When It's Time For Patio Door Lock Replacement
If your patio door lock doesn't work properly, it could be time to replace it. It's an easy process.
The first thing you have to determine is the type of lock you have. You can do this by looking at the position of the keyway in the lock assembly. Some have vertical keyways, while others are bent at 45 degrees.
Identifying your current lock
The patio door is a popular point of entry for burglars. This is due to the fact that it typically opens to an open or ventilating position. It is often situated at the back of the property making it easy to conceal an incline or other equipment for climbing. This makes the security of your patio doors important whether you are trying to prevent children from leaving your home or deter an intruder who is determined to break into your home.
To help you select the most suitable replacement for your patio door lock, you should familiarise yourself with your current locks. This will allow you to identify the type of lock, the features and security level. This is a great step to take before you start looking for new hardware as it will help ensure that your new lock fits perfectly and is securely fastened.
It is often possible to identify the type of lock by looking at the exterior of the door frame or the inside of the handle. You can also check the mechanism that locks your door, if it has a latch, and the need for a key to engage it.
The most common lock used in uPVC patio doors is a euro-cylinder that operates with either a handle or a key. The cylinder has an sleeve that holds the pin in place and prevents it from being removed from the lock. The euro cylinder offers 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 as it offers far more protection against the latest methods of lock snapping.
A mortise lock is a steel lock that is built into the frame of the patio door. This kind of lock can be used on wood and aluminum patio doors. They are extremely secure if they are installed correctly since the bolt is embedded into the frame and the intruder has to cut through the frame and window sill to gain access to the lock.
Find out the width of your door
Patio doors are the most vulnerable entry point into your home. This is especially true if you own lots of glass. A good quality lock will ensure your home's security and may even save you money on your insurance. The most popular types of patio door lock are:
There are a variety of locks to choose from based on your style and functionality. Certain locks come with bolts that twist, cylinders that utilize a lock key and mortise locking systems with a hook latch.
Use a tape measure around the edge of your patio door to note the thickness. You can also measure the thickness of your door frame (also known as a jamb) and then use the smallest measurement to determine the best patio door lock for you.
If you are installing a new patio door, you must measure of the rough opening width. This is the space that the door will fit in and is the size that the manufacturer will need to provide you with a new door. If you're not sure of how to measure the area, ask your provider for help or refer to our handy guide:
It is also important to measure the approximate height of your opening however, this can be tricky because the floor of your home may not be level. You can measure in three places, the centre, both sides and the corners, and then take the smallest measurement to get your height.
Once you've got your measurements, you are able to select the lock that is appropriate for your door and home. You can also install an auxiliary security lock to provide additional protection against intruders like a Patlock handle lock designed to prevent the door from being opened when it's not locked or latched.
A central rail lock fitted with a key is the best choice to ensure maximum security. It locks the patio door at several points and only requires one turn of the key. They offer a greater level of security than basic locks and could result in a reduction in your home insurance premiums.
Make sure you check the face plate at the end.
When you are ready to replace the handle on your patio door you must determine the particulars of the lock you have currently in order to select the right replacement. This will ensure that the new handle and spindle fit for the patio door and that the new latch can be secured by the latch's hasp.
First, examine the end-face plate to determine if it's round or square. This will allow you to determine what kind of mortise lock you are using. It is important to note the size of the screw hole so you can find the right replacement with the screws you have already.
You should also take a look at the position of your existing keyway. There are many different types of patio doors locks. It is crucial to determine which kind of lock has in order to match it to the correct keyway opening.
Next, check the latch jamb of your door to determine how close it is to the frame's edge. If cost to replace upvc door lock mechanism is too far from the frame it's difficult to grasp the latch hasp, and the door won't close properly. Fortunately, this issue can be corrected by adding washers or a shim behind the latch keeper on the door jamb.
If you own mortise lock E2105, the latch keeper must be at least 1 inch from the frame edge. You may also want to measure the size of the latch holder.
In most cases, the latch holder will be positioned just a bit higher than your current lock's keyway. This is to ensure that it does not interfere with your sliding door's operation.
If the latch keeper on your door is not at the right height, you can lower it by putting a screw or nut into the bottom of the keeper and tightening it. Be careful not to over tighten 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 or screw located at the top of keeper, on the jamb.
Be aware of 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 types of locks require regular maintenance to ensure they work properly. Lowe's offers a wide selection of sliding glass door locks and hardware to secure your patio door. You can find a variety of lock styles, such as bolts that twist, cylinder locks that use mortise and key locks with a spring-loaded 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 door jamb). In some cases the problem could be caused by small door shifts or water ingress which has affected the movable parts of your lock. In these situations the use of a tiny amount of light oil might be all it takes to make the door lock.
Start by taking measurements of the width and length of the lock you currently have. A ruler or tape measure can be used to measure this measurement that will allow you to choose the lock replacement that is the correct size. After that, examine the faceplate at the end to determine if it is round or square. This is important because it lets you select the correct lock with the correct screw hole.
Also, you will want to take note of the location of the screw holes on your current lock. If they are located at the top or bottom of the leading edge then a replacement with an extended bolt will be required. The other alternative is to install a secure tamper-proof lock using screws that aren't removable.
Once you have chosen the kind of lock that is most suitable for your door, the installation process can be fairly simple. It is recommended that you seek out professional help when you aren't sure about the installation of a patio lock. A professional locksmith or door hardware expert can provide expert advice and make sure that your lock is installed correctly. Your patio door locks could be a reliable security feature for you and your family members if they are maintained properly.