When It's Time For Patio Door Lock Replacement
If your patio door lock isn't functioning properly, it could be the time to replace it. It's a pretty easy procedure.
The first thing you have to determine is the kind of lock you own. You can do this by observing the location of the keyway inside the lock assembly. Some keyways are vertical, while others are bent at 45 degrees.
Identifying Your Lock's Existing Lock
The patio door is one of the most sought-after points of entry into homes 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 an equipment for climbing or a ladder. It is important to ensure the security of your patio door whether you are trying to prevent children from leaving the house or deter a burglar.
You should familiarize yourself with the locks that you currently have in order to assist you in choosing the best replacement patio door lock. This will help you identify the kind of lock, its features and security level. This is an important step to make prior to shopping for new hardware. It will ensure that the new lock is properly installed and securely fastened.
In many instances you can determine what kind of lock you have by inspecting the exterior of your door frame or by looking inside the handle. You can also see the type of locking mechanism your door has, if it is equipped with a latch, or if it requires a key to engage the lock.
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 has an internal sleeve that keeps the pin in place and prevents it being removed from lock. The euro cylinder may provide some degree of security, based 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 against the latest methods of snapping locks.
A mortise is a locking mechanism that is incorporated into the frame. This style of lock is available on both aluminum and wood patio doors. They are extremely secure if installed correctly as the bolt is embedded into the frame and the intruder will have to cut through the patio door frame and window sill to gain access to the lock.
Find the Width of Your Door
Patio doors can be the most vulnerable entrance point to your home. This is particularly true if you have lots of glass. Installing locks of top quality can make your home more secure and will save you money on your insurance. Patio door locks are typically of two kinds:
Based on the style and functionality you're looking for there are a variety of various lock options to choose from. Some come with twisting bolts and cylinder locks that utilize a key and mortise locks with a spring-loaded hook latch.
Use a tape measure around the edge of your patio door to record the thickness. You can also measure the thickness of the door frame (also known as a jamb) and then take the most compact measurement to determine the ideal door lock for your patio.
If you're installing a new patio door, then you must take a measurement of the rough opening width. This is the space that the patio door will be able to fit into, and the size that you'll require from the manufacturer to get an entirely new one. If you're unsure of the best way to measure the area, ask your provider for help or refer to our handy guide:
You should also determine the rough opening height however this can be tricky because the floor of your house might not be level. You can measure in three locations, on both sides and the centre, and record the smallest measurement to determine the height.
Once you've got the measurements, you can pick the right lock to fit your door and your home. Installing an auxiliary security locking system can provide you with additional security from burglars. For instance the Patlock handlelock is designed to prevent a door from being opened if not secured or locked.
For maximum security For maximum security, a central rail-operated key-operated lock is a good option. This locks the patio door at multiple points, and requires only one turn of the key. These locks offer a higher security and may reduce the cost of your home insurance.
Make sure you check the face plate at the end.
You must be aware of the specifics of your existing lock to select the appropriate replacement. This will ensure that the new handle and spindle are a perfect fit for the patio door and that the new latch will catch in the latch hasp.
First, examine the end-face plate to determine if it's square or round. This will allow you to determine the type of mortise lock you are using. It is important to note the size of the screw hole so you can find a replacement that matches up with the screws you have already.
You should also examine the position of your existing keyway. There are numerous types of patio doors locks. It is essential to know which type your lock has in order to match it with the right keyway opening.
Examine the latch keeper at the edge of your door jamb. If the latch keeper on the door jamb is too far behind, it will be hard to grasp the latch hasp. The door won't close properly. Fortunately, this can usually be fixed by adding washers or a shim to the back of the latch keeper on the jamb of the door.
If you have 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 size of the latch holder.
In the majority of cases, your latch holder will sit slightly higher than the lock's keyway. This is to ensure that it doesn't interfere with your sliding door's operation.
If your latch keeper isn't 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 can damage the lock mechanism or the door. If the latch holder on your door is too low you can raise it by using a screw or nut on top of the jamb of the door.
Make sure to examine the screw holes
A lot of patio door locks utilize bolts for locking the door, while others are operated by a key. Both types of locks require regular maintenance in order to function properly. Lowe's offers a range 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 and cylinder locks that utilize mortise locks and keys with spring-loaded hook latches.
Some homeowners are unable to lock their patio doors as the latch has fallen or is not aligned with the strike plate. In some instances the problem could be caused by minor door shifts or water ingress that has affected the moveable parts of your lock. In these cases an oil spray could be all that's required to make your door lock once more.
Begin by taking measurements of the width and length of the lock you have. A tape measure or ruler can be used to measure the measurement that will allow you to choose an alternative lock that is the correct size. Next, observe the end face plate to determine if it is round or square. This is crucial because it helps you choose the right lock using the correct screw hole type.
It is also important to take note of the location of the screw holes on your current lock. If upvc door lock replacements are on the top or at the bottom of the leading edge, an extended bolt is required. Another option is to install secure tamper-proof lock using screws that aren't removable.
After you have selected the type of lock that is most suitable to your door, the process of installation can be quite simple. If you are not comfortable installing the patio door lock yourself, it is always recommended to seek out assistance from a professional. A professional locksmith or door hardware expert can provide professional guidance and advice and also ensure that the lock is correctly installed. With proper care your patio door locks will prove to be a reliable and effective security feature that can ensure that you and your family are secure from burglars.