When It's Time For Patio Door Lock Replacement
If your patio door lock isn't working correctly, it might be time to replace it. It's a simple process.
The first step is to identify the type of lock you have. This is done by looking at the position of the keyway on the lock assembly. Some keyways are vertical, while others are at an angle of 45 degrees.
Identifying Your Lock's Existing Lock
The patio door is among the most targeted points of entry into homes 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 a ladder or other equipment for climbing. It is essential to ensure the security of your patio door whether you want to keep children from leaving the home or deter an intruder.
To help you choose the ideal patio door lock replacement, you should familiarise yourself with your current locks. This will help you determine the type of lock you have, what features it has and what type of security it offers. This is a crucial step to take before shopping for new hardware. It will ensure that the new lock is correctly fitted and securely secured.
You can often determine the type of lock by looking at the outside of the door frame or the inside of the handle. You can also look at the locking mechanism of your door, whether it has a latch and the need for a key to open it.
The most common lock found on uPVC patio doors is a euro-style cylinder that can be operated either by either a handle or a key. The cylinder has a sleeve that holds the pin inside and keeps it from being removed from the lock. upvc door locking mechanism replacement may provide a certain level of security, based on the manufacturer and whether the lock has passed the accredited anti-snap testing, but here at SheffLOCK we recommend a diamond 3 star certified TS007 ULTION euro-cylinder because it provides more protection against the latest methods of snapping locks.
A mortise lock is an iron lock that is built into the frame of the patio door. This kind of lock can be used on aluminum and wood patio doors. If installed correctly they are secure as the bolt is recessed in the frame. This means that an intruder will have to cut the frame of the patio door or window sill before gaining access to the lock.
Find the Width of Your Door
Patio doors are usually the most vulnerable points of entry into your home, particularly in the case of large quantities of glass installed. Installing locks of high quality can make your home more secure and will save you money on insurance. Patio door locks are mainly of two types:
There are a variety of lock options depending on your design and functional requirements. Some come with twisting bolts and cylinder locks that utilize a key and mortise locks with a spring-loaded hook latch.
You can check the thickness of your existing patio door by using the tape measure along the edge of the door and then record the measurement. It's recommended to measure the thickness of the door frame (known as a jamb) in various places and use the smallest figure to to determine which lock kind is best for you.
If you're installing a new patio door, then you must take a measurement of the opening width rough. This is the space that the door will be able to fit into, and it's the size that the manufacturer must have to provide you with a door. Ask your supplier for help or refer to our guide if you're not sure how to measure.
You should also take a measurement of the approximate height of your opening however this can be a challenge as the floor of your home may not be level. You can measure in three places, including the centre and both sides and note the smallest of these to calculate your height.
Once you have the measurements, you can choose a new lock that will fit your door and your home. Installing an auxiliary security locking system will give you extra security against intruders. For example the Patlock handlelock is designed to block doors from being opened if not locked or latched.
For the highest level of security For maximum security, a central rail-operated key-operated lock is a good option. This locks the patio door at a variety of points, and only requires one turn of the key. These locks offer a higher level of security and can lower your home insurance costs.
Examine the End-Face Plate
You must be aware of the specifics of the lock you currently have to determine the best replacement. This will ensure that the new handle and spindle will fit properly on the patio door, and that your new latch catches in the correct hasp of the latch.
You can identify the kind of mortise lock that you own by looking at the faceplate at the end. This will help you determine the mortise lock type you own. It is also important to know the size of the hole in order you can find an alternative that is compatible with your existing screws.
It is also important to take a look at the position of your existing keyway. There are a variety of patio door locks, and it is essential that you know what type your current lock has to be able to match it with the correct keyway opening.
Then, look at the latch keeper on the door jamb to see how close it is to the frame's edge. If the latch keeper is too far from the frame, it will be difficult to catch in the latch hasp and the door will not close properly. Fortunately, this can be fixed by adding washers or a shim in front of the latch keeper on the door jamb.
If you own mortise lock E2105, the latch keeper needs to be at least 1 inch from the frame edge. You might also want to measure the size of the latch holder.
In most cases the latch holder will be a bit higher than the keyway opening on your current lock. This is to ensure that it doesn't interfere with your sliding door's operation.
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 as it could damage the lock mechanism and the door. If the latch holder is too high you can raise it by tightening a nut or screw on the top of keeper on the jamb.
Make sure to examine the screw holes
Some patio door locks use bolts to secure doors, whereas others use keys-operated lock cylinders. Both types of locks require regular maintenance to ensure they function properly. To keep your patio door safe, Lowe's offers a wide variety of sliding glass door hardware and locking solutions. You can pick from a wide range of lock styles including bolts with a twist, cylinder locks using keys and mortise locking systems using hook latches.
Some homeowners have trouble getting their patio door to lock because the latch has fallen or isn't aligned with strike plate (also called the jamb of the door). In some cases the problem could be due to small shifts in the door or water intrusion that has affected the moveable parts of your lock. In these cases just a bit of oil could be all that's needed to get your door to lock once more.
Begin by taking measurements of the length and width of the lock you currently have. You can use a ruler or tape measure to accurately measure this measurement. This will allow you to select a replacement lock that is the right size. Then, take a look at the faceplate on the top to determine if it is round or square. This is important because it helps you choose the right lock using the correct screw hole type.
You should also notice the position of the screw holes on your current lock. If they are located at the top or bottom of the leading edge, then a replacement with an extended bolt is required. Another alternative is to install a lock that is tamper-proof and has screws that are not removable.
The process of installing the lock is straightforward once you have selected the lock that is best suited to your door. It is recommended that you seek professional assistance in case you are uncertain about installing a patio lock. A seasoned locksmith or door hardware specialist can offer professional guidance and advice and also ensure that the lock is correctly installed. Your patio door locks can be a secure security option for you and your family members if they are maintained properly.