Add-on Lock For A Metal Door: How To Choose And Install Correctly

2024 Author: Bailey Albertson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 12:53

Overhead locks for metal doors

No matter how powerful and reliable the door is, it will not be able to fully protect the house without a reliable lock. To increase the security of an iron door, overhead models are often installed on it as an additional lock. The efficiency of such devices will directly depend on the strength of the materials used for their manufacture, as well as on the reliability of fixing the lock case and the counterpart.

Content

• 1 Features of overhead locks installed on metal doors

  • 1.1 Device Features
  • 1.2 Advantages and disadvantages

  • 1.3 Secrecy and reliability of overhead locks

    1.3.1 Video: what is the secrecy of the castle

• 2 Types of overhead locks

  • 2.1 By material of manufacture
  • 2.2 By type of locking mechanism
  • 2.3 By mode of action
  • 2.4 Video: an overview of the different types of overhead locks

• 3 The process of installing patch locks on iron doors

  3.1 Video: installing an electric lock on a wicket and repairing a gate

• 4 Features of the operation of overhead locks
• 5 Reviews

Features of overhead locks installed on metal doors

Usually overhead locks are installed at the entrance to a house, apartment, office, garage or barn. The popularity of such a solution is explained by the simplicity of the device and the reliability of the mechanism, as well as the ease of use. Some padlocks can be opened from the inside by turning the latch. There are models that can be opened from the outside with a key, and from the inside with both a latch and a key.

An overhead lock can be installed on any door, including iron

The surface lock can be easily mounted on wooden canvases and for them it is an ideal option, and with some metal doors certain difficulties may arise. The design of most budget metal doors does not provide for the possibility of installing an additional lock to what was installed by the manufacturer. More expensive and high quality models can be additionally equipped with locking mechanisms. Installing an additional padlock on a solid metal door further increases the reliability and safety of this design.

Features of the device

Regardless of the type of padlock, its device will be almost the same:

• front and striker;
• body;
• a device that recognizes the unlocking element. For mechanical models, this is the lock cylinder, and for electronic models - a reader for information from a key fob, card or code device;
• opening drive. It can be mechanical or electrical;

• latch. It is available on most models and allows you to close the doors from the inside without using a key.

  

  Almost all types of overhead locks have the same design

The principle of operation of the overhead lock is the same as that of other locking mechanisms. It can be opened from the inside by turning a key or a latch, it all depends on the model. From the outside, the lock is opened with a key, code, electronic data carrier or a button It is possible to install additional devices that will send information to the owner's phone that the door in the house has been opened.

Advantages and disadvantages

There are a number of reasons that explain the popularity of overhead locks:

• installation requires minimal effort and time;
• when installing the lock, it is not necessary to carry out constructive changes to the door leaf;
• it is convenient to carry out repair work, since there is free access to the mechanism from inside the room;
• it is impossible to loosen or damage the lock fastening outside the door;
• when installing it, the strength of the web does not decrease;

• can be used as an additional locking device.

  

  On the front door, a patch lock is usually used as an additional locking device

Like any other locking mechanism, overhead locks have certain disadvantages:

• when installed on a door that opens into the room, it will be quite simple to open it by squeezing out the door leaf;
• if the thief entered the house through the window, then it will be easy for him to open the invoice lock from inside the apartment, then leave the room and take out the valuables;
• not always, the lock located on the surface of the door leaf will organically fit into the surrounding interior.

Secrecy and reliability of overhead locks

The degree of secrecy of a lock characterizes how well it is protected against burglary by means of a selection of keys. This characteristic means the number of unique combinations of secret elements (notches) on the working part of the key. For example, if the characteristics of a lock indicate the number of combinations equal to 10,000, this means that in order to be guaranteed to open it, you need to have 10,000 keys with different configurations of notches for locking pins.

However, knowing only the degree of secrecy is not enough. It is necessary to carefully study all the characteristics of the castle and especially pay attention to its reliability. This is a complex indicator that characterizes the resistance of the lock to unauthorized opening. In addition, it is necessary to take into account such an indicator as reliability. It shows how many openings and closings a particular mechanism is designed for. A generalized characteristic of a lock's burglary resistance is its class:

• the first one is used for installation on interior doors. It will take a thief less than 5 minutes to open such a lock;
• the second is intended for installation in summer cottages or in utility rooms. It will take a specialist up to 10 minutes to crack it;
• the third is the most common option used at the entrance to living quarters. It will take 15-30 minutes to open such a mechanism;
• the fourth one has the highest stability characteristics. It will not be possible to open it in less than 30 minutes.

The class of the castle can be found in its passport, so it is imperative to study it well before purchasing

Video: what is the secrecy of the castle

Types of overhead locks

There are several types of overhead locks that differ from each other:

• material of manufacture;
• type of locking mechanism;
• way of action.

By material of manufacture

The strength of the lock depends on the materials used to make it:

• aluminum alloys. Such a patch lock will be the least durable and not very reliable;
• brass. The presence of some brass parts in the lock mechanism makes the structure more durable compared to the previous version, but still this is not enough to ensure the safety of the home;
• cast iron - provides high resistance to mechanical damage, but at low temperatures its fragility increases;

• steel. It is the optimal material for making door locks. Steel locks have maximum anti-burglary characteristics. When buying, it is imperative to evaluate the quality of the protective coating so that in high humidity the device is not damaged by corrosion.

  

  When choosing a steel patch lock, you need to pay attention to the quality of the protective coating

By the type of locking mechanism

On this basis, overhead locks are divided into:

1. Cylinder. This mechanism is also called English. After the key is placed in the keyhole, under the action of the teeth on it, the cylinders inside the secret become in one line, allowing the key to turn and open the lock. If you use a different key, the cylinders or pins will not be able to line up in the correct order, so the mechanism will not be able to open. To further protect the larva from opening, manufacturers make cylinders of different shapes, create protective and false pins. This solution makes it difficult for the thief to act during the opening of the lock with the help of master keys. All larvae are unified, therefore, if it is necessary to replace them, there are no difficulties with selection. The disadvantage of a cylinder lock is that it can be easily drilled out.

   

   All cylinder locks larvae are unified, so there is usually no difficulty in selecting and replacing them.

2. Disk. This is one of the varieties of cylinder mechanisms, but here instead of cylinders, discs with cutouts are installed. In comparison with pin mechanisms, the reliability of disk devices will be higher.

   

   Disc lock is a type of cylinder

3. Suvaldny. In such a lock there are special plates, which are also called suvalds. To open it, place the plates in the correct order with a key. The more levers in the castle, the higher its reliability. Modern mechanisms are equipped with lock pick recognition systems, false grooves are made on plates, equipped with locking systems, which significantly increases the safety and reliability of such devices. In old lever locks, if you lost the key, you had to change the lock. There are models that can be reprogrammed for a new key, so there is no need to disassemble the lock and change the secret. The disadvantages of such models include the presence of a through hole through which you can throw foreign objects into the house or listen to the conversation, and the large size of the key, which makes it inconvenient to carry.

   

   The key at the lever lock is large, which is not very convenient

4. Rack. From the inside, such a mechanism is closed with a handle, with which the rail is moved, and from the outside, with a special key. The safety of rack locks is low, so they are usually not used in houses and apartments, but such devices are quite suitable for utility rooms, gates and change houses. They are highly reliable, so they work flawlessly even in difficult conditions.

   

   A rack and pinion lock is usually installed in utility rooms, sheds or garages.

By way of action

Distinguish overhead locks and mode of action:

1. Mechanical. The cost of such mechanisms is low, so they are quite popular. In most cases, on metal doors, they are used as additional ones. Parts of a mechanical lock when opening and closing undergo constant loads due to friction, therefore, special attention must be paid to the number of working cycles for which such devices are designed.

   

   The mechanical lock is designed for a certain number of opening-closing cycles

2. Electromechanical. In the case of such locks there is an electric drive that moves the locking bolt. The electromechanical lock can be operated from a code panel or an electronic key. Most models are also equipped with a mechanical lock so that they can be opened with a regular key. By the type of actuator, they are divided into:

   • solenoid. They have a simple design, consisting of a minimum number of parts, so such locks work for a long time and trouble-free. The solenoid core is connected to the deadbolt. When power is applied, the solenoid pushes the bolt into the lock, and in its absence, the bolt returns back with the help of a spring. If no voltage is applied to such a lock, it will be closed, therefore, solenoid locks cannot be installed on emergency exits;

   • motor. Here the bolt is driven by a small motor. To increase the force of the lock, manufacturers install a worm gear. Motorized devices can control a different number of crossbars and work in conjunction with an access control system. Their main drawback is slow response, so the lock opens with a slight delay.

     

     Electromechanical locks can be of solenoid or motor type

3. Electromagnetic. The devices are very reliable, since they do not include rubbing parts, therefore, they have a long service life. They work silently, and the fact that they are in the open position without power supply allows them to be installed on emergency exits. The principle of operation is the same as for a simple electromagnet. In the presence of voltage, the core is triggered and attracts the strike plate of the lock, ensuring reliable closing of the door leaf. The force required to squeeze out the web can be different - there are locks whose squeezing force is up to one ton. Residual magnetization is important. To open the door, an effort must not exceed 2 kg, in which case even a child can open it. Electromagnetic locks can be holding and sliding, their difference is clear from the name. The disadvantage of all electromagnetic locks is that in the absence of voltage in the network, they will be open, therefore it is recommended to install emergency power supplies, and it is recommended to use such locks together with other locking devices.

   

   Electromagnetic holding lock works for pull-off

In addition, patch locks have the following characteristics:

• the number of crossbars can be from 1 to 5. There are crossbar-free (electromagnetic) models;

  

  An overhead lock can have from one to five crossbars

• latch type. It can be spring-loaded or fixed;
• compatibility with different types of doors. Most locks are universal, but there are models that are designed for right- or left-hand doors only.

Video: an overview of different types of overhead locks

The process of installing overhead locks on iron doors

Installing a patch lock on an iron sheet is a little more difficult than on a wooden one, but even a novice home craftsman can do such work. In addition to the fact that it is necessary to prepare all the necessary materials and tools, you should study the installation technology and observe safety precautions.

During the installation process, you may need:

• electric drill with a set of drills;
• pencil;
• core;
• file;
• set of screwdrivers;
• screwdriver;
• pliers;
• Bulgarian;
• tap for threading;

• measuring instruments.

  

  To install a patch lock on metal doors, you will need hand and power tools

When working with metal using a power tool, you must use personal eye and hand protection from sparks and metal shavings

Installation procedure:

1. Markup. Most often, the lock is installed at a height of 90-100 cm from the floor. But since overhead models are used as additional ones, they can be installed in any convenient place. The main thing is that there are no stiffening edges. A lock is applied to the canvas and the places of attachment of the case, as well as the exit for the secret, are marked with a pencil. For more convenient use of the latch, patch locks are usually placed above mortise locks.

   

   For ease of use, the patch lock is usually installed at the level between the eyes and the lower back.

2. Hole preparation. Holes of the required diameter are made at the locations of the fasteners. After that, threads are cut into them. The lock can also be mounted on pins. In this case, they must be welded to the door leaf. In addition, you need to make a hole for the lock cylinder.
3. Fixing the lock. The lock is fixed and the operability of the mechanism is checked. If everything is fine, an overlay is installed from the outside.

4. Mounting the counter part. 6533853: 23.08.2018, 22:25

   In the original, the author in this paragraph describes the technology for installing a counter plate for a mortise lock

   "> It is installed on the door jamb opposite the main part of the lock so that the crossbars freely enter the holes intended for them.

   

   The counterpart is installed on the door frame so that the crossbars can freely enter it

5. Functionality check. Check how easily the doors close. The lock should work smoothly, without extraneous noise and jamming. If this happens, it means that a mistake was made when installing the counterpart, so the holes for the locking bolt are slightly widened with a file.

If you are not completely confident in your own abilities, it is better to invite a specialist to install the lock

Video: installing an electric lock on the gate and repairing the gate

Features of the operation of overhead locks

In order to increase the service life of the patch lock, it is not enough just to correctly install it, you also need to follow the operating rules:

• do not slam the door strongly; when closing the door leaf, it must be held. If additional funds are available, it is recommended to install a closer. This mechanism ensures a smooth closing of the door, therefore, the service life of both the door leaf and the lock is extended;

  

  To extend the life of the lock and door leaf, it is recommended to install a door closer

• foreign objects or other keys must not be inserted into the keyhole;
• it is necessary to periodically lubricate and clean the lock and its larva;

• you can turn the key only after it is placed in the well until it stops;

  

  You can turn the key only after it is inserted into the well until it stops.

• if there is a latch, before closing or opening the doors, you need to see if it is blocked.

Observing elementary rules, you can increase the service life of the patch lock, then it will provide reliable protection for housing, as well as its safety

Reviews

Only a strong door leaf and high-quality, correctly installed locks can reliably protect a home or other premises from thieves. The modern construction market offers a wide selection of different locking devices and one of the first places is occupied by overhead locks. This is due to the ease of installation of such devices. Even a person without special skills can install a patch lock. In order to ensure long-term and trouble-free operation of the patch lock, it must be correctly mounted and then operated in accordance with the recommendations of specialists.