When It's Time For Patio Door Lock Replacement
If your patio door lock isn't working properly, it may be time to replace lock on patio door it. It's an easy procedure.
The first step is to identify the type of lock you've got. This is done by looking at the position of the keyway on the lock assembly. Some keyways are vertical, while others have an angle of 45 degrees.
Identifying your existing lock
The patio door is a popular point of entry for burglars. This is due to the fact that the patio door is normally in an open or ventilating mode and is situated behind the home, making it easy to hide an equipment for climbing or a ladder. This makes securing your patio doors crucial whether you are trying to keep children from leaving your property or deter a determined burglar.
To assist you in selecting the ideal patio door lock replacement, you should be familiar with your current locks. This will allow you to determine what kind of lock you have, the features it has and what type of security it offers. This is an excellent step to make prior to shopping for new hardware as it will ensure that the new lock fits perfectly and is securely secured.
In many instances you can determine what kind of lock you have by observing the exterior of your door's frame, or by looking inside the handle. You can also determine what sort of locking mechanism your door is equipped with, if it has a latch or if it requires a key to engage the lock.
The most commonly used lock in upvc door locking mechanism replacement patio doors is a euro-cylinder that is operated with the handle or keys. The cylinder has an enclosure that holds the pin inside which stops it from being removed from the lock. The euro cylinder may provide some degree of security depending on the manufacturer and if the lock has passed accredited anti snap testing but here at SheffLOCK we recommend a diamond 3 star accredited TS007 ULTION euro cylinder because it provides more protection from the most recent methods of locking snapping.
A mortise lock is a steel lock that is incorporated into the frame of the patio door. This type of lock is available on both aluminum and wood patio doors. If they are installed correctly they are secure since the bolt is recessed in the frame. This means that an intruder would have to cut the patio door frame or window sill to gain access to the lock.
Take a measurement of the Width of Your Door
Patio doors can be the most vulnerable entry point into your home. This is especially true if you own a lot of glass. Installing locks that are of the highest quality will make your home safer and will save you the cost of insurance. Locks for patio doors are generally of two kinds:
Based on the design and function you're seeking, there are a variety of various lock options to choose from. Some come with twisting bolts, cylinder locks that use a key and mortise locks with hook latches that are spring loaded.
You can measure the thickness of your existing patio door by using a tape measure to run across the entire length of the door and then record the measurement. It's recommended to measure the thickness of the frame of the composite door replacement lock (known as a jamb) in several places, and take the smallest measurement to help to determine which lock type is the most suitable for you.
You should measure the opening width before installing the patio door. This is the area the door will be able to fit into and is the size that the manufacturer will require to supply you with a brand new door. Ask your supplier for help or consult our helpful guide if you're not sure what measurement to take.
It is also important to determine the height of the opening, but this can be difficult in the event that your floor isn't level. You can take measurements in three locations, the centre along both sides, and the corners, and then record the smallest measurement to get your height.
Once you've got the measurements, you can select the lock that will be a good fit for your door and home. You can also install an auxiliary security lock to provide extra security against burglars, such as a Patlock handle lock, which is designed to prevent the door being opened if it's not locked or latched.
For the best security, a central rail key-operated lock is a great option. This locks the patio door at multiple points and only requires one turn of the key. These locks offer a higher security level and could lower your home insurance costs.
Examine the End-Face Plate
It is important to know the exact details of your existing lock to determine the best replacement. This will ensure that the new handle and spindle fit for the door and that the new latch can be secured by the latch's hasp.
You can identify the kind of mortise lock you own by looking at the end-faceplate. This will allow you to identify the mortise lock type you own. It is important to note the screw hole size so that you can find an alternative that is compatible with the screws you have already.
It is also advisable to take a look at the position of your existing keyway. There are many different types of patio door locks. It is essential to know what type of lock is to match it with the appropriate keyway opening.
Next, examine the latch jamb of your door to see how to replace upvc door lock close it is to the edge of the frame. If the latch keeper is too far away, it's difficult to catch in the latch hasp and the door will not close properly. Fortunately, this can be fixed by adding washers or a shim in front of the latch keeper on the door jamb.
If you have an E2105 mortise lock the latch keeper must be at least 1 inch from the edge of the frame. You may also want to measure the size of the latch holder.
In most instances, the latch holder will be a bit higher than the keyway opening on your current lock. This is to ensure that it will not interfere with the operation of the sliding door.
If your latch keeper isn't at the right height, you can lower it by inserting a screw or nut into the bottom of the keeper and tightening it. Do not overtighten the screw because it may damage the lock mechanism and the door. If your latch holder is too low, you can raise it by using an nut or screw at the top of the keeper on the door jamb.
Be sure to check the screw holes
Certain patio door locks employ bolts to secure the doors, while others utilize the key-operated lock cylinder. Both types of locks need regular maintenance in order to function properly. Lowe's has a variety of sliding glass door locks and hardware to secure your patio door. There are a variety of lock styles, including bolts that twist and cylinder locks that utilize a key and mortise locks with spring-loaded hook latches.
Some homeowners are unable lock their patio doors because the latch has fallen down or is not aligned with the strike plate. In some instances the issue could stem from small shifts in the door or from water intrusion that has impacted the moveable parts of the lock. In these situations, a small amount of light oil could be all that's needed for the door to lock.
The best place to start is to measure the width of your current lock. You can use tape measure or a ruler to accurately measure this measurement. This will allow you to select a replacement lock of the correct size. Next, look at the end faceplate to determine if it's square or round. This is important because it helps you choose the right lock using the correct screw hole type.
Also, you will want to note the location of the screw holes in your existing lock. If the screw holes are at the top or the bottom of the leading edge, then an extended bolt is required. Installing a tamper-proof lock with a screw that cannot be removed is another option.
The installation process is relatively straightforward once you have selected the lock that's ideal for your door. It is always recommended to get help from a professional in case you are uncertain about the installation of the patio lock. A professional locksmith or door hardware expert can provide professional advice and ensure that the lock has been installed correctly. Your patio door locks can be a secure security option for you and your family members if they are maintained properly.