When It's Time For Patio Door Lock Replacement
If your patio door lock isn't working correctly, it could be time to replace it. It's a fairly simple process.
The first thing to do is identify the type lock that you own. This can be done by observing the keyway's position 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 frequent point of entry for burglars. It is because the patio door is normally in an open or ventilating mode and is located behind the property, making it easy to conceal a ladder or climbing equipment. This makes securing your patio doors essential whether you are trying to prevent children from escaping your home or deter an intruder who is determined to break into your home.
You should be familiar with the locks you currently have in order to assist you in choosing the most suitable replacement patio door lock. This will let you determine what kind of lock you have, what features it has, and what type of security it provides. This is a great step to take prior to shopping for new hardware since it will help ensure that the new lock fits perfectly and is securely fastened.
In many instances you can determine what kind of lock you have by inspecting the exterior of your door frame or checking the inside of the handle. You can also examine the mechanism that locks your door to determine if it has a latch or if a key is required to open it.
The most popular lock used in uPVC patio doors is a euro-cylinder that operates with either the handle or keys. The cylinder is fitted with an sleeve that keeps the pin inside which stops it from being removed from the lock. The euro cylinder may provide a certain level of security depending on the manufacturer and if the lock has passed the accredited anti snap testing but here at SheffLOCK we recommend a diamond 3 star certified TS007 ULTION euro-cylinder because it provides more protection from the most recent methods of locking snapping.
A mortise is a steel locking mechanism that is integrated into the frame. This kind of lock can be found on both wood and aluminum patio doors. They are extremely secure if they are installed correctly since the bolt is recessing into the frame, so the intruder must cut through the frame and window sill to gain access to the lock.
Take note of the width of your door
Patio doors are often the most vulnerable points of entry into your home, particularly when they have a lot of glass. Installing locks that are of the highest quality can make your home more secure and you could save money on your insurance. The main types of patio door lock are:
Based on the design and function you're seeking, there are a variety of different locks available. Some come with twisting bolts or cylinder locks that employ mortise and key locks with spring-loaded hook latch.
Use a tape measure along the edge of your patio door to measure the thickness. It is also a good idea to measure the thickness of the door frame (known as a jamb) in several places, and use the smallest figure to determine which patio door lock type is the best for you.
If you're installing a new patio door, then you must measure of the rough opening width. This is the opening the patio door will fit in, and the size that you'll require from the manufacturer to get an entirely new one. If you're not sure how to measure you need to ask your supplier for assistance or consult our helpful guide:
You should also determine the approximate height of your opening, but this can be a challenge because the floor of your home might not be level. You can measure at three different locations, the at the centre and on both sides and then record the smallest measurement to calculate your height.
Once you've got your measurements, you can select the lock that is appropriate for your home and door. Installing an additional security locking system will give you additional protection from intruders. For instance, a Patlock handlelock is designed to prevent the door from being opened if it's not locked or latched.
A central rail lock with a key is the best option to ensure maximum security. It locks the patio door at a variety of points, and requires only one turn of the key. These offer a much higher level of security than standard locks and should result in a reduction in your home insurance costs.
Examine the end-face plate
When you are ready to replace the handle on your patio door, you need to identify the specifics of your current lock to choose the 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 latch hasp properly.
First, look at the face plate at the end to determine whether it is square or round. This will allow you to identify the mortise locks you own. It is also important to note the screw size to ensure that you find a replacement that fits your existing screws.
patio door lock replacement is also advisable to take a look at the position of your existing 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 from the frame, it will be difficult to get it caught in the latch's hasp and the door won't shut properly. Fortunately, this issue can be corrected by adding washers or a shim to the back of the latch keeper on the jamb.
If you have an E2105 mortise lock the latch keeper must be approximately 1 inch from the edge of the frame. You might also want to take a measurement of the height of the latch holder to ensure it is at the correct level.
In most cases the latch holder will be a bit higher than the keyway opening of your existing lock. This is to make sure that it does not interfere with your sliding door's operation.
If the latch keeper is too high, you can lower the height by tightening the screw or nut at the bottom. You should not overtighten the screw as it could damage the lock mechanism and the door. If the latch holder on your door is too low, you can raise it using screws or nuts on the top of the jamb on the door's keeper.
Pay attention to the Screw Holes
A lot of patio door locks utilize a lock bolt to secure the door, whereas others use a key-operated cylinder. Both kinds of locks require regular maintenance to ensure that they function properly. Lowe's offers a range of sliding glass door locks and hardware to help secure your patio door. You can select from a wide selection of lock styles, including bolts with a twist, cylinder locks that use a key, and mortise locking systems that have hook latches.
Certain homeowners are unable to lock their patio doors due to the latch has fallen off or is not aligned with the strike plate. In some cases the problem could result from small shifts in the door or from water intrusion that has affected the movable parts of the lock. In these cases, a little light oil could be all that's required to make your door lock properly.
Begin by taking measurements of the width and length of your existing lock. A tape measure or ruler can be used to accurately determine the measurement that will let you select a replacement lock that is of the right size. After that, examine the face plate to determine whether it is round or square. This is important because it helps you choose the right lock using the correct screw hole type.
Also, you'll need to note the location of the screw holes in your current lock. If they are at the top or bottom of the leading edge, then a replacement with an extended bolt will be essential. Installing a tamper proof lock that has a screw that is not removable 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 seek professional assistance in case you are uncertain about putting in a patio lock. An experienced locksmith or door hardware expert can offer expert guidance and advice and also ensure that your lock is properly installed. If you take care of it the patio door locks will prove to be an effective and reliable security feature that will ensure that you and your family are secure from burglars.