When It's Time For Patio Door Lock Replacement
If your patio door lock isn't functioning properly, it could be time to replace it. It's a fairly simple procedure.
The first step is to determine the kind of lock you have. This can be done by observing the keyway's position on the lock assembly. Some keys have vertical keyways while others are bent at 45 degrees.
Identifying your current lock
The patio door is among the most targeted points of access to homes for burglars. This is because it usually opens into an open or ventilating position. It is often located in the back of the house, making it easy to conceal a ladder or other equipment for climbing. It is crucial to secure your patio door, whether you want to keep children from leaving the home or deter an intruder.
To help you select the most suitable replacement for your patio door lock, you should familiarise yourself with your existing locks. This will help you identify the type of lock, the features and security level. This is a good step to do prior to shopping for new hardware because it will help ensure that the new lock is perfect and is securely secured.
In many cases, you can determine what kind of lock you have by inspecting the outside of your door's frame, or checking the inside of the handle. You can also check the type of lock your door has, if it has a latch or it requires a key to engage the lock.
The most common lock found on uPVC patio doors is a euro cylinder that can be operated either by either a handle or a key. The cylinder comes with an internal sleeve that keeps the pin and prevents it being removed from lock. The euro cylinder may provide some degree of security, based on the manufacturer and whether the lock has passed a reputable anti-snap testing, but here at SheffLOCK we always recommend a 3 star diamond accredited TS007 ULTION euro cylinder as it offers far more protection from the most recent methods of locking snapping.
A mortise is a type of steel locking system that is built into the frame. This kind of lock can be found on both wood and aluminum patio doors. They can be extremely secure if they are installed correctly since the bolt is embedded into the frame and the intruder must cut through the frame of the patio door and window sill in order to gain access the lock.
Measure the Width of Your Door
Patio doors can be 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 could reduce the cost of your insurance policy. The main types of patio door lock are:
Depending on the style and function you're after, there are many different lock options available. Some locks have bolts which twist, while others use mortise and lock keys, and locking systems that use hook latches.
Use a tape measure across the edges of your patio door to record the thickness. It's recommended to take measurements of the door frame (known as jamb) in several places, and make use of the smallest measurement to determine which patio door lock type will be best for you.
If you're planning to install a brand new patio door, then you should take a measure of the opening width rough. This is the area that the door will fit in and is the size that the manufacturer will require to provide you with a new door. If front door locks replacement cheltenham of how to measure you need to ask your supplier for advice or see our handy guide:
It is also crucial to determine the height of the opening, however this can be difficult in the event that your floor isn't level. You can try measuring in three locations, centre and both sides and then record the smallest of these to calculate your height.
Once you've gotten your measurements, you can choose the lock that is appropriate for your home and door. You can also install an auxiliary security lock to give you additional protection against intruders, such as a Patlock handle lock, which is designed to stop the door from being opened if it's not locked or latched.
A central rail lock that comes with a key is the best option for the highest security. This bolts the door of your patio into the frame at multiple points and requires 1 turn to secure them all. These locks provide a higher security level and could reduce your home insurance rates.
Examine the End-Face Plate
If you're ready to replace the handle on your patio door it is important to determine the particulars of your current lock to choose an appropriate replacement. This will ensure that the new handle and spindle fit on the patio door and that the new latch can hold the latch's hasp.
The first step is to examine the end-face plate to determine whether it is round or square. This will help you determine the mortise lock type you have. It is also important to note the size of the screw hole so you can find a replacement that matches up with your existing screws.
Also, you should be sure to check the location of your current keyway. There are a variety of patio door locks. It is essential to determine which kind of lock comes with to match it with the appropriate keyway opening.
Next, check the latch keeper on your door jamb to determine how close it is to the edge of the frame. If the latch keeper is too far away, it's difficult to get it caught in the latch hasp and the door won't shut properly. This can be corrected by putting washers on the back of the latch keeper.
If you have mortise lock E2105 the latch keeper needs to be at least 1 inch from the frame edge. You might also want to determine the height of the latch holder to make sure it is at the proper level.
In the majority of instances, the latch holder will be slightly higher than the keyway opening on your current lock. This is to ensure that it does not interfere with the operation of your sliding door.
If the latch keeper is too high, you can lower the height by tightening the screw or nut on the bottom. Do not overtighten the screw or nut as it could damage the lock mechanism and the door. If your latch holder is too low you can raise it using an nut or screw at the top of the keeper on the door jamb.
Be aware of the screw holes
Many patio door locks employ locks bolts to secure the door, while others are operated by a key. Both types of locks need regular maintenance in order to function properly. To help keep your patio door secure, Lowe's offers a wide range of sliding glass door hardware and locking solutions. You can find a variety of lock styles, such as bolts that twist and cylinder locks that utilize a key and mortise locks with a spring-loaded hook latch.
Some homeowners are unable to lock their patio doors because the latch has fallen off or is not aligned with the strike plate. In some cases, the issue may be due to minor door shifts or water ingress that has affected the moveable parts of your lock. In these instances just a little light oil might be all that's needed to make the door lock.
The best place to start is to measure the width of your current lock. You can make use of the ruler or tape measure to accurately measure this measurement. This will allow you to choose an alternative lock that is that is the right size. After that, examine the face plate to determine if it is round or square. This information is vital because it lets you select the correct lock with the correct screw hole.
Additionally, you'll want to take note of the location of the screw holes on your current lock. If the screw holes are at the top or bottom of the leading edge then an extended bolt is required. Another alternative is to install a lock that is tamper-proof and has screws that are not removable.
The installation process is fairly simple once you've selected the lock that's ideal for your door. If you are not comfortable installing a patio door lock yourself it is highly recommended that you seek professional help. A professional locksmith or door hardware expert can provide professional advice and ensure that the lock has been installed correctly. With proper care the patio door locks will prove to be a reliable and effective security feature that will ensure that you and your family are secure from burglars.