How to Install Locks on Aluminium Bifold Doors
Keeping your home safe and secure is a top priority and aluminium bifold doors are a great way of achieving this goal, as they can be fitted with a wide variety of locks. Have a look at some of them here:
CYLINDER LOCK
A key-operated lock with a pin-and-tumbler mechanism held within a cylinder. It uses differently sized pins for added security.
TWIN LOCK (TWO-POINT LOCK)
This lock secures both the top and bottom of the bi-fold doors with a single handle movement.
DEADBOLT LOCK
Offering high levels of security, a deadbolt lock is perfect for bi-fold doors and can be operated using either a key or twisting mechanism.
SHOOT BOLT LOCK
A shoot bolt lock is a manual lock that is incorporated with the two-point lock and secures the door panel at both the top and bottom of the bifold door, enhancing the security and functionality of the system.
MULTI-POINT LOCKS
As its name suggests a multi-point lock incorporates various locking mechanisms at different points around the frame and track of bi-fold doors, helping to enhance security by safely securing the doors at multiple locations. It is often located on the main door and locks into the frame at five points including a dead bolt in the middle, two hooks located into the side frame and shoot bolt which appears in the top and bottom track.
If you want to install locks yourself, here are some tips.
Installing Bolts
You can enhance the security of the door by adding surface bolts on the top area of each panel. Screw the bolts into the face area of each panel. The bolts should be positioned close to the edge opposite the pivots or hinges.
Mount the bolt strike on the wall or frame above each panel. Slide the bolt lock upward to lock the door or slide it down to open the door.
Shorter users can invest in extended bolts. You may have to cut a small area of the trim or casing with a hacksaw to accommodate the bolts. In some cases, it might be necessary to install shims beneath the bolts.
Adding a Keyed Lock
You can enhance the security of the door by adding a key lock such as a padlock or keyed hasp lock. A keyed hasp lock should be installed between two hinged panels. Mount one part of the hasp lock near the edge of one panel.
Mount the other part of the hasp lock near the edge of the adjacent panel. As such, the lock will flex as you try to open the door and prevent it from opening. You’ll need a key to lock or unlock the hasp lock.
If you want a simpler lock, then consider installing a hasp lock with a padlock. In this case, install one end of the lock on one of the hinged panels and the other end of the lock over the other hinged panel.
As such, the body of the lock should sit across the folding section of the hasp lock. Lock the hasp with a padlock to prevent the door from being opened without a key.
Get in contact with us today if you have any questions installing locks.