Installing a lock on a metal-plastic door. What is the need for a lock on a plastic balcony door? On a plastic door

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Regardless of what the door leaf is made of, it will require the installation of a lock. And if almost any device is suitable for wooden doors, then for PVC you need to select special locks for plastic doors.

Features of locks on plastic doors

Conventional locks are not suitable for plastic doors. If you try to install it on a PVC canvas, the frame will be damaged, which can render the entire structure unusable. For this type of product, specially designed locking mechanisms are produced.

An important condition is the use of a mortise device: it allows you to maintain the functionality of the doors without spoiling their appearance. It is possible to use overhead types of locks. Such designs are relevant for high-traffic areas where a mechanical lock will quickly fail due to natural wear and tear.

Lock for PVC door

Models of electromagnetic devices

Locks for plastic doors can be electromagnetic: the main advantage of such a mechanism is its durability. It can increase home security if used in conjunction with an intercom. Such locks also have a number of disadvantages: if there is no power supply, it will turn off, and besides, this model has a fairly high price.

An electromagnetic lock can only be installed in the upper part of the door. The lock will ensure that the door closes tightly, but may deform the door leaf over time, especially if they are not made of the highest quality material. If the frame is deformed, the glass unit may fall out. These problems can be avoided by observing the following conditions:

Electric locks on plastic doors do not like thermal changes. It is necessary to ensure year-round comfortable operating temperatures.
Regularly maintain and check the door closer.
Check the magnetization of the magnetic device.
Install a rectifier to combat power surges.

Layout of lock elements

There are a large number of manufacturers of similar locks and models that can get confusing. If you want to purchase a reliable device that can last a long time without the need for regular repairs, we recommend that you pay attention to the SOCA SL-100B. This lock has an attractive appearance, a reliable system, the kit includes the equipment necessary for the operation of the device, and installation instructions are included.

Lock installation diagram

The lock for a plastic door SL-180L is considered quite good. It is distinguished by its great power, it can pull up to 180 kg, which allows it to be used in commercial premises and installed on entrance doors. Such devices are produced with different characteristics, you need to pay attention to them. The main parameter when choosing should be residual magnetization: if its indicator is high, such a lock will not be suitable for installation on a plastic door.

Residual magnetization harms the door leaf, as it prevents it from being opened without effort. This factor increases the load on the structure’s fastenings and can deform them.

Diagram of connecting the lock to the power source. Included with each lock.

Multi-point lock

There are other options for locking mechanisms, for example, a multi-point lock for plastic doors. The main feature of this type of device is the locking mechanism itself. It has at least two points of contact. Such a structure can ensure a tight fit of the door leaf to the frame, and will also significantly protect the room from the penetration of criminals. It is quite difficult to break into such a lock.

The locking blocks are located on a narrow strip, which is fixed to the door leaf. Multi-point locks for plastic doors are produced by Russian and foreign companies. The following models are especially popular:

Dorseif HV is equipped with four pins, cuts into the canvas, ideal for protection against criminal attacks. This product is manufactured in Germany; high-grade durable steel is used for its manufacture. The lock can be opened from the outside using a key, and from the inside by pressing the handle.
ELEMENTIS PZF is an analogue of the above product, but costs less.
Maxbar MB is a multi-point lock for aluminum doors, can be used for plastic products. The difference between it and previous models is the ability to open with a key not only from the outside, but also from the inside. Stainless steel is used to make the case.

Multi-point lock for plastic doors

Electromechanical locks

Door locks for plastic doors can be electromechanical. This is a compact, lightweight mechanism, narrow enough for high-quality insertion. If the door will be opened no more than 200 times a day, this solution will be suitable. By installing this type of lock, you will have the following advantages:

Various opening options: using a key, electric key, button, remote control.
The design is more reliable than any mechanical lock and is better resistant to wear and tear.
The door can be opened and closed quickly.

It is advisable to choose the most compact lock for a plastic door. It is worth paying attention to the crossbar, but it must be thick enough. Experts advise purchasing PROMIX brand products. For example, the Sheriff 5 model is an excellent option for installation on a swing plastic door. The model resists temperature changes well, does not rust, and interacts with all types of control devices.

The disadvantage of such a lock is its dependence on power supply. It opens as soon as the power goes out.

Features of the sidebar

You don’t have to think about how to embed a lock into a plastic balcony door if you don’t intend to do it professionally. Mortizing locks requires special equipment, which is not cost-effective to buy if you need to service several home doors. It is better to turn to specialists who can do the work accurately, quickly, and inexpensively.

Probably every person has encountered the need to install plastic doors in their apartment; for example, they are often used to separate a balcony from the main living space. The fact is that a plastic door allows you to create effective heat and sound insulation. Despite this popularity, the cost of plastic doors is quite high, and installing locks for them also requires relatively high costs. We recommend that you do this yourself, without resorting to the services of professionals, because they are quite expensive, and you can find almost all the necessary information in the material below.

Classification of locks for plastic doors

If you want to install a lock on a plastic door, then when choosing, you should first of all pay attention to its type, because a lot depends on it. Such locks are usually divided into overhead locks (a mechanism installed on the surface of the door leaf) and mortise locks (a mechanism located inside the plastic door). It is worth mentioning that in most situations, mortise locks are used, since they do not spoil the appearance of the door and do not take up extra space, and the level of reliability can be ensured quite high, if necessary.

Mortise locks are also usually divided into types, here are the main ones:

Level ones. Such locks consist of several plates that form the basis of the closing mechanism itself. A lever lock for a plastic door is not used so often; it is usually installed on wooden or metal interior or entrance doors. Among the advantages of such locks, one should highlight their prevalence and low price, but the main disadvantage is the low level of resistance to burglary. If you decide to purchase just such a lock, then take into account the burglary resistance class of the mechanism, as well as the material and number of the levers themselves (“cylindrical latches”).
Cylinder. This type of lock is very similar to the previously disassembled one; it is also quite rarely used, since it is intended primarily for wooden and metal doors. The basis of a cylinder lock is the cylinder, that is, the locking part itself, into which the key is placed. The main advantage of mechanisms of this kind is resistance to burglary. When choosing, pay attention to the lock's protection, characterized by the material of manufacture and resistance to burglary, as well as functionality.
Cylinder locks are difficult to open with master keys, and lever locks are difficult to use brute force
Electronic. Such locks appeared relatively recently, but they have many advantages over other options, because they can be opened from a great distance using a special remote control or key fob. They are used on luxury plastic doors and are included in the design of expensive private houses, but there are also more advanced types of mechanisms. The main advantage of electronic locks is ease of use, because this is exactly what they were created for, but at the same time it is often necessary to sacrifice protection, so preference should be given to more expensive and reliable varieties of such devices - electromechanical or electromagnetic locks.
Electromechanical. Such mechanisms have several protection options (for example, a latch and electronic protection). An electromechanical lock has mechanical bolts, but opening can be done not only using a key, but also special electronic devices (for example, a card, remote control or key fob). Such a lock is more expensive, but much more reliable than an ordinary electronic and even any mechanical analogue discussed earlier. When choosing, take into account the features of the lock, for example, the hidden location of some elements that can interfere with intruders, as well as ordinary factors, such as reliability, materials and appearance.
Electromechanical locks are often used in storage facilities and banks, as they are extremely reliable.
Electromagnetic. This option is practically no different from the previous one, but instead of a mechanical addition to the electronic lock, special magnets are used here to hold the door leaf until it opens. The electromagnetic lock can only function if there is a constant power supply, take this into account when purchasing. The holding force of such locks can reach up to 1 ton, but due to the previously mentioned factor, it is recommended to install multi-point or electromechanical models; electromagnetic ones are more suitable for office or industrial buildings. But if you decide to install such a lock on a plastic door, then pay attention to the build quality of the lock and its materials.
Electromagnetic locks are reliable, but cannot be used in all conditions (requires a constant supply of electricity)
Multi-lock. As you can easily guess from the name, these locks are based on the use of a reliable mechanism with a large number of locking points, and sometimes even elements related to different types of mechanisms are used. Most often, multi-point locks are mounted both in the upper and lower parts of a plastic door, because this way it is possible to achieve reliability due to fixation along the entire length of the door leaf. The main advantage is reliability, because such a door is not so easy to open, especially with brute force. Of course, this option is inferior in convenience to electronic ones, but in many situations it is worth considering. When choosing, pay attention to the number of elements, material and quality of the mechanism.
The multi-point lock device combines a large number of elements

Latch handle. It is worth considering separately the latching handles, that is, the simplest mechanisms without any specific protection. They are most often used in apartments for installation on balcony doors. Their price is low, but you can’t count on reliability either. Let us mention that latching handles can be equipped with additional magnetic or electronic mechanisms. When choosing, you should focus on the aesthetic component, as well as the absence of defects when pressing the handle.

Latch handles are only suitable for plastic interior doors, because you can’t count on any reliability

Please note that the choice of lock should be made only in accordance with the requirements for it. For example, a balcony door does not need serious protection, but if you are going to use a plastic door as an entrance door to your dacha, then you should take a closer look, for example, at an electromechanical lock.

Installing a lock on a plastic door

Let's look at the process of installing a lock using an electromagnetic one as an example, because if you understand this process, you can easily cope with other types of mechanisms (except for a multi-point lock, there is no point in installing such a lock; without special knowledge and experience you will only ruin a plastic door). Main stages of the process:

Marking. At this stage, you should make detailed markings of all the holes and the position of the lock. Check the accuracy of the marking several times, and it should be done for all parts and devices.
When starting work, you should already have all the equipment, otherwise marking will not be possible.
Creating holes. Depending on the type of lock you want to install, you will need to drill holes. Their depth should correspond to the length of the selected mounting screws.
Installation of lock parts. The electromagnetic lock consists of two parts, one of which is on the door itself and the other on the doorway, at this stage you need to install both.
Install the lock parts in accordance with the instructions, without deviating from the created markings
Connecting electronics. It is impossible to thoroughly understand the procedure during this stage, because each electromagnetic lock is connected differently, so the situation must be analyzed individually in accordance with the instructions, where everything is described in detail.
Power connection. In accordance with the instructions, connect the electromagnetic lock to the power supply, and also be sure to check its full functionality: fixation in the closed position should be reliable, and opening should occur without problems.
If any technical problems arise, contact the lock manufacturer (provided that it is not your fault that the device is not working correctly)

If you even slightly doubt your abilities, we recommend that you entrust all work to qualified specialists. Despite the fact that you will still overpay the extra money, you can be sure that the plastic door will not be damaged as a result of serious mistakes! This is especially important when working with complex multi-point locks, where there is a high risk of making a mistake.

Video: installing a lock on a plastic door

Removing a plastic door lock

Here are brief instructions for dismantling such locks:

Preparation. Carefully study the design of the installed lock, and also prepare the necessary tools. If you still have the instructions that came with the lock, be sure to read it, because there may be necessary information there. When working with an electromagnetic or electronic lock, first turn off the electricity.

Carry out all work as carefully as possible, do not damage the door leaf

Removing or removing the lock. At this stage, the dismantling of the lock itself is carried out, the process of which will differ depending on whether the built-in or overhead mechanism was installed. If you have studied the structure, and have also prepared well and unscrewed all the fasteners, then you should not have any problems with this stage.
In place of the removed lock, you can install a new one, but most often of the same type as the previous one, if we are not talking about rim locks

Some locks are built into the door, that is, they are installed in production during the creation of the door leaf. Despite the fact that such situations are quite rare, it is still possible to encounter locks that cannot be removed without consequences, that is, the door will be damaged upon completion of the work.

The choice of locks is an individual process, depending on many factors. You cannot choose the perfect lock, suitable always and everywhere; pay attention to the requirements that will be placed on the mechanism.

Today there are a large number of locking systems and devices. They are designed to protect owners from interference by uninvited guests in their homes or utility rooms. There can be many reasons for installing or replacing a lock on your doors. This process does not tolerate carelessness and sloppiness, but can be carried out independently, the main thing is to know how to do it.

Device selection

First of all, you need to understand the types of locks in order to choose an option that is suitable in terms of functionality, degree of protection, and financial capabilities.

Depending on the type of installation, locks are classified into three groups.

Mounted. The hinged locking mechanism is the simplest type. As a rule, it is used to protect utility rooms, garages, country houses and objects with communications. Installation of the device is simple and accessible for anyone. However, the degree of protection of such locks is the lowest, and the secrecy coefficient is zero.

Mortise. The essence of a mortise locking mechanism is contained in the name itself: it is built inside the door, for which a special recess is cut out in the door leaf. Installation of the device in this case will require certain skills and special tools, especially if the door is metal. These locks allow you to choose a model based on the level of protection and secrecy. Modifications that guarantee effectiveness during hacking are very popular.

Invoices. Locks of this design are applied to the door from the inside, with part of the mechanism going deep into the door leaf itself. Installation and replacement will not pose any difficulties for an experienced technician, but if necessary, independent installation is also possible.

Based on the type of device, locks are divided into two main types.

Rack and pinion. The main characteristic of the castle is its massiveness. The mechanism operates from a key, which does not turn, but is simply inserted into the system. As a rule, keys have a significant length and weight. There are special slots on their surface that must match the code inside the lock. Since significant effort is required to open, rack and pinion mechanisms are installed in garages, warehouses and other utility rooms.

Cylinder systems. Locking mechanisms of this type are considered classic. The main parts are the pins, body, cam and cylinder. The operating principle of the mechanism is rotary. The level of complexity of the lock is determined by the number of cylindrical parts, inside of which there are elements that provide protection against burglary. Each such part has its own set of PIN codes, so its own key is developed for it.

Due to this circumstance, there may be more than a million code combinations. They are suitable for installation on interior and office doors.

Disk. The design is similar in principle to cylinder locks. Only code combinations are created using disks, the number of which determines the complexity and reliability of the locking mechanism.

Leveling mechanisms. The design of the lock in terms of basic elements is similar to the cylinder type, but there are additional parts that complicate the principle of its operation. The main parts are steel spring-loaded code plates called levers. They are more massive than they ensure the security of the lock. The reliability of the lock depends on the number of levers.

Combined systems. These designs most effectively protect against burglary.

According to the principle of action.

Mechanical. Locking mechanisms of this design are closed only with a key, that is, manually. They are simple, quite reliable, durable and are the most popular models on the market.

Electromechanical. Locks of this design have the ability to close the door not only with a key, but also with the help of an electronic module. As a rule, such mechanisms have ordinary crossbars, which can be controlled manually or by an electronic device: card, key fob, remote control.

This type of locking system is considered very reliable, which is why it is often used in banks and museum storage facilities.

Electronic. Their main advantage is their impact on the door from a great distance. As a rule, they are installed in private cottages on garage and entrance gates and gates. The main problem is that they are easy to open, like any electronic device. In terms of reliability and protection against burglary, they are inferior to electromechanical and electromagnetic models.

Electromagnetic. To install a lock with magnets, you need a circuit with constant electricity in the network. Under this condition, it is able to provide good protection. They are most often used on industrial sites and in large office buildings.

Criterias of choice

When choosing a lock, you must consistently answer the following questions.

The function that the door performs. Depending on the tasks that the doors perform, the locking mechanism is also selected. If high reliability is required, then the locks are selected from high-quality materials, durable, with a high degree of security and resistance to burglary. The simplest locks for interior or lightweight plastic doors can be made from cheaper parts: plastic, brass or silumin.

Reliability of protection. There are 4 classes of burglary resistance. The first of them is the simplest, used on locks for interior doors, offices, and utility rooms. Even a non-professional can open it in 5 minutes. The second class is characterized by a hacking time of up to 15 minutes. They can also be installed on entrance doors, but on the condition that there is nothing valuable behind them. The third class of protection provides improved quality of locking mechanisms. It is the one that is most in demand, since the price and quality are comparable for ordinary users. The fourth class is installed on doors in specialized premises, which are subject to increased security requirements.

Degree of secrecy. Many sellers mislead buyers by characterizing locks only in terms of the number of combinations. But it should be noted that secrecy is a complex concept, including, in addition to the specified factor, protection from any type of hacking: mechanical or using a master key, wear resistance, impact resistance, and the likelihood of key repetitions.

Depending on this, there are 3 levels of secrecy.

Short. Characteristics: from 10 to 10 thousand possible pin codes and their simplicity, lack of protection against hacking, parts made of low-strength materials, low assembly accuracy.
Average. Characteristics: from 5 thousand to 5 million combinations with a sufficient level of complexity. Models from reputable manufacturers are burglar-resistant. The materials for the crossbars are wear-resistant, but for the body they often use low-grade materials, the level of assembly is average.
High. Characteristics: the number of pins ranges from 100 thousand to a billion, the highest level of complexity, protection from all types of influences, materials are wear-, acid- and water-resistant, high assembly accuracy.

Required Tools

To cut a lock yourself, you will need to stock up on certain tools and knowledge. The set of tools depends on the type of lock and the material from which the door is made.

For the wooden canvas you will need:

electric drill;
set of chisels;
a set of screwdrivers or a screwdriver;
carpenter's knife;
hammer;
file;
Ruler and pencil;
fasteners, if they are not included in the lock package.

To install a lock on a metal door, you may additionally need drills and metal files. The kit for installing locking devices on plastic sheets should include carbon paper or plasticine for marking.

Removing the previous lock

Despite innovations in the production of locking mechanisms, sometimes they fail. Therefore, you need to be prepared for the fact that someday the lock will need replacement or repair. Before installing a new mechanism, of course, you need to dismantle the old one.

Depending on what bolts are used to secure the lock, you should stock up on a flat or Phillips screwdriver. With its help, all fasteners are unscrewed from the end. There is a locking plate there. If the mechanism cylinder is not fixed, then it is enough to remove the lock by pulling the bar towards you.

If there is a cylinder in the lock, that is, the device has a certain level of protection, then it must be pulled out first. To do this, unscrew a special long screw that passes through the entire body, starting from the bar. After this, the larva will come out when you lightly press it. For locking devices with a high degree of security, this process becomes more complicated, since you first need to disable the protective mechanism with a special key and only then dismantle the cylinder.

In the case of a mortise lock that has a handle, you should get rid of it before you begin to remove the mechanism. Typically, the opening arms are secured with a set screw to a through square pin. You need to unscrew it to remove the pin. And then proceed to further dismantling of the lock.

The difficulty in disassembling a locking device that has become unusable is represented by various decorative elements such as linings. In this case, dismantling should begin with them. They have their own fasteners, which are most often screwed either into the door leaf or into the lock body. The further algorithm of actions is standard.

When removing a rim-type lock, much less effort will be applied than when dismantling its mortise counterpart. Such models are attached with self-tapping screws to the door itself. Therefore, the process consists of unscrewing the screws, removing the casing - the plate that covers the well, and removing the lock.
Locks on plastic and metal doors are often electric or electromagnetic. Therefore, before you start dismantling them, you need to make sure that there is no electricity and read the instructions for their installation. It is very rare, but there are still cases when locks are built in at the factory, and it is not possible to remove them without damaging the door leaf. In this case, you need to try to get by with “little blood”, for example, by drilling it from the end.

It should be noted that the entire lock does not always break at once. As a rule, the core fails, which can be replaced separately without throwing out the entire mechanism. It will be much cheaper this way.

Marking

After the old lock is removed, you can proceed to the next stage - marking.

Through the old door

If there are holes left from the old lock, then it is better to adjust the new mechanism to fit them. Then they will serve as markings.

Experts warn that no two locks are alike. If an adequate replacement is needed strictly for the old holes, then you need to either change the core, then the case will remain old and there will be no problems, or look for exactly the same model, brand and manufacturer. To make a selection, it is better to come to the store with an old lock or its description, so that consultants can quickly find the right option.

If there are holes for the lock, but there is no lock itself, and it is not known what it was like, then you should take measurements from them in millimeters. For round ones, the radius is measured, for the rest - length, width, depth.

If you cannot find a similar locking mechanism, then it is possible to install another model. It is better if it is slightly larger than the previous one, then the existing holes will simply need to be expanded.

In a new wooden door

To make the process of installing a new lock with your own hands easier, You should carefully and carefully approach the markings.

On the surface of the door leaf, use a simple pencil or chalk to mark the location of the lock hole and handle, if they are interconnected. As a standard, the lock is installed at a distance of one meter from the floor level. However, the height may be different, more comfortable for residents.
Using a square, a perpendicular is drawn to this mark on the end of the door. This is the center, focusing on which along the end you need to draw an axial line, the length of which is equal to the width of the body. The easiest way is to attach the lock to the end of the door and outline it so that the dimensions of the recess exactly match the dimensions of the device. The result will be a drawing of a rectangle.

Next, you should measure the depth of insertion of the tongue into the leaf (this is the distance from the lock bar to the end of the longest bolt) on both sides of the door and make a mark. In other words, it is necessary to mark the beginning and end of the locking mechanism.
If the lock requires a rotary handle, its location is marked on both sides of the door. To do this, the body of the device is applied to the door sideways, then the necessary marks are made.
After this you can start drilling the hole. For these purposes, use an electric drill with a feather drill. To ensure that the depth matches the measured value, you should mark it on the drill using a wire. It is better to choose the diameter of the drill close to the thickness of the hole. You need to drill carefully along the entire rectangular mark. You can adjust the accuracy with a chisel. Instead of a drill, some craftsmen use a chisel and a hammer. Craftsmen note that the hole should be slightly larger than the size of the lock, then it will be easier to install it.

The hole for the tongue on the opposite side of the door frame is marked after the lock itself has already been assembled and embedded. To do this, the locking element is smeared with chalk or carbon paper is glued to it. When closed, the tongue will leave a mark, which will be considered a mark for drilling the required hole. If everything is done correctly, then after installation the mechanism will not jam.

Through a new metal door

As a rule, iron doors are sold complete with a lock and other necessary parts, so all the holes on it are already drilled and match the fasteners. All that remains is to install the lock according to the instructions in the indicated places.

If the door is purchased without a lock, then the general algorithm of actions is followed, only the tools are changed, since metal will have to be drilled and sawed.

In a new plastic door

Today, plastic doors are found everywhere. Accordingly, the locks on them will also have to be changed, repaired and new ones installed. The algorithm of actions for marking the location of the lock in a PVC door is similar to a wooden one. Expensive types of locking devices have instructions that not only outline the installation procedure, but also include stencils for marking.

Today, almost all manufacturers include a paper template in the accompanying set of documents. It is applied to the door, with the help of an awl they make marks on the door leaf: 4 fixing ones and one central one for the locking cylinder.

Marking the groove for the strip is carried out similarly to the mortise model: attach a lock and trace the strip. Marking the location of the counterpart of the locking mechanism is carried out after complete assembly and installation of the lock. To do this, close it, attach a counter structure, and use an awl to make marks through the fastening holes.

Installation

As practice shows, installing a lock on a door is not an easy task, but it can be done independently. Inserting door locks into different types of door leaves is basically the same process. The differences are determined by the additional functions of the mechanism and the material from which the doors are made.

On a wooden door with a rotary handle

After you have cut out a niche for the lock body during marking, the sequence of actions will be as follows.

Placement of the end strip. The lock must be inserted into the hollowed out recess and the bar must be traced along the contour. Since it should be flush with the canvas, it is necessary to make a small recess for it. A notch is made using a knife along the drawn line to a depth of 1-2 millimeters. Then, using a chisel, it expands to the size of the bar.
Drilling holes for handle and key. The opening for the keyhole and handle is made using a feather drill. Craftsmen advise drilling holes not all the way through, but from both sides, then they will be more neat, without chips at the edges.

Inserting the structure into the door. The lock is pushed into place, the handle is inserted into the previously made hole. If the kit included decorative overlays, then it is at this stage that they are attached to the canvas with self-tapping screws.
Installation of parallel strip. It is also called “response”. It is located opposite the lock; the bolt enters into it when closing. To embed the striker, you need to follow an algorithm similar to obtaining space for the lock itself. The location where the tongue enters the canvas is marked using chalk or carbon paper. The plank is attached with self-tapping screws or bolts.

On a wooden door

In order to install a rim lock, you should remember that its standard height is 1.5 meters from the floor level. However, it is also not mandatory and may change depending on the requirements of the owners.

After all the marks have been made, the central hole is drilled. Experts advise doing this from both sides, and not straight through. In this case, the edges will be smooth. The diameter of the hole must match the lock cylinder.

Unlike the mortise model, the overlay has a side strip, not a central one. However, it must also lie flush with the door leaf, which means that a groove must also be cut for it. For this procedure, use a sharp knife to deepen the intended contour, and a chisel to gouge out the recess.

After all the main parts are installed, additional elements are attached: decorative overlays, anti-vandal devices, handles.

Please note that if the lock needs to be installed on partially glass doors, then before installation they must be removed from their hinges and, if possible, the glass removed. This will protect them from chipping or accidentally breaking.

With the proper level of skill, a lock can be installed on a swing or sliding sash without removing it from its hinges

On an iron door

The principle of installing the locking mechanism is similar to the algorithm for working with wood, the only difference is in the type of tools used. To obtain various holes you will need a grinder, a hacksaw and metal drills.

On a plastic door

Locks for wooden and metal doors are not suitable for their plastic counterparts. In this case, you should choose special constipations. The mechanism is selected according to the width of the profile on which it will be installed. Almost all of the models presented are mortise and have built-in handles for opening. This is necessary to maintain the integrity and aesthetics of the entire structure. In rare cases, to enhance protection, the door leaf is equipped with an overhead locking device.

As a rule, a regular latch lock with a handle is installed on a balcony door or in a double-glazed window of an apartment located on the upper floors. In this case, it comes complete with double-glazed windows, so it is already installed at the manufacturer. Please note that it does not have protective functions.

To make repairs, simply unscrew the fastening bolts, remove the handles on both sides, insert a new similar handle into the resulting hole, and secure it.

If it is necessary to provide protection against penetration through a plastic door, then a more complex locking mechanism should be installed. Let's consider the algorithm of actions using the example of an electromagnetic model.

After applying the markings, begin drilling holes. During work, you should remember that you cannot put too much pressure on the canvas, as it may crack.
As a rule, the structure consists of two main parts, one of which is mounted on the door leaf, and the other in the opening. All fasteners are included in the package.
At the next stage, the electrical circuit is assembled. This will require certain knowledge and skills, so if you don’t have them, it’s better to seek help from professional electricians.
The final stage is connecting the power supply.

The door made of plastic is quite popular. And it is used not only as a balcony, but can also be an entrance or interior. That's why a lock is needed. But before you buy a locking mechanism, you need to know what types of locks there are and whether they should be mounted on a particular PVC door.

Features of locks for plastic doors

First of all, it is worth noting that the lock for a plastic entrance door differs from the lock installed on a balcony or interior PVC door. And these differences are quite significant. In addition, a lock that is embedded into metal or wooden doors is in no way suitable for PVC sheets.

The whole nuance lies in the design of the plastic sheet. The basis of such a door is a double-glazed window and a sandwich panel. In fact, the structure is similar to the usual plastic windows, only less glazed (although this option is also available) and more massive.

The lock on a plastic door has certain dimensions that correspond to the width of the profile. Typically, mortise locking mechanisms are used. But if necessary, you can also install invoices.

Classification of locks

As mentioned earlier, locks can be:

overhead, that is, mounted on the surface of the door;
mortise, respectively, are installed inside the door leaf.

According to the material, the mechanisms are:

partially plastic;
metal.

Depending on the number of locking points, a door lock for a plastic door can be:

Single lock. It only has one locking point in the middle. As a result, the door does not fit tightly and does not provide reliable protection.
A multi-point lock on a plastic door has two or more points of contact with the frame. This mechanism is more reliable.

Locks are also divided into the following types:

level;
cylinder;
electronic;
electromagnetic;
electromechanical.

Let's look at the types of locking mechanisms in more detail.

Level castle

This type of lock is rarely installed on a plastic door. It is more suitable for wooden or metal doors. The locking mechanism itself is opened with a key.

A lever-type lock consists of plates with rectangular teeth. They allow the plates to line up in the desired order, which is unique to each product.

The main advantages of such a lock are its low price and prevalence. The main disadvantage is low resistance to hacking. It is also worth noting that if you lose the key, it will not be possible to replace only part of the lock. That is, the entire mechanism will have to be changed completely.

Cylinder lock

This type of mortise lock for a plastic door is also rarely used. First of all, it is intended for installation on metal and wooden doors.

The basis is for a plastic door and cylindrical pins. You can open such a lock using a key with slots on the working part. When the key is turned, the pins are positioned in the correct combination and the lock opens.

If the key to such a lock is lost, the entire mechanism does not need to be changed. Only the larva changes.

Electronic lock type

A new type of lock that has appeared on the market relatively recently. To open such a lock, a remote control, key fob, electronic card or chip are used.

Such a lock is usually installed on a plastic door when designing a private house.

The main advantage of such a mechanism is its ease of use. It is believed that such locking devices are quite reliable. But at the moment of a power outage, the door will become an insurmountable barrier.

A distinctive point is the ability to transfer information to a computer about the number of visits. Such systems are still used in large companies and factories, which allows you to find out which employee arrived and left at what time.

Electromechanical lock

This type of lock has several types of protection. Most often these are electronic protection and latch. provides for the presence of crossbars. But you can open it either with a key or using an electronic device (key fob, card, etc.).

An electromechanical lock for a plastic door is quite expensive. And yet, it is much more reliable than conventional electronic or mechanical locks. Such locks are often used in banks and various storage facilities.

Electromagnetic lock

The difference between electromagnetic and electromechanical locks is not great. Instead of crossbars, the mechanism is equipped with special magnets. This lock will only work if there is power.

The mechanism tightly fixes the door in the closed state, the holding force can be up to 1 ton. An important advantage is that, having no mechanical parts, the lock hardly wears out. It is most convenient to open the locking device using a key fob.

Balcony door lock

The balcony door differs in design from other plastic doors. This door is multifunctional: ventilation mode, opening, position fixation. Accordingly, the lock on the plastic balcony door must be equipped with a handle.

In fact, the balcony door does not perform a security function. Therefore, a latch handle is most often used. The price of a lock for a plastic door with a handle is not high, but the degree of reliability is also low.

Latch handles can also be equipped with additional electronic or magnetic devices.

How to choose a lock, what to look for when buying?

The choice of a lock for a plastic door depends on several factors. First of all, this is the size of the castle. It depends on the type of door and where it will be installed. The next factor is whether a single-locking or multi-locking mechanism is needed.

The first is installed when the doors are located indoors. That is, there are no temperature changes and no protection against burglary is needed. If a closer is not installed, then it is better to give preference to a door with a halyard latch with an additional pressure device.

If there is a closer, choose a latch with a roller mechanism. In this case, a push handle is not needed, a regular one will suffice. That is, the door is fixed thanks to the closer, and not the roller.

If a plastic door is located between a warm room and a cold street (that is, it functions as an external door), then it is better to use a multi-point lock. It will press the door leaf at several points, which will avoid drafts and ice freezing in winter.

In general, when buying locks, you need to pay attention not only to the appearance, but also to other qualities. When choosing lever locks, you need to take into account the material, number of levers and burglary resistance class. In cylindrical mechanisms, security, material and tamper resistance, as well as functionality are also important.

When choosing an electromechanical lock, its features are taken into account. For example, are there hidden elements and their location. They help protect the device from hacking. Appearance, reliability and material of manufacture are also important. When purchasing electromagnetic locks, you need to pay attention to the assembly quality of the mechanism and its materials.

If the choice falls on a multi-point lock, pay attention to the number of elements, quality and material. For latch handles, appearance and the absence of any inconvenience when pressing the handle are important.

Installing a lock on a plastic door

It is worth noting that installing a regular lock or latch is not difficult. Except multi-point locks. It is better to entrust their installation to a specialist, otherwise there is a risk of simply ruining the door.

The installation process will be described using the example of an electromagnetic lock.

Marking. All positions of the mechanism and the necessary holes are carefully marked.
Holes. Depending on the type of lock, you need to drill holes. Their depth depends on the selected mounting screws.
Installation of lock parts. The electromagnetic lock has two parts. One of them is mounted in the opening, and the other is attached directly to the door leaf itself. It is at this step that both parts are mounted in place.
Electronics. It is not possible to describe the connection in more detail, since each electromagnetic mechanism is connected in its own way. That is, in each specific situation you need to follow the instructions included with the device.
Power connection. According to the instructions, the lock is connected to the power supply.
Functionality check. This is the final stage, but it is extremely important. When properly installed and connected, the door should be securely locked in the closed position, and opening should be easy, without any hitches.

Be that as it may, if you have doubts about the possibility of self-installation, it is better to contact a specialist. Of course, the service for a plastic door costs money. But on the other hand, a damaged door leaf can be much more expensive.

Finally

Plastic doors are used not only on balconies, but also as interior and entrance doors. Therefore, choosing a lock is a responsible task. It is worth considering not only the type of mechanism, but also a number of other nuances such as installation location, material, quality, etc. The process of installing a lock on a plastic door is not complicated, but it is still better to entrust the installation of some types of locking devices to specialists.

Door structures made of plastic generally do not have locking mechanisms. And all because these types of doors are most often not interior doors, but are installed at the entrance to a balcony or loggia. That is, they are located indoors and do not require additional protection.

Balcony door equipped with a lock

Attention! But due to the fact that crime in our world has become so high, installing a locking element on a plastic door is sometimes extremely necessary. This is how you can protect the premises from unwanted guests.

Why is a lock installed on a balcony door used?

Initially, we will consider several options in which the installation of additional fittings is simply necessary:

When there are small children in the room. This is done in order to prevent them from accidentally going out onto the balcony without adult supervision.
The apartment is located on the first or last floor. The fact that protective grilles have not been installed is also taken into account. The device will be used to prevent uninvited guests from entering the premises.
When there are large animals in the room. Thanks to their mass and strength, they can open the door with their paw.

Protection from criminal intrusion

Therefore, in order to protect not only yourself, but also your loved ones, it makes sense to replace a regular door handle with one that has a built-in locking mechanism. If we compare it with a latch, it should be noted that opening will also occur unhindered, but there will be additional protection.

There are many such locking mechanisms, and therefore you can not only choose, but also install the device yourself, avoiding the extra costs of hiring workers.

Main varieties

At present, mechanisms that have a cylinder type of device are considered popular. This type of mechanism can be installed not only in a balcony door, but also in an interior door, and thanks to the development of modern technologies, it has become possible to install them on entrance structures. Such a device has a unique level of complexity and high secrecy.

Attention! The cylinder mechanism is the most popular for plastic balcony doors.

If we delve deeper into the operating principle, we need to pay attention to the inner drum with locking mechanisms that accept the key only in a certain position. In addition, all keys will be individual.

As for the level of protection, it will be quite difficult to find a key for such a device or open it with a master key. To open it, you will need to open the entire lock, and this, of course, will take additional time and can attract the attention of others.

Cylinder lock

You can also note the lever-type lock. As for the principle of its operation, it is very different from the first option. The main locking element here is a latch, which is activated using a special key.

This type of lock differs from others in its massive size. As for installation, it is carried out only in the canvas itself. That is, if, for example, a key is lost, then it will simply be impossible to do without compromising the integrity of the door. But as for the plastic door, a mechanism of this type is used extremely rarely, because, as you know, plastic is a fragile material.

Level mechanism

Attention! If you pay attention to the degree of fixation, you can distinguish single-type locks, which do not have any barrier for intruders. Or multi-point ones - with a significant level of security.

Where is it preferable to install?

Locking devices can be located separately, that is, not related to the overall door locking system. Or, on the contrary, combined, and then there will be no need to make additional changes to the canvas.

If you pay attention to the first option, we can say that it is rarely used due to the fact that the design itself must be changed, and this is undesirable for plastic doors. As for the second option, it is widespread, and, in addition, many countries around the world are currently engaged in production, which have proven themselves to be of quality in the construction market.

Attention! The locking mechanism can be installed from the inside or outside. Installation is mainly done from the side of the room.

If you pay attention to cylinder locks, they are installed exclusively inside and thereby exclude the possibility of unwanted guests entering the premises. It should be recalled that opening will only occur using an individual key. Quite rarely, a structure of this type is equipped with a lock on one and the other side of the canvas, since this is simply unnecessary, but extra costs in this case are inevitable.

In addition to equipping the balcony with such a door installation, today there is a tendency to use a plastic door with a lock, for example, for vestibules that are located behind iron doors. Of course, they won’t provide much safety, but they will provide additional sound and thermal insulation.

Installation process of the lock mechanism

Installing a lock with your own hands will not be difficult for anyone. As for the time spent, it is identical to that which would be spent replacing, for example, a broken handle.

To begin the work process, you need, of course, to select a handle that will already have a built-in lock in its design.

When the necessary components are available, you need to remove the old structure from the door leaf. You can use a special screwdriver for this. That is, you need to unscrew the screws and pull out the lock. Insert a new handle with a lock into the hole and fasten it using self-tapping screws. At the end of installation, replace the existing decorative plugs.

Decorative plugs

Of course, with such an installation there is a special condition - the coincidence of the holes for the screws. It is best, before you go shopping, to unscrew the old handle and take it with you to the store so as not to make a mistake. But most often the lock models are standard, so it will be difficult to make a mistake.

Let's sum it up

Some options for installing a lock on balcony doors can increase not only the level of security, but also comfort, that is, the door leaf will not open accidentally due to a draft. This aspect plays an important role for those people who are very tense due to external stimuli. Of course, thieves have become sophisticated and can break into any mechanism, but a good lock will at least keep them out for a while.

The video shows how to install the lock.

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