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. Fortunately, it's a relatively simple process.
The first thing you need to determine is the type lock that you own. This can be done by observing the position of the keyway within the lock assembly. Some keyways are vertical while others have an angle of 45 degrees.
Identifying your current lock
The patio door is a frequent point of entry for burglars. It is because the patio door is usually in an open or ventilating mode and is located in the rear of a home, making it easy to hide a ladder or climbing equipment. This makes securing your patio doors important whether you are trying to prevent children from escaping your home or deter an intruder who is determined to break into your home.
To assist you in selecting the most suitable patio door lock replacement, you should be familiar with the locks you have. This will help you determine the kind of lock, the features and security level. This is an excellent step to do before you start looking for new hardware because it will help ensure that your new lock fits perfectly and is securely secured.
In many cases, you can determine the type of lock you have by observing the outside of your door's frame or looking at the inside of the handle. You can also look at the mechanism that locks your door, whether it has a latch or whether a key is required to activate it.
The most commonly used lock in uPVC patio doors is a euro-cylinder that is operated with an handle or keys. The cylinder is equipped with a sleeve that holds the pin inside and prevents it from being removed from the lock. The euro cylinder may offer some degree of security, contingent on the manufacturer. If the lock has been tested for anti-snap certification as well, it is capable of providing some degree of security. However here at SheffLOCK we always recommend the 3 star diamond accredited (TS007 ULTION) euro cylinder. It provides more protection against snapping locks.
A mortise lock is an iron lock that is incorporated into the frame of the patio door. This kind of lock can be used on wood and aluminum patio doors. If installed correctly, they can be very secure as the bolt is recessed in the frame. This means that a burglar would need to cut the patio door frame or window sill to gain access to the lock.
Find out the width of your door
Patio doors are typically the most vulnerable points of entry to your home, particularly in the case of large quantities of glass. Installing locks of good quality will make your home more secure and could even reduce the cost of your insurance policy. The most popular types of patio door lock are:
Depending on the style and function you're seeking, there are a variety of different lock options available. Some are equipped with bolts that twist and cylinder locks that utilize mortise locks and keys, and others with spring-loaded hook latch.
Use a tape measure across the edges of your patio door to measure the thickness. It's recommended to measure the thickness of the frame of the door (known as a jamb) in various locations, and take the smallest measurement to to determine which lock type is the most suitable for your needs.
If you're installing a new patio door, you should take a measure of the rough opening width. This is the opening that the patio door will fit into, and the size that you'll require from the manufacturer to purchase an entirely new one. If you're unsure of the best way to measure the area, ask your provider for assistance or consult our handy guide:
It is also important to take a measurement of the approximate height of your opening however this can be tricky as the floor of your home may not be level. You can try measuring at three different locations, the at the centre and on both sides, and record the smallest measurement to determine the height.
Once you have your measurements, you can select the lock that is appropriate for your home and door. You can also install an additional security lock to provide additional security against intruders like a Patlock handle lock designed to prevent the door being opened if it's not locked or secured.
For maximum security for maximum security, a central rail key-operated lock is a good option. It locks the patio door at multiple points, and requires only one turn of the key. These locks provide a higher security level and could reduce your home insurance rates.
Examine the end-face plate
When you are ready to replace the handle on your patio door, you need to identify the specifics of the lock you currently have to choose 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 can be secured by the latch's hasp.
First, look at the face plate at the end to determine if it's round or square. This will allow you to determine the type of mortise lock you have. It is also important to note the screw size to ensure that you find a replacement that fits your current screws.
It is also important to examine the position of your existing keyway. There are many different types of patio door locks. It is important to know which type your lock has in order to match it with the appropriate keyway opening.
Next, check the latch keeper on the door jamb to determine how close it is to the frame's edge. If the latch keeper is too far away, it will be difficult to grasp the latch's hasp and the door won't close properly. Fortunately, this can usually be corrected by adding washers or a shim to the back of the latch keeper on the door jamb.
If you own a mortise lock E2105 The latch keeper should be at least 1 inch away from the frame edge. You might also want to measure the length of the latch holder.
In most cases, the latch holder will be positioned slightly higher than the lock's keyway. This is to make sure 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 at the bottom. Be careful not to over tighten this screw, since it could damage the lock mechanism or 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 keeper on the door jamb.
Observe the Screw Holes
A lot of patio door locks utilize bolts for locking the door, whereas others have a key-operated cylinder. Both kinds of locks require regular maintenance to ensure that they function properly. Lowe's offers a wide selection of sliding glass door locks and hardware to help secure your patio door. You can choose from a range of lock styles, including bolts that turn, cylinder locks that use mortise locks and keys with spring-loaded hook latches.
Some homeowners are unable lock their patio doors due to the latch has fallen down or is not aligned with the strike plate. In some instances, the issue may be caused by small shifts in the door or water intrusion 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 again.
Begin by taking measurements of the length and width of your existing lock. You can make use of the ruler or tape measure to accurately measure this measurement. This will allow you to select an alternative lock that is that is the right size. Next, observe the end face plate to determine if it is round or square. This is important as it allows you to choose the lock that is suitable for you by using the correct screw hole type.
Also, you will want to take note of the location of the screw holes in your current lock. If the screw holes are located on the top or at the bottom of the leading edge, an extended bolt is required. Another alternative is to install a secure tamper-proof lock using screws that aren't removable.
The installation process is fairly simple once you've selected the lock that's best for your door. If upvc door locking mechanism replacement 're not confident installing the patio door lock yourself it is highly recommended to seek assistance from a professional. A professional locksmith or door hardware specialist can offer expert advice and ensure that your lock has been installed correctly. If taken care of your patio door locks will prove to be an effective and reliable security feature that will protect you and your family secure from burglars.