When It's Time For Patio Door Lock Replacement
If your patio door lock isn't functioning properly, it may be time to replace it. Fortunately, it's a relatively straightforward procedure.
The first step is to determine the kind of lock you've got. This is done by looking at the position of the keyway on the lock assembly. Certain keyways are vertical, while others are at a 45-degree angle.
Identifying your existing lock
The patio door is among the most sought-after points of access to homes for burglars. This is due to the fact that it typically opens to an open or ventilating position, and is often situated in the back of the property making it easy to hide a ladder or other equipment for climbing. This makes the security of your patio doors crucial regardless of whether you wish to prevent children from leaving your property or deter an intruder who is determined to break into your home.
To help you choose the most suitable patio door lock replacement, you should familiarise yourself with your current locks. This will help you identify what type of lock you have, the features it has and what type of security it offers. This is a great step to make prior to shopping for new hardware since it will help ensure that the new lock is perfect and is securely secured.
You can often identify the kind of lock by looking at the outside of the door frame or the inside of the handle. You can also see the type of lock your door has, if it has a latch or it requires a key to open the lock.
The most commonly used lock on uPVC patio door is a euro-style cylinder that can be operated with a handle or a cylinder key. The cylinder is fitted with a sleeve which holds the pin in place and stops it from being removed from the lock. The euro cylinder offers a certain level of security depending on the manufacturer and whether the lock has passed a reputable anti-snap tests, however here at SheffLOCK we always recommend a 3 star diamond certified TS007 ULTION euro-cylinder because it provides more protection from the most recent methods of locking snapping.
A mortise is a locking mechanism that is built into the frame. This type of lock can be found on both aluminum and wood patio doors. If installed correctly, they can be very secure since the bolt is embedded in the frame. This means that a burglar would need to cut the frame of the patio door or window sill prior to gaining access to the lock.
Take a measurement of the Width of Your Door
Patio doors are often the most vulnerable points of entry into your home, especially when they have a lot of glass. Installing locks that are of the highest quality will ensure your home is secure and could save you money on your insurance. The main types of patio door locks are:
There are many different lock options based on design and function. Some come with twisting bolts, cylinder locks that use mortise and key locks with hook latches that are spring loaded.
You can determine the thickness of your current patio door by using a tape measure that you run along the edge of the door, and record the measurement. You can also measure the thickness of your door frame (also known as a jamb) and use the smaller measurement to determine the ideal door lock for your patio.
You must take measurements of the width of the opening prior to installing the patio door. This is the space that the patio door will fit in, and the size that you will need from the manufacturer to purchase the new door. Ask your supplier for assistance or consult our helpful guide if you're not sure what measurement to take.
It is also essential to determine the height of the opening. However, this may be difficult in the event that your floor isn't level. You can try measuring in three locations, at the centre and on both sides and then record the smallest measurement to calculate your height.
Once you have the measurements, you can pick a new lock that will fit your door and your home. Installing an additional security locking system can provide you with additional protection from intruders. For instance, a Patlock handlelock is designed to prevent doors from being opened if it is not secured or locked.
A central rail lock with a key is the best choice for the highest security. The lock bolts the patio door into the frame at multiple points and requires just one turn to lock them all together. These locks provide a higher security level and could reduce the cost of your home insurance.
Check the End-Face Plate
If you're ready to replace your patio door handle you must determine the particulars of the lock you currently have to choose the appropriate replacement upvc door locking mechanism. This will ensure that the new spindle and handle fit properly on the patio door, and that the new latch will fit in the correct hasp of the latch.
The first step is to examine the face plate at the end to determine whether it is round or square. This will help you determine what mortise lock replacement upvc door you have. It is also important to know the size of the screw hole so that you can find the right replacement with your existing screws.
It is also advisable to take a look at the location of your current keyway. There are several different types of patio door locks, and it is vital to know which your lock is currently using so that you can match it to the right keyway opening.
Then, look at the latch keeper on the door jamb to determine how close it is to the edge of the frame. If the latch keeper on the door jamb is far back it will be difficult to catch the latch hasp. The door will not close properly. This can be fixed by adding washers behind the latch keeper.
If you own mortise lock E2105, the latch keeper needs to be at least one inch from the frame edge. You may also want measure the height of your latch holder.
In most cases, your latch holder will be just a bit higher than your current lock's keyway. This is to ensure that it does not interfere with the sliding door's operation.
If the latch keeper is too high, you can reduce the height by tightening the screw or nut on the bottom. Do not overtighten the screw or nut as it could damage the lock mechanism and the door. If the latch holder on your door is too low you can raise it by using an nut or screw on top of the jamb on the door's keeper.
Pay attention to the Screw Holes
Many patio door locks employ a lock bolt to secure the door, whereas others have a key-operated cylinder. Both kinds of locks require regular maintenance to ensure they work properly. To keep your patio door safe, Lowe's offers a wide selection of sliding glass door hardware and locking solutions. You can find a variety of styles of locks, including bolts that turn and cylinder locks that make use of a key and mortise locks with a spring-loaded hook latch.
Some homeowners are unable to lock their patio doors because the latch has fallen off or is not aligned with the strike plate. In some cases the problem could be due to small door movements or water ingress which has affected the movable parts of your lock. In these cases an oil spray may be all that is needed to make your door lock properly.
Begin by taking measurements of the length and width of the lock you have. A ruler or tape measure can be used to measure the measurement and allow you to choose an alternative lock that is of the right size. Next, observe the end face plate to determine whether it is round or square. This is crucial because it lets you choose the right lock using the correct screw hole.
It is also important to take note of the location of the screw holes on your current lock. If the screw holes are at the top or the bottom of the leading edge then an extended bolt is required. The other option is to install a lock that is tamper-proof and has screws that are not removable.
Once you have chosen the lock type that is the best fit for your door, the process of installing it is fairly straightforward. If you're not comfortable installing a replacing patio door lock door lock yourself it is highly recommended to seek out professional help. An experienced locksmith or replacing door locks hardware specialist will be able to provide expert guidance and advice and also ensure that your lock is properly installed. With proper care the patio door locks will prove to be a reliable and effective security feature that will protect you and your family safe from intruders.