When It's Time For Patio Door Lock Replacement
If your patio door lock doesn't work correctly, it might be time to replace it. Fortunately, it's a relatively straightforward process.
The first thing to do is determine the type of lock you have. This is done by looking at the position of the keyway on the lock assembly. Certain keyways are vertical, while others are at a 45-degree angle.
Identifying the Lock You Have
The patio door is one of the most sought-after points of entry into homes for burglars. It is because the patio door is usually in an open or ventilating state and is situated at the back of a home, making it easy to conceal a ladder or climbing equipment. It is essential to secure your patio door, whether you want to prevent children from leaving the home or deter an intruder.
To help you select the most suitable patio door lock replacement, you must familiarize yourself with the locks you have. This will let you determine what kind of lock you currently have, the features it comes with and the kind of security it offers. This is a great step to make before you start looking for new hardware since it will ensure that your new lock fits perfectly and is securely fastened.
You can usually identify the kind of lock by looking at the exterior of the door frame or the inside of the handle. You can also check the locking mechanism of your door, if it has a latch or if a key is required to open it.
The most commonly used lock in uPVC patio doors is a euro cylinder that is operated with a handle or a key. The cylinder is fitted with a sleeve which holds the pin and prevents it from being removed from the lock. The euro cylinder could provide a certain degree of security, based on the manufacturer. If the lock has been tested for anti-snap certification as well, it is equipped to provide a certain amount of security. However, here at SheffLOCK, we always recommend the diamond-certified 3 star (TS007 ULTION) euro cylinder. It provides more protection against lock snapping.
A mortise lock is a type of steel lock that is incorporated into the frame of the patio door. This type of lock is available on both aluminum and wood patio doors. If installed correctly, they can be very secure 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 note of the width of your door
Patio doors are often the most vulnerable entry point into your home. This is especially true if you have lots of glass. Installing locks of good quality will ensure your home's security and may even save you money on your insurance policy. The most common types of patio door locks are:
There are many different locks to choose from based on your design and function. Some come with twisting bolts or cylinder locks that employ mortise and key locks with a spring-loaded hook latch.
You can measure the thickness of your current patio door using the tape measure along the edge of the door, and record the measurement. You can also measure the thickness of your door frame (also called a jamb), and make use of the most compact measurement to determine the ideal door lock for your patio.
If you're planning to install a brand new patio door, you must measure of the opening width rough. repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk is the space that the door will fit in, and it's the size that the manufacturer will need to provide you with a door. If you're unsure of how to measure the area, ask your provider for assistance or consult our helpful guide:
It is also important to determine the opening's rough height however, this can be a challenge because the floor of your house might not be level. You can measure in three places, the centre, both sides and the corners, and then record the smallest measurement to get your height.
Once you've got your measurements, you can select the lock that is appropriate for your home and door. You can also install an additional security lock to offer additional security against intruders like a Patlock handle lock designed to prevent the door from being opened when it's not locked or secured.
A central rail lock that comes with a key is the best option for the highest security. The lock bolts the patio door into the frame at various points and requires 1 turn of the key to secure them all. They provide a higher security level than standard locks and should result in a decrease in home insurance premiums.
Check the End-Face Plate
When you are ready to replace the handle on your patio door, you need to identify the specific details of your current lock in order to select the appropriate replacement. This will ensure that the new spindle and handle fit correctly on the door, and that the new latch catches in the latch hasp properly.
First, examine the face plate at the end to determine if it's 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 a replacement that fits the screws you have already.
Also, you must be sure to check the location of your current keyway. There are many different kinds of patio door locks, and it is vital that you know what type your lock is currently using to be able to find the appropriate keyway opening.
Then, look at the latch keeper on your door jamb to see how close it is to the frame's edge. If the latch keeper on the door jamb is far behind it will be difficult to grasp the latch hasp. The door won't close properly. Fortunately, this issue can be corrected by adding washers or a shim to the back of the latch keeper on the jamb.
If you own an E2105 mortise lock the latch keeper should be at least 1 inch from the edge of the frame. You might also want to measure the height of your latch holder.
In most instances the latch holder will be a bit higher than the keyway opening on your current lock. This is to ensure that it does not interfere with your sliding door's operation.
If your latch keeper isn't at the right height, you can lower it by inserting screws or nuts into the bottom of the keeper and tightening it. Do not overtighten the screw as it could damage the lock mechanism and the door. If the latch holder is too high, you can raise it by tightening a nut or screw on the top of the keeper on the jamb.
Make sure you check the screw holes
Some patio door locks use bolts to secure doors, while others utilize a key-operated lock cylinder. Both types of locks require regular maintenance to function properly. To help keep your patio door safe, Lowe's offers a wide variety of sliding glass door hardware and locking solutions. You can select from a variety of styles for locks, including bolts with a twist, cylinder locks with keys and mortise locking systems using a hook latch.
There are homeowners who have difficulty getting their patio door to lock because the latch has dropped or isn't aligned with strike plate (also known as the jamb of the door). In some instances, the issue may be due to minor door movements or water ingress which has affected the movable parts of your lock. In these instances an oil spray might be all that's required to get your door to lock again.
Start by taking measurements of the length and width of the lock you have. 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 of the correct size. Next, look at the end faceplate to determine if it is round or square. This is important as it helps you select a new lock that has the correct screw hole.
You should also notice the position of the screw holes on your current lock. If the screw holes are at the top or bottom of the leading edge, then an extended bolt is required. The other option is to install lock that is tamper-proof and has screws that are not removable.
After you have selected the lock type that is best suited to your door, the process of installation is fairly straightforward. If you're not comfortable installing the patio door lock yourself It is recommended to seek assistance from a professional. A professional locksmith or door hardware specialist can provide expert advice and ensure that the lock has been installed correctly. If taken care of your patio door locks will prove to be an efficient and secure security feature that will ensure that you and your family are secure from burglars.