When It's Time For Patio Door Lock Replacement

If your patio door lock doesn't work properly, it could be the time to replace it. It's an easy process.

The first thing you have to do is determine the kind of lock you have. You can do this by observing the position of the keyway in the lock assembly. Certain keyways are vertical, while others have a 45-degree angle.

Identifying Your Lock's Existing Lock

The patio door is one of the most sought-after points for entry into homes for burglars. It is because the patio door is typically in an open or ventilating mode and is located at the back of a property, making it a breeze to hide an equipment for climbing or a ladder. This makes securing your patio doors crucial, whether you want to prevent children from escaping your home or deter a determined burglar.

To help you select the ideal patio door lock replacement, you must familiarize yourself with your current locks. This will allow you to determine what kind of lock you have, the features it comes with and the kind of security it offers. This is a good step to take prior to shopping for new hardware since it will help ensure that the new lock fits perfectly and is securely secured.

You can often determine the kind of lock by looking at the outside of the door frame or the inside of the handle. You can also check the locking mechanism of your door, whether it has a latch, and if a key is required to engage it.

The most commonly used lock in replacing upvc door locks patio doors is a euro cylinder which is operated by either an handle or a key. The cylinder is equipped with an enclosure that holds the pin inside and stops it from being removed from the lock. The euro cylinder may offer an amount of security, based on the manufacturer. If the lock has been tested for anti-snap accreditation as well, it is capable of providing an amount of security. However we at SheffLOCK we recommend the diamond-certified 3 star (TS007 ULTION) euro cylinder. It provides a lot more protection from lock snapping.

A mortise is a type of steel locking system that is built into the frame. This type of lock is found on both aluminum and wood patio doors. If installed correctly, they can be very safe as the bolt is recessed in the frame. This means that a burglar would need to cut the patio door frame or window sill prior to gaining access to the lock.

Find the Width of Your Door

Patio doors can be the most vulnerable entrance point to your home. This is especially true if you have many glass. Installing locks that are of the highest quality will ensure your home is secure and could save you money on insurance. Patio door locks are mainly of two kinds:

Based on the style and functionality you're looking for there are many different lock options available. Some are equipped with bolts that twist, cylinder locks that use mortise locks and keys, and others with a spring-loaded hook latch.

You can check the thickness of your existing patio door by using a tape measure that you run along the edge of the door and then record the measurement. It is also a good idea to determine the thickness of the frame of the door (known as a jamb) in various places and take the smallest measurement to help determine which lock for your patio door kind is best for you.

You should take measurements of the width of the opening prior to installing the patio door. This is the space that the door will be able to fit into and is the size that the manufacturer must have to provide you with a door. If you're not sure the best way to measure you need to ask your supplier for assistance or consult our handy guide:

You should also measure the approximate height of your opening however, this isn't always easy since the floor of your home might not be level. You can try measuring at three different locations, the on both sides and the centre, and record the smallest of these to determine the height.

Once you have the measurements, you can select the right lock to fit your door and your home. Installing an auxiliary security locking system will provide you with extra security against intruders. For example the Patlock handlelock is designed to prevent a door from being opened if it's not secured or locked.

A central rail lock fitted with a key is the best option for maximum security. The lock bolts the patio door to the frame at several points and requires 1 turn to lock them all. These locks offer a higher security and may reduce your home insurance rates.

Examine the end-face plate

You need to know the exact details of your existing lock to select the appropriate replacement door locks. This will ensure that the new handle and spindle fit on the patio door and that the new latch is able to be secured by the latch's hasp.

You can identify the type of mortise lock you own by looking at the end-faceplate. This will help you determine the type of mortise lock you have. It is also important to know the screw hole size so that you can locate a replacement that matches up with your existing screws.

You should also examine the location of your existing keyway. There are many different types of patio doors locks. It is important to know what type of lock is to match it with the right keyway opening.

Check the latch keeper's position at the edge of the jamb of your door. If the latch keeper on the door jamb is too far behind it will be difficult to catch the latch hasp. The door won't close properly. Fortunately, this can be corrected by adding washers or a shim behind the latch keeper on the jamb of the door.

If you have 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 size of the latch holder.

In the majority of instances the latch holder will be a bit higher than the keyway opening on your current lock. This is so that it doesn't interfere with the operation of your sliding door.

If the latch keeper on your door is not at the correct height you can lower it by putting screws or nuts into the bottom of the keeper and tightening it. Be cautious not to tighten too much this screw, since it can cause damage to the lock mechanism or the door. If the latch holder on your door is too low you can raise it using a screw or nut at the top of the jamb on the door's keeper.

Be aware of the screw holes

Certain patio door locks utilize bolts to secure the doors, whereas others use a key-operated lock cylinder. Both types of locks require regular maintenance to function correctly. To ensure the security of your patio door, Lowe's offers a wide variety of sliding glass door hardware and locking solutions. You can find a variety of lock styles, including bolts that twist and cylinder locks that utilize mortise and key locks with spring-loaded hook latches.

Some homeowners have trouble getting their patio door to lock because the latch has fallen or isn't aligned with the strike plate (also called the jamb for the door). In some cases, the issue may be caused by minor shifts in the door or water intrusion that has affected the moveable parts of your lock. In these cases, a little light oil could be all that's required to get your door to lock once more.

The best place to start is by measuring the width of your existing lock. A ruler or tape measure can be used to precisely measure the measurement that will allow you to choose the lock replacement door lock that is of the right size. Then, look at the end face plate to determine if it is round or square. This is important because it helps you select the correct lock with the correct screw hole.

Also, you will want to be aware of the position of the screw holes on your current lock. If the screw holes are on the top or at the bottom of the leading edge, an extended bolt is required. Installing a tamper proof lock that has a screw that is not removable is an alternative.

After you have decided on the type of lock that is most suitable to your door, the process of installing it can be quite simple. If you're not confident installing a patio door lock yourself it is highly recommended to seek assistance from a professional. A professional locksmith or composite door replacement lock hardware expert will be able to provide expert guidance and advice as well as make sure that your lock is properly installed. Your patio door locks could be a reliable security feature for you and your family members if they are maintained properly.