7 Simple Tips To Totally Rocking Your Patio Door Lock Replacement
When It's Time For Patio Door Lock Replacement
If your patio door lock isn't operating correctly, it could be time for a replacement. Fortunately, it's a relatively simple process.
The first thing you need to do is identify the kind of lock you have. You can do this by looking at the position of the keyway in the lock assembly. upvc door locks replacement have vertical keyways, while others are angled at 45 degrees.
Identifying Your Existing Lock
The patio door is among the most sought-after points for home entry for burglars. This is because it typically opens into an open or ventilating position and is often located in the back of the property making it easy to conceal the ladder or other climbing equipment. This makes securing your patio doors crucial regardless of whether you wish to keep children from escaping your home or deter a determined intruder.
To assist you in selecting the best replacement for your patio door lock you should familiarise yourself with the locks you have. This will allow you to determine what kind of lock you currently have, the features it comes with and the type of security it provides. This is a great step to do prior to shopping for new hardware since it will help ensure that the new lock fits perfectly and is securely secured.
In many cases, you can identify the type of lock you have by looking at the exterior of your door's frame or by looking inside the handle. You can also examine the mechanism that locks your door to determine if it has a latch, and if a key is required to activate it.
The most popular lock used in uPVC patio doors is a euro cylinder which operates with either a handle or the use of a key. The cylinder is equipped with an sleeve that keeps the pin inside which prevents it from being removed from the lock. The euro cylinder can offer a certain level of security based on the manufacturer and if the lock has passed the accredited anti-snap testing, but here at SheffLOCK we recommend a 3 star diamond certified TS007 ULTION euro cylinder because it provides more protection against the latest methods of locking snapping.
A mortise is a steel locking mechanism that is integrated into the frame. This kind of lock is available on both wood and aluminum patio doors. If they are installed correctly, they can be very secure since the bolt is recessed in the frame. This means that a burglar would need to cut through the frame of the patio door or window sill before gaining access to the lock.
Find out the width of your door
Patio doors are typically the most vulnerable entry points into your home, particularly when they have a lot of glass. A good quality lock will ensure your home's security and may even reduce the cost of your insurance policy. The most common types of patio door locks are:
There are many different lock options based on style and functionality. Certain locks come with bolts that twist, cylinders that utilize mortise and lock keys as well as locking systems with hook latches.
Use a tape measure around the edge of your patio door to measure the thickness. You can also measure the thickness of the door frame (also known as a jamb), and make use of the smallest measurement to determine the most suitable patio door lock.
It is important to determine the width of your opening prior to installing the patio door. This is the area the door will be able to fit into and is the size that the manufacturer will require to supply you with a door. If you're not sure the best way to measure, ask your supplier for help or refer to our handy guide:
It is also important to take a measurement of the opening's rough height, but this can be tricky as the floor of your house may not be level. You can measure in three places, including the on both sides and the centre, and record the smallest measurement to get your height figure.
Once you've got the measurements, you can select the right lock to fit your door and your home. You could also install an additional security lock to provide extra security against burglars, such as a Patlock handle lock designed to prevent the door from being opened when it's not locked or fastened.
A central rail lock that comes with a key is the best choice for maximum security. This locks the patio door at a variety of points, and requires only one turn of the key. These locks offer a higher security and may reduce the cost of your home insurance.
Make sure you check the End-Face plate
If you're ready to replace your patio door handle it is important to determine the specific details of the lock you currently have to choose the right replacement. This will ensure that the new handle and spindle fit on the patio door and that the new latch is able to be secured by the latch's hasp.
You can tell what kind of mortise lock that you have by examining the end-faceplate. This will allow you to determine what mortise lock you are using. You should also take note of the screw's diameter to ensure that you find the correct replacement for your current screws.
It is also advisable to examine the location of your current keyway. There are many different kinds of patio door locks and it is essential to know which the lock you currently have to be able to find the appropriate keyway opening.
Check the latch keeper's position at the edge of your door jamb. If the latch keeper on the door jamb is too far back, it will be hard to grasp the latch hasp. The door will not close properly. This can be corrected by putting washers on the back of the latch keeper.
If you own a mortise lock E2105 the latch keeper must be at least one inch from the frame edge. You may also want to determine the size of the latch holder to confirm that it is at the right level.
In most cases the latch holder is usually higher than the keyway opening of your existing lock. This is to make sure that it does not interfere with the sliding door's operation.
If your latch keeper isn't at the correct height you can lower it by inserting a screw or nut into the bottom of the keeper and tightening it. Be careful not to overtighten this screw, since it can damage the lock mechanism or the door. If the latch holder is too tall, you can raise the latch holder by tightening the nut or screw at the top of the keeper on the jamb.
Be aware of the screw holes
Some patio door locks use bolts to secure the doors, while others utilize a key-operated lock cylinder. Both types of locks require regular maintenance to function correctly. Lowe's has a variety of sliding glass door locks as well as hardware to help secure your patio door. You can pick from a wide selection of lock styles, including bolts with twist, cylinder locks that use a key, and mortise locking systems with a hook latch.
Some homeowners have trouble getting their patio door to lock because the latch has fallen or isn't aligned with strike plate (also known as the jamb of the door). In some instances the problem could be caused by minor door movements or water ingress that has affected the moveable parts of your lock. In these cases just a bit of oil could be all that's needed to make your door lock properly.
The best place to start is to measure the width of your existing lock. A ruler or tape measure can be used to accurately determine the measurement that will let you select the lock replacement that is the correct size. Next, look at the faceplate at the end to determine if it's round or square. This is crucial because it helps you select the correct lock with the correct screw hole type.
You should also take note of the location of the screw holes on your existing lock. If the screw holes are at the top or the bottom of the leading edge, an extended bolt is required. The other alternative is to install a lock that is tamper-proof and has screws that are not removable.
The installation process is relatively straightforward once you have selected the lock that is best suited to your door. It is always recommended to get help from a professional in case you are uncertain about putting in an outdoor lock. A professional locksmith or door hardware expert will be able to provide professional guidance and advice as well as make sure that your lock is properly installed. If taken care of, your patio door locks will prove to be a reliable and effective security feature that can ensure that you and your family are secure from intrusions.