UPVC patio doors are usually fitted with multi-point locking systems. There are however various types of locks available for these doors and if replacement is ever necessary, it is very important to know what type of lock you have in your patio door.
Identifying UPVC Door Locks
Identify the manufacturers name badge or stamp on the lock end face plate. Find out what type of lock you have and how many are there on the long metal strip on the edge of the door. Then, measure the width of the long metal lock strip.
Different Types of Locks
Match the existing lock on your door with the following various types of locking mechanism for UPVC doors:
• Deadbolt
• Hook
• Centre latch
• Mushroom roller cam
• Roller cam
• Anti-lift pin and hook
The different types of locks offer different levels of security. For instance, mushrooms roller cams and roller cams locks are generally easy to force open because they are only connected with a simple strike plate. It is important to upgrade these types of lock to hook type locks and dead bolts in order to give more security.
Lock Dimensions
There are different lock sizes available. The two measurements required to identify your locks are:
• BACKSET – The distance from the door leading edge to the centre of the key cylinder
• CENTRES – The distance from the centre of the key cylinder to the centre of the handle spindle
Usually, the key cylinder controls the locking systems of the different types of locks. When the cylinder is ripped out with a screw driver, for instance, the inner locking mechanism can easily be exposed and overridden, no matter how expensive or elaborate it is. So it is essential to know how these cylinders can be corrupted by intruders in order to plan appropriate actions. There are basically two methods of bypassing the cylinder:
Lock Bumping
A Lock Bumping Key is a tool used to disable a lock when instructed. This is a common tool utilized by locksmiths. Lock Bumping, on the other hand, is a process of inserting the bumping key into the key hole and striking the key with a hammer. As a result, the cylinder jumps up allowing the plug to turn and opening the lock. So imagine what this lock bumping key can do in the hands of thieves. They can simply open numerous cylinder type locks without difficulty.
Lock Snapping
As the term implies, this method consists of snapping off the front external face of the cylinder and literally pulling the remaining bit of the mechanism out of the door. This gives access to disable the multi point locking system and in just a few seconds, access is granted. Incorrect length of a cylinder can be bad because it can be removed by a pair of mole grips. The cylinder should not protrude any more than 2-3 mm at most beyond the face of the handle. Another way of snapping the cylinder is through the use of a screw nail which is inserted into the keyhole and then used to pull the cylinder out with a claw hammer.
These methods of lock bumping and snapping off the cylinder are being addressed already by some manufacturers. There are new cylinders available in the market that cannot be bumped and cannot be opened even after vigorous snapping. It is also recommended to upgrade the cylinders and lock strips for UPVC patio doors since they are also equipped with similar locks and cylinders.
The locking mechanism system is, indeed, a very crucial part of all UPVC patio doors. If you have invested well in the design and style of the patio door, you might as well give proper attention to its locking system to provide maximum security and privacy.
