When It's Time For Patio Door Lock Replacement
If your patio door lock isn't working properly, it may be the time to replace it. It's an easy process.
The first step is to determine the kind of lock you have. You can do this by looking at the position of the keyway inside the lock assembly. Some keys have vertical keyways while others are tilted at 45 degrees.
Identifying the Lock You Have
The patio door is a frequent point of entry for burglars. This is because it usually opens into an open or ventilating position and is usually located in the back of the house, making it easy to conceal a ladder or other climbing equipment. It is crucial to protect your patio door, whether you are trying to stop children from leaving the house or deter a burglar.
You should familiarize yourself with the locks that you currently have to help you choose the best replacement patio door lock. This will help you identify the type of lock, its characteristics and security level. This is a great step to do before you start looking for new hardware because it will help ensure that the new lock is perfect and is securely secured.
In many instances you can determine what kind of lock you have by observing the exterior of your door's frame or checking the inside of the handle. You can also see what sort of locking mechanism your door has, in the event that it has a latch or if it requires a key to open the lock.
The most popular lock used in uPVC patio doors is a euro cylinder which is operated by either the handle or a key. The cylinder is equipped with a sleeve that holds the pin inside which keeps it from being removed from the lock. The euro cylinder could provide an amount of security, contingent on the manufacturer. If the lock has been inspected for anti-snap approval and is certified for anti-snap, it will be 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 a lot more protection against snapping locks.
A mortise is a type of steel locking mechanism that is incorporated into the frame. This kind of lock can be found on both aluminum and wood patio doors. They can be extremely secure if they are installed correctly since the bolt is embedded into the frame and the intruder will have to cut through the frame of the patio door and window sill in order to gain access the lock.
Take a measurement of the Width of Your Door
Patio doors are the most vulnerable entry point into your home. This is especially true if you own a lot of glass. Installing locks of good quality will ensure your home's security and could save you money on your insurance policy. Patio door locks are typically of two types:
There are a myriad of lock options based on style and functionality. Some locks have bolts which twist, while others use mortise and lock keys as well as locking systems that use hook latches.
You can check the thickness of your existing patio door using a tape measure that you run across the entire length of the door and then record the measurement. It is recommended to measure the thickness of the door frame (known as a jamb) in various places and then make use of the smallest measurement to help determine which lock for your patio door kind is most suitable for your needs.
You should determine the width of your opening prior to installing a patio door. This is the area the door will be able to fit into, and it's the size that the manufacturer will require to provide you with a brand new door. If you're not sure of how to measure, ask your supplier for assistance or consult our handy guide:
It is also crucial to measure the height of the opening, however this can be difficult in the event that your floor isn't level. Try measuring at three different locations, the at the centre and on both sides, and record the smallest measurement to calculate your height.
Once you have your measurements, you are able to select a lock that fits your door and your home. Installing an additional security locking system will provide you with additional security from burglars. For instance the Patlock handlelock is designed to block the door from being opened if not secured or locked.
A central rail lock that comes with a key is the best choice to ensure maximum security. It locks the patio door at multiple points, and requires only one turn of the key. These locks provide a greater level of security and can lower your home insurance costs.
Examine the End-Face Plate
When you are ready to replace your patio door handle it is important to determine the specific details of the lock you have currently in order to select the right replacement. This will ensure that the new spindle and handle fit correctly on the door, and also that your new latch catches in the correct hasp of the latch.
The first step is to examine the face plate at the end to determine whether it is round or square. This will allow you to determine what kind of mortise lock you are using. It is also important to know the screw hole size so that you can locate the right replacement with your existing screws.
It is also important to examine the location of your current keyway. There are a variety of patio door locks. It is important to know which type your lock has in order to match it with the right keyway opening.
Next, examine the latch keeper on the door jamb to determine how close it is to the edge of the frame. 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. Fortunately, this can be corrected by adding washers or a shim behind the latch keeper on the jamb of the door.
If you own an E2105 mortise lock the latch keeper should be approximately 1 inch from the edge of the frame. You might also want to measure the size of the latch holder.
In most instances, the latch holder will be slightly higher than the keyway opening on your existing lock. This is to make sure that it does not interfere with your sliding door's operation.
If replace lock in upvc door is too high, you can reduce the height by tightening the screw or nut at the bottom. Be careful not to overtighten the screw, as it can damage the mechanism of the lock or the door. If your latch holder is too low, you can raise it using a screw or nut on the top of the jamb of the door.
Make sure to examine the screw holes
Certain patio door locks employ bolts to secure the doors, while others utilize keys-operated lock cylinders. Both types of locks require regular maintenance to function properly. Lowe's has a variety of sliding glass door locks and hardware to secure your patio door. You can pick from a variety of lock styles including bolts with a twist, cylinder locks that use a key, and mortise locking systems that have a hook latch.
Certain homeowners are unable to lock their patio doors due to the latch has fallen off or is not aligned with the strike plate. In some instances the problem could result from small shifts in the door or water ingress that has affected movable parts of the lock. In these instances, a small amount of light oil might be all that's needed for the door to lock.
The best way to begin is to measure the width of your current lock. You can use a ruler or tape measure to precisely measure this measurement. This will allow you to select the replacement lock of the correct size. After that, examine the face plate to determine if it is round or square. This is important because it will help you choose a new lock that has the right screw hole type.
It is also important to take note of the location of the screw holes on your current lock. If they are at the top or bottom of the leading edge then a replacement using an extended bolt will be essential. Installing a tamper-proof lock with a screw that cannot be removed is another option.
Once you have chosen the kind of lock that is the best fit to your door, the process of installation can be quite simple. If you are not comfortable installing a patio door lock on your own, it is always recommended that you seek assistance from a professional. A professional locksmith or door hardware expert can provide expert advice and ensure that the lock has been installed correctly. If taken care of, your patio door locks will be an efficient and secure security feature that can ensure that you and your family are secure from intrusions.