How to choose a sliding door lock?

Sliding or compartment doors are one of the most popular models. This type allows you to save space in the room. How to choose the right lock for a sliding structure? What is the difference between its device and standard models? What types of locks are there? Read about this in our material.

Doors can be metal, wood or even glass - it all depends on the personal preferences of the owner of the room, as well as on the overall design and design of the room.

Regardless of the material from which it is made, the model needs a locking mechanism (especially if it is an input one). This element, intended only for sliding doors, is significantly different from similar devices that cut into conventional doors.

To begin with, it should be noted that there are several classifications of locks.

They can differ in the following ways:

• principle of operation;
• installation method;
• location on the door leaf.

If we talk about the principle of operation of locks, then there are several options.

• Mechanical. Such devices are closed and opened with a special latch by means of a key. It should be noted that these designs are widespread and quite popular due to their affordable price.
• Magnetic. The base in this model is a magnet. The main disadvantage of this option is the fact that it works exclusively in the presence of electricity (the fact is that the magnet begins to work only under the influence of an electric current). Accordingly, in the event that the electricity is turned off, you will not be able to open or close the door.

Let's move on to a discussion of the types of locks that differ in the installation method.

• Overhead. Such mechanisms are installed on the surface of the door, as if overlapping (hence the name). These models are subdivided into mechanical and magnetic.
• Mortise. This type is considered more suitable for installation on sliding doors. The process of attaching them to the door is more complicated and time consuming, however, as a result, you will get a safer and more reliable lock.

As for the location on the door leaf, the locks can be:

• side (standard);
• bottom (floor).

When choosing a lock for sliding doors, it is imperative to take into account the material from which the canvas is made. So, wooden fences are considered the most versatile - almost any lock can be installed on them. The most careful thing is to be with a glass door - magnetic overhead locks are usually chosen for it.

It should be borne in mind the general design and interior design of the room. Locks should not play the role of accent elements, on the contrary, they should be made as invisible as possible and “fit” into the interior as best as possible.

You need to pay attention to the comfort of opening doors.

In fact, installing a lock on a compartment door is a fairly simple process that will not cause much difficulty even for beginners. The main thing is to follow the instructions.

Take a closer look at the installation process of the mortise and overhead device.

To install a mortise lock, you will need a tape measure, a marker (you can also use a pen or pencil), a drill, a screwdriver and a chisel.

So, before starting the installation, markings must be applied to the door leaf (in the place where you plan to install the lock).

Next, you need to take a drill and a chisel, by means of which it is necessary to make a niche in one of the two door leaves.

Important! The size of the niche and the size of the lock must be identical.

After that, a hole should be made on the adjacent sash for the latch mechanism. Then you need to fix the blocks in the prepared holes.

To install the overhead device, you will need the same tools as for installing the cut-in device.

Similar to the description of the previous installation method, first of all it is necessary to mark the place where the lock will be installed. Next, a niche is formed (only one - for the latch).

After that, you need to fix the blocks of the structure and use a drill to make holes for the bolts. Then you should proceed to the installation of the main unit.

Thus, we see that with the right approach to the choice and a responsible attitude to the installation process, your compartment door can acquire a reliable lock that will protect the room from unwanted intrusions.

It should be noted that in order for the lock to serve for a long time without breakdowns, such phenomena as: uneven positioning of the door leaf and improper installation of the device should be avoided (clearly follow the instructions).

You can find out how to insert a lock into a sliding door from the video below.