When It's Time For Patio Door Lock Replacement
If your patio door lock isn't functioning properly, it could be the time to replace it. It's a pretty straightforward process.
The first step is to identify the kind of lock you have. This can be done by observing the location of the keyway inside the lock assembly. Some keyways are vertical while others are at a 45-degree angle.
Identifying Your Existing Lock
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 usually located at the back of the home, making it simple to hide a ladder or other climbing equipment. This makes securing your patio doors crucial, whether you want to prevent children from leaving your property or deter a determined burglar.
You should be familiar with the locks you currently have in order to help you select the most suitable replacement patio door lock. This will help you determine the kind of lock, its characteristics and security level. This is a great step to do before you begin shopping for new hardware since it will ensure that the new lock fits perfectly and is securely secured.
In many cases, you can determine the type of lock you have by looking at the outside of your door's frame, or checking the inside of the handle. You can also determine what sort of locking mechanism your door is equipped with, if it has a latch or if it requires a key for activation of the lock.
The most popular lock that is found on uPVC patio doors is a euro cylinder that can be operated by a handle or a cylinder key. The cylinder comes with a sleeve which holds the pin in place and stops it from being removed from the lock. The euro cylinder can provide some degree of security, contingent on the manufacturer. If the lock has been tested for anti-snap accreditation and is certified for anti-snap, it will be capable of providing some degree of security. However we at SheffLOCK we recommend the diamond-certified 3 star (TS007 ULTION) euro cylinder. It provides more protection against lock snapping.
A mortise lock is an iron lock that is built into the frame of the patio door. This style of lock is available on both aluminum and wood patio doors. If properly installed they are safe as the bolt is embedded in the frame. This means that a burglar would need to cut the frame of the patio door or window sill to gain access to the lock.
Take a measurement of the Width of Your Door
Patio doors are often the most vulnerable entrance point to your home. This is especially true if you have lots of glass. Installing locks that are of the highest quality will make your home safer and will save you money on insurance. The most common types of patio door lock are:
There are many different lock options depending on your design and functional requirements. Some have bolts that twist and cylinder locks that utilize mortise and key locks with a spring-loaded hook latch.
Use a tape measure across the edges of your patio door to measure the thickness. replace door lock Repair My Windows And Doors 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 to determine which lock type will be most suitable for your needs.
You should measure the opening width before installing the patio door. This is the opening that the patio door will fit into and the measurement you'll require from the manufacturer to get a new one. If you're not sure of the best way to measure you need to ask your supplier for assistance or consult our helpful guide:
It is also important to determine the height of the opening, but this can be difficult when your floor isn't level. You can try measuring in three places, including the centre and both sides and note the smallest measurement to determine the height.
Once you've gotten your measurements, you can choose the lock that is appropriate for your home and door. You can also install an auxiliary security lock to provide extra security against burglars, such as a Patlock handle lock, which is designed to prevent the door from being opened even if it's locked or secured.
For the best security, a central rail key-operated lock is a good option. This locks the patio door at several points, and requires only one turn of the key. They provide a higher level of security than basic locks and will result in a decrease in home insurance premiums.
Check the End-Face Plate
If you're looking to replace your patio door handle you must determine the specifics of the lock you have currently in order to select the appropriate replacement. This will ensure that the new handle and spindle are a perfect fit for the patio door and that the new latch can be secured by the latch's hasp.
First, examine the end-face plate to determine if it's square or round. This will allow you to determine the type of mortise lock you have. It is also important to note the size of the screw hole so that you can find a replacement that matches up with the screws you have already.
It is also advisable to examine the location of your current keyway. There are numerous types of patio doors locks. It is essential to determine which kind of lock has in order to match it with the appropriate keyway opening.
Then, look at the latch keeper on your door jamb to determine how close it is to the frame's edge. If the latch keeper on the door jamb is too far back it will be difficult to get the latch hasp in place. 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 jamb of the door.
If you have an E2105 mortise lock the latch keeper must be approximately 1 inch from the edge of the frame. You may also want to take a measurement of the size of the latch holder to confirm that it is at the correct level.
In the majority of instances, the latch holder is usually higher than the keyway opening on your current lock. This is to make sure that it does not interfere with the sliding door's operation.
If the latch keeper is too high, you can lower the height by tightening the screw or nut at the bottom. Be cautious not to tighten too much the screw, as it can cause damage to 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 on the top of the keeper on the jamb.
Pay attention to the Screw Holes
Certain patio door locks utilize a bolt to secure the doors, while others use the key-operated lock cylinder. Both types of locks need regular maintenance to function correctly. Lowe's offers a range of sliding glass door locks as well as hardware to help secure your patio door. You can pick from a variety of styles for locks, including bolts with twist, cylinder locks that use keys and mortise locking systems with 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 known as the door jamb). In some instances the issue could stem from minor alterations in the door or water intrusion that has impacted the moveable parts of the lock. In these situations, a small amount of light oil could suffice to get the door to lock.
Begin by measuring the width and length of the lock you have. You can use the ruler or tape measure to accurately measure this measurement. This will allow you to choose an alternative lock that is of the correct size. After that, examine the end faceplate to determine if it's round or square. This is crucial because it lets you select the correct lock with the correct screw hole type.
Additionally, you'll 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 is required. Installing a tamper-proof lock that has a screw that is not removable is an alternative.
The installation process is fairly easy once you've picked the lock that's best for your door. It is always recommended to get help from a professional if you are unsure about the installation of an outdoor lock. A seasoned locksmith or door hardware expert will be able to provide expert guidance and advice as well as make sure that the lock is correctly installed. If taken care of, your patio door locks will be an effective and reliable security feature that will protect you and your family secure from burglars.