When It's Time For Patio Door Lock Replacement
If your patio door lock isn't operating properly, it may be time to replace it. It's a pretty simple process.
The first thing to do is determine the kind of lock you have. You can do this by looking at the position of the keyway within the lock assembly. Some keys have vertical keyways while others are angled at 45 degrees.
Identifying Your Lock's Existing Lock
The patio door is a common point of entry for burglars. This is because it usually opens into an open or ventilating position. It is often situated in the back of the house, making it easy to conceal an incline or other climbing equipment. This makes securing your patio doors essential whether you are trying to prevent children from escaping your home or deter a determined intruder.
To help you choose the best replacement for your patio door lock you should be familiar with the locks you have. This will let you determine what kind of lock you have, what features it has, and what kind of security it offers. This is a crucial step to take before buying new hardware. It will ensure that the new lock is correctly installed and securely fastened.
In many instances you can identify the type of lock you have by looking at the outside of your door's frame, or by looking inside the handle. You can also look at the mechanism that locks your door, whether it has a latch, and the need for a key to activate it.
The most popular lock used in uPVC patio doors is a euro cylinder that is operated by either the handle or a key. The cylinder has an enclosure that holds the pin inside and keeps it from being removed from the lock. The euro cylinder may provide an appropriate level of security, based on the manufacturer and if the lock has passed the accredited anti snap testing but here at SheffLOCK we always recommend a diamond 3 star accredited TS007 ULTION euro cylinder as it offers more protection against the latest methods of locking snapping.
A mortise lock is a steel lock that is built into the frame of the patio door. This style of lock is available on both wood and aluminum patio doors. They can be extremely secure if installed correctly as the bolt is recessed into the frame so the intruder will have to cut through the frame and window sill in order to gain access the lock.
Find the Width of Your Door
Patio doors are often the most vulnerable entry points into your home, particularly if they have large amounts of glass. Installing locks that are of the highest quality will ensure your home is secure and could save you money on insurance. Patio door locks are typically of two types:
There are a myriad of locks to choose from based on your style and functionality. Some locks have bolts which twist, cylinders that use mortise and lock keys as well as locking systems with hook latches.
Use a tape measure along the edge of your patio door to note the thickness. You can also determine the thickness of your door frame (also known as a jamb) and make use of the most compact measurement to determine the ideal patio door lock for you.
You must take measurements of the width of the opening prior to installing a patio door. This is the area the door will fit in and is the measurement that the manufacturer will need to provide you with a new door. Ask your supplier for help or refer to our guide if you're not certain what measurement to take.
You should also take a measurement of the approximate height of your opening, but this can be a challenge because the floor of your house might not be level. You can try measuring at three different locations, the centre and both sides and then record the smallest of these to determine the height.
Once you've gotten your measurements, you can choose the lock that best fits your door and your home. You can also install an auxiliary security lock to give you additional security against intruders like a Patlock handle lock that is designed to prevent the door from being opened even if it's 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 a variety of points, and requires only one turn of the key. These locks provide a higher security level and could reduce your home insurance rates.
Check the End-Face Plate
When you are ready to replace your patio door handle it is important to determine the specific details of your current lock to choose the appropriate replacement. This will ensure that the new spindle and handle fit correctly on the door, and that the new latch catches in the latch hasp correctly.
You can determine the kind of mortise lock that you have by examining the faceplate at the end. This will allow you to identify the mortise locks you own. It is important to note the size of the hole in order that you can find a replacement that matches up with the screws you have already.
Also, replacement upvc door locks must check the position of your current keyway. There are a variety of patio door locks and it is essential to know which the lock you currently have to ensure that you match it with the correct keyway opening.
Examine the latch keeper on the edge of your door jamb. If the latch keeper on the door jamb is too far behind it will be difficult to grasp the latch hasp. The door won't close properly. This can be corrected by putting washers on the back of the latch keeper.
If you own an E2105 mortise lock the latch keeper should be at least 1 inch away from the edge of the frame. You may also want to measure the length of the latch holder.
In most cases, the latch holder is usually higher than the keyway opening on your existing lock. This is to ensure that it doesn't interfere with the operation of the sliding door.
If the latch keeper is too high, you can lower the height by tightening the screw or nut on the bottom. Be cautious not to tighten too much this screw, since it can damage the mechanism of the lock or the door. If the latch holder on your door is too low, you can raise it by using screws or nuts at the top of the jamb on the door's keeper.
Be sure to check the screw holes
Many patio door locks employ bolts for locking the door, while others are operated by a key. Both kinds of locks require regular maintenance to ensure they function properly. To help keep your patio door safe, Lowe's offers a wide selection of sliding glass door hardware and locking solutions. You can select from a wide selection of styles for locks, including bolts with twist, cylinder locks with a key and mortise locking systems with a hook latch.
Some homeowners are unable to lock their patio doors due to the latch has fallen or is not aligned with the strike plate. In some instances the problem could be caused by small door shifts or water ingress that has affected the moveable parts of your lock. In these instances just a bit of oil could be all that's needed to make your door lock once more.
Start by taking measurements of the length and width of your existing lock. You can use a 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. After that, examine the face plate to determine whether it is round or square. This information is vital because it helps you select the correct lock with the correct screw hole type.
It is also important to take note of the location of the screw holes on your existing lock. If they are at the top or bottom of the leading edge, then a replacement using an extended bolt is essential. Installing a tamper-proof lock that has a screw that is not removable is another option.
After you have selected the type of lock that is most suitable for your door, the process of installation can be quite simple. If you're not comfortable installing the patio door lock yourself it is highly recommended that you seek professional help. A professional locksmith or door hardware specialist can offer expert advice and make sure that the lock has been installed correctly. If you take care of it the patio door locks will be an effective and reliable security feature that will keep you and your family secure from burglars.