An aluminium sliding door lock has a harder job than a hinged-door lock: the panel slides sideways, so a straight bolt cannot hold it. That is why sliding doors use a hook lock, which throws a curved hook into the frame and pulls the panel tight. This guide explains the aluminium sliding door lock on each Coetz™ sliding range, the cylinder and night latch options, the testing behind the locks, and how to keep them working.
In this guide
How a hook lock works
When you turn the key or thumb turn, a curved hook swings out of the sliding panel’s lock stile and catches a keep in the frame or the meeting panel. Because the hook pulls the panel towards the keep, the door is held tight, which also helps it seal. A straight bolt would simply slide out of a sliding door, so every Coetz™ aluminium sliding door lock is a hook lock.
Aluminium sliding door lock by range
| Range | Lock included | Options |
|---|---|---|
| Patio | Hook lock with the handle kit, for 2 panel and 4 panel doors | Locking cylinder and night latch lock at extra cost |
| StormSeal | 25 mm hook lock | Locking cylinder |
| Elite | Hook lock | Locking cylinder |
| Premier and Premier Multi | Hook lock | Locking cylinder |
| Horizon | Hook lock | Ask us |
The aluminium sliding door lock body is included with the door; the locking cylinder, the part your key turns, is chosen separately on most ranges.
Cylinder options
- Full cylinder: a key on both sides.
- Full thumb turn: a key outside and a thumb turn inside, so you can lock and unlock from inside without a key.
- Half cylinder: a key on one side only.
- Keyed alike: several doors opened by the same key.
A thumb turn inside is convenient for a family door, because nobody has to hunt for a key to get out. Ask about cylinders when you order, so the right one comes with the door.
Night latch on Patio doors
Patio sliding doors can take an optional night latch lock, an extra lock for added security at night. It is ordered with the door at extra cost. See aluminium patio doors.
Testing
According to the manufacturer, the locks are certified to EN 12209:2003 and the cylinders to EN 1303:2005, and the locks are tested to 200 000 cycles with a 120 N load on the bolt. For the locks on other door types, see aluminium door locks.
When an sliding door lock will not catch
- The panel is not fully closed. Grit in the track or worn rollers stop it reaching the keep. See aluminium sliding door rollers.
- The panel has dropped. Roller height adjustment brings the hook back in line with the keep.
- The keep has moved. A loose keep screw lets the hook miss it.
- The cylinder is stiff. Clean it and use a dry lubricant, not oil.
Never force the key; a stiff lock is usually an alignment problem.
Looking after the lock
A little care keeps an aluminium sliding door lock working smoothly:
- Vacuum the track so the panel closes fully.
- Wipe the lock face and keep with a dry brush.
- Lubricate the cylinder a couple of times a year with a dry lubricant.
- Check the hook catches cleanly whenever you lock up.
Locking up at night
Make locking a habit: close the panel fully, check it sits against the frame, then turn the key or thumb turn until the hook engages. Give the panel a gentle pull to check it holds. On a 4 panel door, lock both sliding panels. If an aluminium sliding door lock feels different from usual, check the track and alignment before the problem gets worse.
Security beyond the lock
The lock is one part of a secure door. Laminated safety glass, a well-fixed frame and well-maintained rollers matter too. See are aluminium windows secure? and aluminium sliding door glass.
Ordering
Coetz™ supplies aluminium sliding doors with their locks fitted; your builder or installer fits the door. We deliver across South Africa, or you can collect free from Laser Park. Glazed doors must meet SANS 10400-N, published by the South African Bureau of Standards. See aluminium sliding doors.
Aluminium sliding door lock: frequently asked questions
What lock does an aluminium sliding door have?
A hook lock, which hooks into the frame and pulls the panel tight.
Can I lock a sliding door from inside without a key?
Yes, with a full thumb-turn cylinder.
Is a cylinder included?
The lock is included; the locking cylinder is chosen separately on most ranges.
Can I add extra security to a Patio door?
Yes. A night latch lock is available for Patio doors at extra cost.
Why does my sliding door lock not catch?
Usually the panel is not fully closed or has dropped; clean the track and adjust the rollers.
Coetz™, Unit 2, 84 Ridge Road, Laser Park, Johannesburg. Call 010 412 0062, WhatsApp 076 613 4418 or use our contact page.
For windows, see aluminium sliding window lock.
Leave a Reply