17 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Beware Of Patio Door Lock Replacement
When It's Time For Patio Door Lock Replacement
If your patio door lock doesn't work correctly, it might be time to replace it. It's a pretty simple procedure.
The first thing to do is determine the type of lock you have. You can do this by observing the location of the keyway within the lock assembly. Some keyways are vertical while others are at a 45-degree angle.
Identifying the lock you have
The patio door is a common point of entry for burglars. This is because it usually opens to an open or ventilating position. It is often located behind the property making it easy to hide the ladder or other climbing equipment. It is essential to secure your patio door, whether you are trying to keep children from leaving the home or deter a burglar.
You should be familiar with the locks that you currently have in order to help you select the best replacement patio door lock. This will help you identify the kind of lock, the features and security level. This is a great step to take before you begin shopping for new hardware since it will ensure that the new lock fits perfectly and is securely fastened.
repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk is often possible to identify the type of lock by looking at the exterior of the door frame or the inside of the handle. You can also see the type of locking mechanism your door has, if it has a latch or it requires a key to engage the lock.
The most commonly used lock in uPVC patio doors is a euro-cylinder that is operated with a handle or keys. The cylinder is equipped with an enclosure that holds the pin inside, which prevents it from being removed from the lock. The euro cylinder offers an appropriate level of security based on the manufacturer and if the lock has passed a reputable anti-snap testing, but here at SheffLOCK we 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 is a steel locking mechanism that is incorporated into the frame. This type of lock can be used on wood and aluminum patio doors. If they are installed correctly they are secure as the bolt is recessed in the frame. This means that an intruder will need to cut through the patio door frame or window sill prior to gaining access to the lock.
Find the Width of Your Door
Patio doors are the most vulnerable entrance point to your home. This is especially true if you own a lot of glass. Installing locks of top quality can make your home more secure and could save you money on your insurance. The most common types of patio door locks are:
Based on the style and function you're seeking, there are a variety of different lock options available. Some have bolts that twist and cylinder locks that utilize a key and mortise locks with spring-loaded hook latch.
Use a tape measure along the edge of your patio door to measure the thickness. You can also determine the thickness of the door frame (also known as jamb) and then use the smaller measurement to determine the most suitable patio door lock.
If you're installing a new patio door, you should take a measure of the rough opening width. This is the area the door will fit in and is the size that the manufacturer will require to supply you with a brand new door. If you're unsure of the best way to measure the area, ask your provider for assistance or consult our handy guide:
It is also crucial to determine the height of the opening. However, this can be a challenge when your floor isn't level. You can measure in three locations, on both sides and the centre, and record the smallest measurement to determine the height.
Once you've got your measurements, you are able to select the lock that is appropriate for your door and your home. You could also install an additional security lock to provide additional protection against intruders like a Patlock handle lock that is designed to prevent the door being opened if it's not locked or latched.
For the highest level of security, a central rail key-operated lock is an excellent option. This bolts the patio door into the frame at multiple points and requires 1 turn of the key to secure them all. These offer a much higher security level than standard locks and should result in a decrease in home insurance costs.
Make sure you check the End-Face plate
When you are ready to replace your patio door handle it is important to determine the specifics of the lock you currently have to determine the right replacement. This will ensure that the new handle and spindle fit for the door and that the new latch will hold the latch's hasp.
You can determine the kind of mortise lock that you own by looking at the faceplate that is at the end. This will allow you to identify the mortise locks you own. It is also important to take note of the screw's diameter to ensure that you get an appropriate replacement for your current screws.
Also, make sure to examine the location of your current keyway. There are several different types of patio door locks and it is crucial that you know which one your lock is currently using to be able to find the appropriate keyway opening.
Check the latch keeper's position at the edge of the jamb of your door. If the latch keeper is too far from the frame it's difficult to catch 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 own an E2105 mortise lock the latch keeper must be about 1 inch away from the edge of the frame. You might also want to measure the height of your latch holder.
In the majority of cases, the latch holder will be a bit higher than the keyway opening on your current lock. This is so that it does not interfere with the operation of your sliding door.
If the latch keeper 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 could damage the lock mechanism or the door. If the latch holder is too high, you can raise it by tightening the nut or screw at the top of keeper, on the jamb.
Make sure to examine the screw holes
Certain patio door locks utilize bolts to secure the doors, while others use keys-operated lock cylinders. Both kinds of locks require regular maintenance to ensure they function properly. Lowe's offers a wide selection of sliding glass door locks as well as hardware to secure your patio door. You can select from a variety of lock styles including bolts with twist, cylinder locks using a key and mortise locking systems using a hook latch.
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 called the jamb for the door). In some cases the issue could stem from small shifts in the door or water ingress that has impacted the moveable parts of the lock. In these cases the use of a tiny amount of light oil might be all it takes for the door to lock.
Begin by taking measurements of the width and length of the lock you have. A tape measure or ruler can be used to measure the measurement that will enable you to select the lock replacement that is of the right size. Next, observe the end face plate to determine if it is round or square. This is important as it allows you to select an appropriate lock that has the right screw hole.
Also, you will want to take note of the location of the screw holes in your existing lock. If they are on the top or bottom of the leading edge, then a replacement using an extended bolt will be required. The other alternative is to install a tamper-proof lock with non-removable screws.
After you have decided on the kind of lock that is best suited to your door, the process of installation can be quite simple. If you're not comfortable installing a patio door lock yourself, it is always recommended to seek assistance from a professional. A seasoned locksmith or door hardware expert will be able to provide expert guidance and assistance and also ensure that your lock is properly installed. If you take care of it, your patio door locks will prove to be an effective and reliable security feature that can ensure that you and your family are safe from intruders.