Patio Door Lock Replacement: What's The Only Thing Nobody Is Talking About
When It's Time For Patio Door Lock Replacement
If your patio door lock isn't functioning properly, it may be time for a replacement. It's a fairly simple process.
The first thing you have to do is identify the type lock that you own. This can be done by observing the keyway's position on the lock assembly. Certain keyways are vertical, while others have a 45-degree angle.
Identifying the Lock You Have
The patio door is a popular point of entry for burglars. This is due to the fact that the patio door is usually in an open or ventilating state and is situated at the back of a property, making it a breeze to hide a ladder or climbing equipment. This makes securing your patio doors important regardless of whether you wish to prevent children from escaping your home or deter an intruder who is determined to break into your home.
To assist you in selecting the ideal replacement for your patio door lock you should familiarise yourself with your existing locks. This will let you determine the type of lock you currently have, the features it comes with and the type of security it offers. This is a good step to take before you start looking for new hardware as it will help ensure that the new lock is perfect and is securely fastened.
It is often possible to determine the type of lock by looking at the outside of the door frame or the inside of the handle. You can also determine what sort of locking mechanism your door has, in the event that it has a latch or if it requires a key to open the lock.
The most common lock used in uPVC patio doors is a euro cylinder that is operated with an handle or keys. The cylinder is fitted with an internal sleeve that keeps the pin and prevents it being removed from lock. door locks replacement hitchin can offer 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 lock is a type of steel lock that is built into the frame of the patio door. This style of lock is found on both aluminum and wood patio doors. If they are installed correctly they are secure as the bolt is set into the frame. This means that an intruder 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 entry points to your home, particularly when they have a lot of glass installed. A good quality lock will increase the security of your home and could even reduce the cost of your insurance. Patio door locks are typically of two types:
Based on the design and functionality you're looking for there are a variety of different lock options available. Some locks have bolts which twist, cylinders that use mortise and lock keys, and locking systems with hook latches.
You can check the thickness of your current patio door by using a tape measure that you run across the entire length of the door and record the measurement. It's also a good idea to measure the thickness of the frame of the door (known as a jamb) in several places and take the smallest measurement to determine which lock for your patio door type is the best for you.
It is important to take measurements of the width of the opening prior to installing the patio door. This is the area the door will fit in, and it's the size that the manufacturer will need to supply you with a new door. If you're not sure how to measure, ask your supplier for help or refer to our handy guide:
It is also important to measure the approximate height of your opening, but this isn't always easy since the floor of your house might not be level. Try measuring in three locations, at the centre and on both sides, and record the smallest measurement to calculate your height.
Once you have the measurements, you can select a new lock that will work with your door and home. You could also install an additional security lock to provide extra security against burglars, such as a Patlock handle lock, which is designed to stop the door from being opened when it's not locked or fastened.
For the highest level of security, a central rail key-operated lock is a good option. It locks the patio door into the frame at multiple points and requires just one turn of the key to secure them all. These locks offer a higher security and may reduce your home insurance rates.
Make sure you check the End-Face plate
You must know the exact details of the lock you have in order to determine the best replacement. This will ensure that your new handle and spindle fit properly on the patio door, and also that your new latch catches in the latch hasp correctly.
The first step is to examine the end-face plate to determine whether it is square or round. This will help you determine the type of mortise lock you have. You should also take note of the screw's diameter to ensure that you get an appropriate replacement for the screws you have already.
You should also take a look at the position of your existing keyway. There are a variety of patio door locks and it is essential to know which the lock you currently have to ensure that you match it to the right keyway opening.
Next, check the latch keeper on your door jamb to determine how close it is to the edge of the frame. If the latch keeper on the door jamb is far back it will be difficult to get the latch hasp in place. The door won't close properly. This can be fixed by putting washers behind the latch keeper.
If you own a mortise lock E2105 the latch keeper should be at least 1 inch away from the frame edge. You may also want to determine the size of the latch holder to make sure it is at the correct level.
In the majority of cases, the latch holder will be slightly higher than the keyway opening on your current lock. This is to ensure that it doesn't interfere with the sliding door's operation.
If the latch keeper is too high, you can reduce the height by tightening the screw or nut on the bottom. You should not overtighten the screw because it may cause damage to the lock mechanism and the door. If the latch holder on your door is too low you can raise it by using an nut or screw on top of the jamb on the door's keeper.
Be sure to check the screw holes
Certain patio door locks employ bolts to secure doors, while others use a key-operated lock cylinder. Both kinds of locks require regular maintenance to ensure they function correctly. To keep your patio door secure, Lowe's offers a wide variety of sliding glass door hardware and locking solutions. You can choose from a range of styles of locks, including bolts that turn, cylinder locks that use a key and mortise locks with spring-loaded hook latches.
There are homeowners who have difficulty getting their patio door to lock because the latch has fallen or isn't aligned with the strike plate (also known as the jamb of the door). In some cases, the issue may be caused by minor door shifts or water ingress which has affected the movable parts of your lock. In these situations just a little 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. You can make use of a ruler or tape measure to precisely measure this measurement. This will allow you to select an alternative lock that is of the correct size. Then, take a look at the faceplate at the end to determine if it is square or round. This is vital as it allows you to select a new lock that has the right screw hole type.
Also, you will want to note 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 with an extended bolt will be necessary. Installing a tamper proof lock that has a screw that is not removable is an alternative.
After you have decided on the kind of lock that is best suited for your door, the installation process can be quite simple. If you are not comfortable installing a patio door lock on your own, it is always recommended that you seek professional help. A professional locksmith or door hardware expert can offer expert advice and ensure that your lock is installed correctly. Your patio door locks can be a reliable security device for you and your family members if they are maintained properly.