When It's Time For Patio Door Lock Replacement
If your patio door lock isn't working well, it might be time to replace it. Fortunately, it's a relatively easy procedure.
The first thing you need to do is determine the type of lock you own. This can be done by looking at the position of the keyway within the lock assembly. Some keyways are vertical while others have an angle of 45 degrees.
Identifying the lock you have
The patio door is a common point of entry for burglars. This is due to the fact that the patio door is typically in an open or ventilating mode and is located in the rear of a home, making it easy to hide the ladder or other climbing equipment. This makes securing your patio doors essential whether you are trying 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 be familiar with the locks you have. This will let you determine what kind of lock you have, what features it has, and what type of security it provides. This is an excellent step to do prior to shopping for new hardware since it will ensure that the new lock is perfect and is securely fastened.
In many cases, you can determine what kind of lock you have by observing the exterior of your door's frame, or by looking inside the handle. You can also check what sort of locking mechanism your door has, in the event that it has a latch or if it requires a key for activation of the lock.
The most popular lock used in uPVC patio doors is a euro cylinder that operates with either an handle or a key. The cylinder comes with an internal sleeve that keeps the pin and prevents it from being removed from the lock. The euro cylinder can offer some degree of security, based on the manufacturer and whether the lock has passed the accredited anti-snap testing, but here at SheffLOCK we always recommend a diamond 3 star accredited TS007 ULTION euro cylinder as it offers far more protection against the latest methods of locking snapping.
A mortise lock is an iron lock that is built into the frame of the patio door. This kind of lock can be found on both wood and aluminum patio doors. If properly installed they are safe as the bolt is recessed in the frame. This means that an intruder will need to cut the frame of the patio door or window sill prior to gaining access to the lock.
Measure the width of your door
Patio doors are typically the most vulnerable entry points into your home, especially if they have large amounts of glass. Having good quality locks fitted will increase the security of your home and could reduce the cost of your insurance. Patio door locks are mainly of two kinds:
Depending on the style and function you're seeking, there are many different locks available. Some have bolts that twist or cylinder locks that employ mortise locks and keys, and others with spring-loaded hook latch.
Use a tape measure across the edges of your patio door to measure the thickness. You can also measure the thickness of your door frame (also known as jamb), and make use of the smaller measurement to determine the most suitable patio door lock.
If breaking news planning to install a brand new patio door, you should take a measure of the opening width rough. This is the area the door will fit into and is the size that the manufacturer must have to supply you with a brand new door. If you're not sure of how to measure you need to ask your supplier for advice or see our handy guide:
It is also important to determine the height of the opening. However, this may be difficult if your floor is not level. You can measure in three locations, on both sides and the centre and then record the smallest of these to get your height figure.
Once you've got the measurements, you can choose the lock that will fit your door and your home. Installing an additional security locking system can provide you with additional protection from intruders. For instance a handlelock from Patlock is designed to prevent a door from being opened if it's not locked or latched.
A central rail lock with a key is the best option to ensure maximum security. It locks the door of your patio into the frame at several points, and requires only one turn of the key to lock them all. These offer a much higher level of security than basic locks and will result in a decrease in home insurance premiums.
Examine the end-face plate
It is important to know the precise details of the lock you have in order 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 hold the latch's hasp.
You can tell what kind of mortise lock you have by examining the end-faceplate. This will help you determine the mortise lock type you have. It is also important to know the size of the hole in order you can find a replacement that matches up with your existing screws.
It is also important to examine the position of your existing keyway. There are many different kinds of patio door locks, and it is essential that you know which one your current lock has so that you can match it with the correct keyway opening.
Check the latch keeper's position at the edge of your door jamb. If the latch keeper is too far back it's difficult to catch in the latch hasp and the door won't close properly. This can be corrected by putting washers on the back of the latch keeper.
If you own mortise locks E2105 The latch keeper should be at least 1 inch away from the frame edge. You may also want to take a measurement of the height of the latch holder to ensure it is at the correct level.
In most cases, the latch holder will be positioned slightly higher than the lock's keyway. This is so that it does not interfere with the operation of your sliding door.
If your latch keeper is not at the right height, you can lower it by putting an nut or screw into the bottom of the keeper and tightening it. Be careful not to over tighten this screw, as it can damage the mechanism of the lock or the door. If the latch holder is too tall, you can raise it by tightening a nut or screw at the top of keeper on the jamb.
Pay attention to the Screw Holes
Certain patio door locks employ bolts to secure the doors, whereas others use keys-operated lock cylinders. Both types of locks need regular maintenance to function correctly. Lowe's has a variety of sliding glass door locks and hardware to secure your patio door. You can find a variety of lock styles, including bolts that turn, cylinder locks that use mortise and key locks with spring-loaded hook latches.
Some homeowners are unable lock their patio doors because the latch has fallen off or is not aligned with the strike plate. In some instances the problem could be caused by minor shifts in the door or water intrusion which has affected the movable parts of your lock. In these instances, a small amount of light oil could be all it takes for the door to lock.
The best place to start is by measuring the width of your current lock. You can make use of a ruler or tape measure to accurately measure this measurement. This will allow you to choose an alternative lock that is that is the right size. Then, look at the end face plate to determine if it is round or square. This information is vital as it allows you to choose the lock that is suitable for you by using the correct screw hole type.
Also, you will want to be aware of the position of the screw holes on your current lock. If they are at the top or bottom of the leading edge, then a replacement using an extended bolt will be required. Installing a tamper proof lock with a screw that cannot be removed is another option.
Once you have chosen the type of lock that is best suited to your door, the process of installing it can be fairly simple. If you're not confident installing the patio door lock yourself, it is always recommended to seek professional help. An experienced locksmith or door hardware expert can offer expert guidance and assistance, as well as ensure that your lock is properly installed. Your patio door locks can be a reliable security device for you and your family members if they are maintained properly.