Lock for a plastic balcony door: can it be embedded?

PVC doors are designed for placement indoors, but as practice shows, they are also installed on unglazed balconies and loggias. Therefore, for security reasons, it is often necessary to install a lock on a plastic door. What suitable types of locking mechanisms exist, as well as the principle of their installation, will be discussed in today’s article.

Plastic door with an internal lock on the handle Source 32okna.ru

Types of locks for PVC doors

Special locking mechanisms that are designed for installation in plastic doors are divided into several types:

Cylindrical. This type of plastic balcony door lock is considered the most popular; it is used not only in PVC door structures, but also in wooden ones. The principle of operation of such a device is the following sequence of actions: when the key is inserted, the cylinders in the cylinder take a certain position, and the resulting protrusions prevent it from turning. This mechanism is considered the most reliable, since it is difficult to find a master key for it.
Suvaldny. Has an individual operating principle. The active element is a latch, which is activated by mechanical rotation. At this moment, the spring-loaded plates are raised, which are responsible for releasing the shutter for the purpose of its further free extension.
Single lock. This is a type of lock element that involves closing only in the place where the latch is directly installed. Such a mechanism does not have serious reliability, so it plays more of a holding device role.
Multi-lock. This type of lock for a plastic balcony door can be installed in any type of door leaf with European standard. When locked, the doors are fixed at several points at once. A similar mechanism works like a safe. The extension of the bolt must be carried out in the area of the handle, as well as at the upper and lower points.
Electric magnetic. This locking mechanism is also not uncommon for a balcony door. To operate such a device, electromagnetic pulses are needed, which are responsible for triggering the built-in magnet. Typically, such locks are connected to a computer, to which important information about the number of openings and other data is subsequently transferred.

Internal lock for a plastic balcony door with a handle Source graficart.ru
For the latter type of locks for a balcony door, special programmed keys are provided; accordingly, selecting a master key for such devices will be problematic.

Electromagnetic lock for a plastic door Source dveri365.house

Rules for choosing accessories

The fittings differ in terms of quality, but when choosing, it is better not to save money, as this will negatively affect the functionality and reliability of the entire plastic structure. It is also not recommended to purchase products from unknown manufacturers, since such parts do not always have:

high operating period;
good quality.

You need to purchase accessories from proven and most popular companies

Since fittings are not just a functional part, but also a decorative part of the structure, its appearance must be taken into account. The modern market offers a wide range of products that differ:

high comfort;
attractive appearance.

A plastic door must meet certain requirements.

Provide protection against burglary.
Withstand heavy load.
Has high levels of comfort and stability during operation.

The fittings must match the style of the room

Based on these requirements, when choosing accessories you need to consider:

door weight (the higher this indicator, the more reliable the fittings are required);
opening method;
the ability to adjust each element to improve the functionality of the entire structure.

An example of how a plastic door can open

All fittings are interconnected. This is not to say that one detail is more important than another. If one element fails, the functioning of the entire structure is disrupted. Taking into account all the recommendations presented, the plastic door and its fittings:

will last as long as possible;
will fail less often.

How to choose the right door lock

Before purchasing a locking mechanism for a balcony door, you need to determine which option will be ideal for a particular case. For example, if a door closer is installed on a PVC balcony door, then it is advisable to purchase a roller latch, and if it is not available, it is advisable to install a sash equipped with a halyard latch.

Plastic adjustable shutter for a PVC door or window Source remontnik.ru

As for the multi-locking type of mechanism, it is advisable to use it if a plastic door separates a cold and warm room. This design will be able to provide better pressure on the door leaf from all sides. Specially installed additional trunnions and strips are responsible for this.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main function of the design is to separate the balcony from the room. However, this is only part of the task, since the same role can be performed, for example, by a curtain, which, of course, will not suit the inhabitants of city apartments. In addition, such a module must guarantee thermal insulation, sound insulation, be quite aesthetically pleasing and last a long time.

A plastic door, like a window, meets all requirements and even exceeds them:

The disadvantages of the solution include cost, but only when compared with an aluminum structure. In addition, high tightness can result in a disadvantage: if the room is dominated by synthetic finishes and there is no hood, moisture may accumulate.

Instructions for installing a lock on a plastic door yourself

If you purchase a special lock for installation, its installation will not cause difficulties and will not take much time. But before installation, you need to make sure that the locking mechanism is compatible with the door structure, that is, it was made by the same manufacturer. Next, we’ll tell you how to embed a lock into a plastic door:

Marking the location of the lock. To do this, using a paint pencil or a construction marker at the end of the door profile, we draw out the future seat for the locking mechanism. We will place it in the area of the handle-bracket without first removing it from the balcony leaf.
Using the markings, we make two slits with a grinder. Drill out the bottom and top edges using a drill with a 4-inch drill bit installed. We do this so that around the angle grinder we do not damage the solid part of the plastic profile.
After this, we remove the waste and completely empty the chamber of debris. We insert the lock mechanism into it. And we mark its lowest border on the profile. The next step is to transfer the features to the front part of the door.
We remove the lock from the chamber, and then apply it to the canvas in the area of the handle so that its lower part is aligned with the transferred line, we trace the hole for the cylinder exactly along the edges. Then we check how accurately the diagram is executed, and if necessary, we shift it in the right direction.
We take a drill with the same drill as before and install it exactly in the center of the line. We make a large number of holes along its entire length. When this work has been done, carefully use a paint knife to pry up the drilled part. You can also use a drill to cut it into a feather shape.
We insert the lock for the balcony door inside and check how accurately the cutout is made. We do the same on the opposite side. All burrs are removed using a file.
Next, we insert the lock into the seat and pass the cylinder with keys through the holes and check how the latch works. If it passes without obstacles, then we fix the lock using flat-headed screws in the seat. At the same stage, we fix the core itself with the well.
We install the linings on the cylinder so that their long edge is strictly parallel to the end of the door. Then we install the strike plate on the door frame. We make markings with a pencil in accordance with the location of the lock bolt.

A lock for a plastic door that opens with a chip Source locksmaster.ru
Now we check the functionality and, if necessary, adjust the position of the bar. Ideally, the installation should be completed the first time, so that later you don’t have to think about how to hide the extra holes.

The sash is sagging

The door gap can be adjusted with a hex key

In modern new buildings, large double-glazed windows are installed. At the same time, the doors are very rarely used, which causes a slight sagging of the product. This causes the hinges and flaps that hold them to bend and take on an irregular shape. If you have recently installed a frame, it is recommended that you contact the installer, as the product must be under warranty. If this is not done, the door leaf may gradually fail completely.

A similar situation can arise if the door hinges are adjusted incorrectly. You can solve this problem yourself. It is enough to adjust the door gap with a hex key. This is done by turning the bottom loop in the desired direction using the mentioned tool.

How to dismantle an old lock

If the lock on the balcony door is jammed or stops working correctly, it urgently needs to be changed. But before you do this, you must properly dismantle the damaged structure without causing defects on the door covering. The whole process will consist of the following algorithm:

Preparation. We select the necessary tool to remove the broken structure. We will need a screwdriver, a screwdriver, and possibly pliers. If you still have instructions from the built-in lock, then take a look at it, because it may contain useful information.
Removing fasteners. We unscrew all the screws and self-tapping screws that hold the cylinder. For this purpose, a Phillips screwdriver or a screwdriver with an attachment corresponding to the size of the screw head is suitable.
Removing the lock. After unscrewing the clamps, remove all the linings and remove the old core from the well.

We simply install a new cylinder in this place and secure everything again. In most cases, only the cylinders are replaced, so no additional work to repair the entire lock structure is required.

Dismantling a broken mortise lock in a PVC door on a balcony Source nikastroy.ru

Opening handle lock

A slight awkward movement can lead to the simultaneous opening of the door leaf. This happens because the control spring does not function fully, and it will not be possible to return the sash to its original place. If such a problem occurs, you can try to carefully return the door to its place, and then install the handle in the correct position. If you can’t return everything to its place, you will need to completely rehang the frame.

If the handle is broken, then you should watch this video, which shows how to repair the problem:

Related article: How to insulate a wooden entrance door with your own hands (photos and videos)

Options for placing locks on plastic doors

Locking devices on PVC sheets can be overhead and integrated into the structure. The last option is a handle with a keyhole. This option is convenient because in case of any breakdown, you can simply replace the entire handle, which can be ordered from the manufacturer that produced the profile.

The lock itself is installed either on the outside or on the inside of the canvas. For cases where the lock does not have a serious protective function, it is recommended to install a leaf shutter, which is activated from the side of the room.

Type of lock for a plastic door with a closer Source 3dtoday.ru

Causes of malfunction

If you close the door loosely and turn the handle at the same time, the spring may not work.

Knowing the main reasons for the simultaneous opening of plastic doors, you can get rid of them in a timely manner and avoid urgent and expensive repairs. Often, breakdowns occur due to negligence. If the door is not closed tightly and the handle is turned at the same time, the spring may not work, and the door will remain hanging on one hinge, which can lead to deformation of the last part. In addition, it can open simultaneously in two positions in several other cases.

VAZ 2109 door panel replacement

Features of installing an electromagnetic lock

There are some difficulties when connecting an electromagnetic lock. In this case, in addition to installation knowledge, you need to have some skill in switching conductors. In general, the entire process consists of a sequence of steps:

making markings for installing the internal and external parts of the lock (they usually consist of two fragments);
drilling holes to accommodate future fasteners for the lock device;
mounting both parts of the device on the door leaf; self-tapping screws of moderate length are used here so that they do not pass through the plastic body;
connecting the conductors in accordance with the instructions that come with the kit (it clearly states which cable should be connected to which terminal);
connecting to power and checking functionality.

Electromagnetic version of the lock for installation on a plastic door with access to a balcony Source hiwatch-msk.ru
If, after installing the lock on the balcony doors, operational problems immediately arise, you should repeat the sequence again, starting from the third step and ending with the fifth. Often at this stage mistakes are made when switching conductors.

What materials are the fittings made from?

Door hardware is made from a variety of materials. Metal is used for the basis of each part. Since handles are regularly exposed to mechanical stress during use, special attention is paid to their coating. It provides protection from negative external factors.

Fittings are made from a variety of materials

Door locks are made from mechanically resistant materials. The lock body is necessarily made of high-strength steel, which must be coated with a protective coating with anti-corrosion properties.

The eye can include several materials at once.

Housing made of plastic or metal.
Optical element made of glass or transparent plastic.

Repair of possible hardware breakdowns

Various types of problems may arise with accessories during operation. Among all the possible difficulties, two are the most common.

If the latch does not fix the position of the door, then a pair of metal washers can be added under its cylinder. If the locking is correct, but even the slightest wind tears the doors off, you should add another latch.
A common problem is a tight latch, which complicates the process of opening and closing doors. To get rid of this problem, it is recommended to lubricate the mechanism with oil.

Proper installation reduces the likelihood of latch problems

Sagging doors

To deal with this problem, you need to adhere to the following algorithm.

Place a mark where the door leaf meets the frame.
Move the door in the opposite direction.
Using a hex key, turn the screw located on the top hinge clockwise - continue until it is pressed tightly.
Carry out similar actions with the bottom loop.

The hinges can be adjusted horizontally and vertically

Loss of tightness due to wear and tear of the insulation

Fixing this problem is quite simple.

First you need to buy a new seal. It should be the same as spoiled.
The old seal should be removed from the groove using any available tool, such as a screwdriver, and a new one should be put in its place.
For better fixation, you can add rubberized glue to the groove.

The seal is a short-lived accessory that needs to be changed periodically

Problems with opening and closing doors

This problem often occurs when the function of the pen is disrupted, because it:

tightened too tightly;
does not turn completely.

To fix the problem, make horizontal adjustments to the hinges. If there is a malfunction of the handle with a core, you should:

dismantle every part of it;
check how the pin is secured (it connects the handle and the core).

If the connecting pin has any defects, it must be replaced. In some cases, the entire handle may need to be replaced.

If you can’t solve the problem yourself, it’s better to call a specialist

Sealing small cracks

To repair cracks and scratches you will need a cleaner, filler and liquid plastic.

Instructions:

Defects, cracks and the area around should be washed with soapy water and wiped dry.
Next, the defect is treated with a cleaner. You don't need much of it since it acts as soil.
We fill the defect with liquid plastic and level the surface with a rubber spatula if the crack is large or polish it with a paper napkin if it is small.

Do not use colored fabric or synthetic napkins with Cosmofen liquid! Only paper ones, since Cosmofen dissolves paint and synthetic fabric.