection of styles for locks, including bolts with twist, cylinder locks with a key and mortise locking systems with a hook latch.
Some homeowners have trouble getting their patio door to lock because the latch has dropped or isn't aligning with the strike plate (also known as the jamb of the door). In some instances the issue could stem from minor alterations in the door or from water intrusion that has affected the movable parts of the lock. In these situations the use of a tiny amount of light oil might suffice to make the door lock.
Begin by taking measurements of the length and width of the lock you have. A tape measure or ruler can be used to precisely measure this measurement that will enable you to select the lock replacement that is the correct size. Next, look at the faceplate on the top to determine if it's square or round. This is important because it will help you choose a new lock that has the right screw hole.
Also, you'll need to be aware of the position of the screw holes in your current lock. If the screw holes are at the top or bottom of the leading edge then an extended bolt is required. upvc door locking mechanism replacement is to install a lock that is tamper-proof and has screws that are not removable.
The process of installing the lock is simple once you've selected the lock that is best suited to your door. It is recommended that you seek professional assistance when you aren't sure about putting in a patio lock. An experienced locksmith or door hardware specialist will be able to provide professional guidance and advice, as well as ensure that your lock is properly installed. If taken care of the patio door locks will prove to be an effective and reliable security feature that will keep you and your family safe from intruders.