10 Things We Hate About Patio Door Lock Replacement
When It's Time For Patio Door Lock Replacement
If your patio door lock isn't operating properly, it may be time for a replacement. It's a fairly easy process.
The first step is to determine the type of lock you own. This is done by looking at the position of the keyway on the lock assembly. Some keyways are vertical while others have a 45-degree angle.
Identifying Your Lock's Existing Lock
The patio door is one of the most sought-after points for entry into homes for burglars. This is because it usually opens to an open or ventilating position. It is often located at the back of the house, making it easy to conceal the ladder or other climbing equipment. It is essential to secure your patio door, whether you are trying to stop children from leaving the home or deter a burglar.
You should familiarize yourself with the locks you currently have to help you choose the best replacement patio door lock. This will help you determine the type of lock you have, the features it has and what type of security it provides. This is an excellent step to take before you start looking for new hardware since it will help ensure that the new lock fits perfectly and is securely secured.
You can usually identify the type of lock by looking at the exterior of the door frame or the inside of the handle. You can also look at the mechanism that locks your door, if it has a latch or if a key is required to activate it.
The most commonly used lock on uPVC patio doors is a euro-style cylinder that can be operated either by the handle or a cylinder key. The cylinder has a sleeve that holds the pin inside and prevents it from being removed from the lock. The euro cylinder can offer a certain level of security depending on the manufacturer and if the lock has passed accredited anti snap testing but here at SheffLOCK we always recommend a 3 star diamond certified TS007 ULTION euro cylinder because it provides greater security against the most modern methods of lock snapping.
A mortise lock is an iron lock that is built into the frame of the patio door. This kind of lock can be found on both wood and aluminum patio doors. If they are installed correctly, they can be very secure as the bolt is set into the frame. This means that an intruder would need to cut through the patio door frame or window sill to gain access to the lock.
Take note of the width of your door
Patio doors are often the most vulnerable points of entry to your home, particularly if they have large amounts of glass installed. Installing locks of top quality will make your home safer and could save you money on insurance. Patio door locks are mainly of two kinds:
There are a myriad of lock options depending on your style and functionality. Some locks feature bolts that twist, cylinders that use mortise and lock keys as well as locking systems with a hook latch.
Use a tape measure around the edge of your patio door to note the thickness. It is also a good idea to determine the thickness of the door frame (known as jamb) in various locations and use the smallest figure to to determine which lock type is the most suitable for you.
If you're installing a new patio door, then you should take a measure of the opening width rough. This is the opening the patio door will fit in, and the size that you'll need from the manufacturer to purchase a new one. Ask your supplier for assistance or consult our handy guide if you're not sure what measurement to take.
It is also essential to determine the height of the opening, however this can be a challenge if your floor is not level. You can measure at three different locations, the on both sides and the centre, and 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 extra security against burglars like a Patlock handle lock that is designed to prevent the door being opened even if it's locked or secured.
A central rail lock with a key is the best choice for maximum security. This bolts the patio door into the frame at multiple points and requires 1 turn of the key to lock them all. These locks provide a higher security and may reduce the cost of your home insurance.
Make sure you check the face plate at the end.
If you're looking to replace your patio door handle you must determine the particulars of the lock you currently have in order to select the right replacement. This will ensure that the new handle and spindle fit for the door and that the new latch will be secured by the latch's hasp.
First, look at the end-face plate to determine whether it is round or square. This will help you identify the type of mortise locks you have. It is also important to take note of the screw's diameter to ensure that you find a replacement that fits your current screws.
It is also advisable to take a look at the location of your current keyway. There are a variety of patio door locks, and it is crucial to know which the lock you currently have so that you can match it to the right keyway opening.
Next, check the latch jamb of your door to see how close it is to the edge of the frame. If the latch keeper is too far from the frame it's difficult to grasp the latch hasp, and the door won't close properly. Fortunately, this can usually be fixed by adding washers or a shim in front of the latch keeper on the door jamb.
If you have an E2105 mortise lock the latch keeper should be at least 1 inch away from the edge of the frame. You might also want to measure the size of the latch holder.
In the majority of cases, your latch holder will sit slightly higher than the lock's keyway. 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 at the bottom. Be careful not to over tighten this screw, since it can damage the lock mechanism or the door. If the latch holder on your door is too low you can raise it by using screws or nuts on top of the jamb of the door.
Be aware of the screw holes
Certain patio door locks utilize bolts to secure doors, while others utilize a key-operated lock cylinder. Both kinds of locks require regular maintenance to ensure they function correctly. Lowe's offers a range of sliding glass door locks and hardware to help secure your patio door. You can find a variety of styles of locks, including bolts that twist and cylinder locks that make use of a key and mortise locks with spring-loaded hook latches.
Some homeowners are having trouble getting their patio door to lock because the latch has dropped or isn't aligned with the strike plate (also known as the door jamb). In some instances the issue could stem from minor alterations in the door or from water intrusion that has affected movable parts of the lock. In these cases, a little light oil could be all that's needed to get your door to lock properly.
Start by taking measurements of the length and width of your existing lock. A ruler or tape measure can be used to precisely measure this measurement, which will enable you to select an alternative lock that is of the right size. Next, observe the end 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.
Also, you will want to be aware of the position of the screw holes in your current lock. If they are on the top or bottom of the leading edge then a replacement with an extended bolt will be essential. The other alternative is to install a secure tamper-proof lock using screws that aren't removable.
The installation process is relatively straightforward once you have selected the lock that is best suited to your door. upvc door locks replacement is always recommended to get help from a professional when you aren't sure about the installation of an outdoor lock. A professional locksmith or door hardware specialist can offer professional guidance and advice and also ensure that the lock is correctly installed. If taken care of, your patio door locks will be an effective and reliable security feature that can keep you and your family secure from intrusions.