When It's Time For Patio Door Lock Replacement
If your patio door lock isn't operating well, it might be time for a replacement. It's a pretty straightforward process.
The first step is to determine the type of lock you own. This can be done by observing the location of the keyway inside the lock assembly. Some keyways are vertical, while others are angled at 45 degrees.
Identifying your existing lock
The patio door is a frequent point of entry for burglars. This is due to the fact that the patio door is usually in an open or ventilating mode and is situated at the back of a property, making it a breeze to hide an equipment for climbing or a ladder. This makes the security of your patio doors essential regardless of whether you wish to keep children from leaving your property or deter a determined intruder.
To help you select the ideal replacement for your patio door lock you should be familiar with your existing locks. This will allow you to identify what type of lock you currently have, the features it has, and what type of security it offers. This is a good step to take prior to shopping for new hardware because it will ensure that the new lock is perfect and is securely secured.
It is often possible to determine the type of lock by looking at the exterior of the door frame or the inside of the handle. You can also see the type of lock your door is equipped with, if it has a latch or it requires a key for activation of the lock.
The most common lock used in uPVC patio doors is a euro cylinder that operates with either an handle or keys. The cylinder has an sleeve that holds the pin in place and stops it being removed from lock. The euro cylinder can offer some degree of security depending on the manufacturer and whether the lock has passed accredited anti-snap testing, but here at SheffLOCK we recommend a diamond 3 star certified TS007 ULTION euro-cylinder as it offers far more protection from the most recent methods of lock snapping.
A mortise lock is a type of steel lock that is incorporated into the frame of the patio door. This type of lock can be found on both wood and aluminum patio doors. If installed correctly they are secure as the bolt is set into the frame. This means that an intruder will have to cut the patio door frame or window sill to gain access to the lock.
Measure the width of your door
Patio doors are often the most vulnerable entry point into your home. This is especially true if you own lots of glass. A good quality lock will increase the security of your home and may even save you money on your insurance policy. The main types of patio door lock are:
There are a variety of lock options depending on your design and function. Some come with twisting bolts, cylinder locks that use a key and mortise locks with hook latches that are spring loaded.
You can check the thickness of your existing patio door using the tape measure along the edge of the door and record the measurement. You can also determine the thickness of the door frame (also called a jamb) and take the most compact measurement to determine the ideal door lock for your patio.
If you are installing a new patio door, then you must take a measurement of the rough opening width. This is the opening the patio door will be able to fit into and the measurement you will need from the manufacturer in order to purchase the new door. If you're not sure how to measure the area, ask your provider for advice or see our helpful guide:
It is also important to measure the height of the opening. However, this can be difficult when your floor isn't level. You can try measuring in three locations, centre and both sides, and record the smallest of these to get your height figure.
Once you have the measurements, you can pick the lock that will fit your door and your home. You can also install an additional security lock to provide additional protection against intruders like a Patlock handle lock designed to prevent the door being opened when it's not locked or latched.
For maximum security for maximum security, a central rail key-operated lock is an excellent option. This locks the patio door at several points and only requires one turn of the key. They provide a higher level of security than basic locks and should result in a decrease in your home insurance costs.
Make sure you check the End-Face plate
If you're ready to replace your patio door handle it is important to determine the specifics of the lock you have currently in order to select the right replacement. This will ensure that the new handle and spindle will fit correctly on the door, and that the new latch will fit in the correct hasp of the latch.
You can identify the type of mortise lock you own by looking at the end-faceplate. This will allow you to identify the mortise locks you have. It is also important to note the screw size to ensure you find an appropriate replacement for the screws you have already.
Also, you should check the position of your current keyway. There are numerous types of patio doors locks. It is important to determine which kind of lock comes with to match it to the correct keyway opening.
Next, check the latch keeper on the door jamb to determine how close it is to the edge of the frame. If the latch keeper is too far from the frame, it's going to be difficult to get it caught in the latch 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 of the door.
If you have an E2105 mortise lock, the latch keeper should be about 1 inch away from the edge of the frame. You might also want to 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 so that it does not interfere with the operation of your sliding door.
If your latch keeper is not at the correct height, you can lower it by inserting screws or nuts into the bottom of the keeper and tightening it. Be careful not to overtighten the screw, as it could damage the lock mechanism or the door. If the latch holder on your door is too low, you can raise it using screws or nuts at the 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, while others use a key-operated cylinder. Both types of locks require regular maintenance to ensure they function correctly. Lowe's offers a range of sliding glass door locks as well as hardware to help secure your patio door. You can choose from a range of lock styles, such as bolts that twist and cylinder locks that utilize mortise and key locks with spring-loaded hook latches.
Some homeowners are having trouble getting their patio door to lock because the latch has fallen or isn't aligning with the strike plate (also called the jamb of the door). 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 instances an oil spray may be all that is required to make your door lock again.
The best way to begin is to measure the width of your existing lock. You can make use of the ruler or tape measure to precisely measure this measurement. This will allow you to choose an alternative lock that is of the correct size. After that, examine the face plate to determine whether it is square or round. This is important because it lets you choose the right lock using the correct screw hole.
You should also take note of the location of the screw holes in your current lock. If door locks replacement croydon are located at the top or bottom of the leading edge then a replacement with an extended bolt will be necessary. Installing a tamper proof lock with a screw that cannot be removed is another option.
The installation process is fairly straightforward once you have selected the lock that is best suited to your door. If you're not confident installing a patio door lock yourself it is highly recommended that you seek professional help. A professional locksmith or door hardware expert can offer professional advice and ensure that your lock has been installed correctly. Your patio door locks could be a secure security option for you and your family members if they are maintained properly.