When It's Time For Patio Door Lock Replacement
If your patio door lock isn't functioning properly, it could be time to replace it. It's an easy procedure.
The first step is to determine the kind of lock you own. This can be done by observing the location of the keyway within the lock assembly. Repair My Windows And Doors are vertical, while others have a 45-degree angle.
Identifying Your Existing Lock
The patio door is among the most targeted points of home entry for burglars. This is due to the fact that it typically opens to an open or ventilating position and is often located behind the property making it easy to hide a ladder or other climbing equipment. This makes the security of your patio doors important regardless of whether you wish to prevent children from leaving your home or deter a determined intruder.
To help you select the ideal replacement for your patio door lock, you must familiarize yourself with your existing locks. This will allow you to determine the type of lock you currently have, the features it has, and what type of security it provides. This is an important step to make prior to buying new hardware. It will ensure that the new lock is correctly installed and securely fastened.
In many instances you can determine what kind of lock you have by inspecting the outside of your door's frame, or by looking inside the handle. You can also check the type of lock your door has, in the event that it has a latch or if it requires a key to engage the lock.
The most common lock found on uPVC patio door is a euro cylinder which can be operated by a handle or a cylinder key. The cylinder has an internal sleeve that keeps the pin in place and stops it being removed from lock. The euro cylinder can offer an appropriate level of security depending on the manufacturer and if the lock has passed accredited anti-snap tests, however 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 locking snapping.
A mortise lock is a type of steel lock built into the frame of the patio door. This type of lock can be found on both wood and aluminum patio doors. They can be extremely secure if installed correctly, as the bolt is embedded into the frame and the intruder will have to cut through the frame and window sill to gain access to the lock.
Take note of the width of your door
Patio doors are typically the most vulnerable points of entry into your home, especially if they have large amounts of glass. Installing locks of high quality can make your home more secure and will save you the cost of insurance. Patio door locks are mainly of two kinds:
Depending on the style and functionality you're looking for there are a variety of different locks available. Some have bolts that twist or cylinder locks that employ mortise and key locks with hook latches that are spring loaded.
You can determine the thickness of your existing patio door using the tape measure across the edges of the door and then record the measurement. It is recommended to determine the thickness of the door frame (known as jamb) in various places and take the smallest measurement to determine which patio door lock type is the most suitable for your needs.
It is important to measure the opening width before installing a patio door. This is the space that the patio door will be able to fit into and the measurement you'll require from the manufacturer to purchase an entirely new one. If you're unsure of the best way to measure the area, ask your provider for help or refer to our helpful guide:
It is also essential to determine the height of the opening, but this may be difficult if your floor is not 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 gotten your measurements, you can select the lock that is appropriate for your door and home. Installing an additional security locking system can provide you with additional security from burglars. For instance the Patlock handlelock is designed to prevent a door from being opened if not secured or locked.
A central rail lock that comes with a key is the best choice for the highest security. It locks the patio door at multiple points, and only requires one turn of the key. These locks provide a greater security level and could lower your home insurance costs.
Check the end-face plate
You must know the precise details of the lock you currently have to select the appropriate replacement. This will ensure that the new handle and spindle fit properly on the patio door, and that your new latch catches in the correct hasp of the latch.
You can determine the type of mortise lock you own by looking at the faceplate at the end. This will allow you to determine the type of mortise lock you are using. It is also important to note the screw size to ensure you find an appropriate replacement for the screws you have already.
You should also take a look at the position of your existing keyway. There are many different kinds of patio door locks, and it is crucial that you know which one your lock is currently using so that you can find the appropriate keyway opening.
Next, examine the latch jamb of your door to see how close it is to the frame's edge. If the latch keeper on the door jamb is far back it will be difficult to grasp the latch hasp. The door will not close properly. This can be fixed by adding washers behind the latch keeper.
If you own an E2105 mortise lock the latch keeper must be at least 1 inch away from the edge of the frame. It is also possible to measure the size of the latch holder to make sure it is at the correct level.
In most cases, your latch holder will sit slightly higher than your existing lock's keyway. This is so that it doesn't interfere with the operation of the sliding door.
If the latch keeper on your door is not at the right height you can lower it by putting a screw or nut into the bottom of the keeper and tightening it. Do not overtighten the screw because it may cause damage to the lock mechanism and the door. If your latch holder is too low you can raise it by using screws or nuts on the top of the jamb on the door's keeper.
Make sure to examine the screw holes
Certain patio door locks utilize bolts to secure doors, whereas others use the key-operated lock cylinder. Both types of locks require regular maintenance to ensure that they work properly. Lowe's offers a range of sliding glass door locks and hardware to secure your patio door. There are a variety of lock styles, including bolts that twist, cylinder locks that use mortise locks and keys with a spring-loaded hook latch.
Some homeowners have trouble getting their patio door to lock because the latch has dropped or isn't aligning with the strike plate (also called the jamb of the door). In some instances the issue could stem from small shifts in the door or from water intrusion that has impacted the moveable parts of the lock. In these cases just a bit of oil may be all that is required to make your door lock properly.
The best place to start is to measure the width of your current lock. A tape measure or ruler can be used to precisely determine this measurement, which will let you select a replacement lock that is of the right size. Next, look at the faceplate on the top to determine if it's square or round. This information is crucial as it helps you select an appropriate lock that has the right screw hole.
You will also want to be aware of the location of the screw holes in your current lock. If they are located at the top or bottom of the leading edge then a new lock with an extended bolt is necessary. The other option is to install tamper-proof lock with non-removable screws.
After you have selected the type of lock that is most suitable for your door, the process of installing it can be fairly simple. It is recommended to seek professional assistance if you are unsure about installing an outdoor lock. A professional locksmith or door hardware expert can offer expert advice and ensure that your lock is installed correctly. If you take care of it, your patio door locks will be an efficient and secure security feature that can protect you and your family secure from intrusions.