In order to choose the right locks for plastic doors, you need to know about their features and distinctive features. The fact is that the design of plastic doors differs from the design of leaves made using other materials, which determines a different method of inserting locking mechanisms and different selection criteria. The different types of locks, their design features and selection criteria will be discussed in our article.
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.
Design of locking devices
For a door installed on a balcony, the best option would be a cylinder lock. It has a smaller size than others, which means the locking device can be made in small sizes. Such a lock is not difficult to insert between reinforced parts or directly into the handle.
The lock system cylinder contains special pins. The rule is this: the more of them there are inside, the higher the secrecy of the castle itself. Cylinder systems are excellent at withstanding manipulative hacking, but it is difficult for them to withstand brute force.
Replacing the mask is painfully simple, and dismantling is similarly simple. You just need to remove the small fastening element that is located at the end of the blade.
All available design options are suitable for installation on metal-plastic balcony sashes. They allow you to change the handle, which has a lock, with your own hands. The differences between them are minor, partly in technical details.
In order to choose the right lock for plastic doors, you should be well aware of their features and distinctive properties.
The design of the plastic door itself differs from products made from other materials. This is due to various ways of inserting lock systems.
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 the lock cylinder 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.
Other mechanisms
There is also a lever lock containing plates made of steel. They move with the help of the protrusions on the key. Locking systems of this type are very reliable. But if you need to change it, you will have to take 100% of the entire mechanism.
The cylinder mechanism works on a completely different principle. It has a rod inside with pins in it. When the key is turned, a certain composition is created and the lock can be opened.
Changing such a system is easier and cheaper, since only the rod will need to be updated.
Electric locks can transmit important information to a computer
Electric, also electric locks, are distinguished by mechanisms that open the structure. Operation requires the supply of electrical impulses that turn off the magnet. During operation, the mechanisms do not wear out and, moreover, ensure long-term and high-quality operation.
Such locks for doors made of plastic have one feature. They are able to transmit important information to the computer, how many times and who used the keys to enter the room. For this, there are special programmed keys, the use of which is monitored by the system.
Electromechanical lock
This type of lock has several types of protection. Most often these are electronic protection and latch. The lock design 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.
Eliminating blowing
Let's look at how to repair a plastic door if it starts to blow in or doesn't close tightly. In this case, you will need to adjust the fittings. To see how to do this, watch the video below:
Troubleshooting steps:
- Remove the decorative trims from the hinges.
- We determine the vertical level of the sash relative to the frame using a plumb line.
- We mark the places where the sash engages the frame with a water-soluble marker.
- We make adjustments with a hexagon, adjusting the sash pressure.
To lift the sash up, insert the hexagon into the upper hole of the lower hinge, located in its outer part. Turn the hex wrench clockwise. To lower the sash, turn it counterclockwise.
To move the door to the left or right, insert the hexagon into the hole on the inside of the bottom hinge and turn it in the desired direction.
When adjusting the fittings, we take into account that the degree of connection of the sash to the frame varies by twisting the top hinge.
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.
What attracts PVC doors in a country house?
In recent years, an increasing number of residents of megacities have been seeking to move out of town for permanent residence or at least acquire a comfortable cottage for a seasonal stay. And thanks to the abundance of materials, technologies and the rich imagination of designers, the bulk of country houses are characterized by a bright individuality. And it is expressed, among other things, in non-standard window and door openings. Not only portal systems, but also swing doors can be of different sizes, especially when it comes to the second exit (to the backyard, to the garden, to the terrace). This is where the problem arises - metal doors are not only bulky, but also of standard dimensions. Whereas the specifics of the production of plastic structures initially imply the possibility of manufacturing door blocks of almost any size. This versatility, coupled with practicality, decent technical and operational characteristics and affordability makes plastic doors attractive to homeowners.
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 for 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 mounted directly on 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 of installing a lock on a plastic door costs money. But on the other hand, a damaged door leaf can be much more expensive.
The door handle is broken or spinning
Replacing a balcony door handle is one of the most easily solved tasks, requiring neither skills nor a complex tool (an ordinary one is sufficient, but better than a Phillips screwdriver). The first step is to first pull it towards you and then move the decorative plug at the base of the handle 90 degrees.
Unscrew the bolts exposed from under it, remove the broken handle and replace it with a new one, using the old fastening elements. The same actions are taken if the handle with the lock breaks. In the case when the handle is simply loose: it is enough to tighten the above bolts.
