![]() |
![]() |
|
Home | Forums | Gallery | Webcams | Blogs | YouTube Channel | Classifieds | Calendar | Register | FAQ | Donate | Members List | Today's Posts | Search |
![]() |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
![]() |
#1 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Central MA-Gilford
Posts: 1,411
Thanks: 308
Thanked 117 Times in 94 Posts
|
![]()
Need suggestions regarding patio sliding glass door lock. When door is locked I have no way to open the door from the outside, as I don’t have a key.
There are no markings on door or lock. Property is new to me and prior owner does not have a key. Suggestions on how to find door model, brand, so I can get a key made without hiring a lock-smith. Thanks ! |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Merrimack and Welch Island
Posts: 4,036
Thanks: 1,212
Thanked 1,518 Times in 985 Posts
|
![]()
Is this a a condo or other development where a neighbor would have the same door? How about the Realtor?
Last edited by Descant; 12-17-2023 at 03:51 PM. Reason: added second suggestion |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 2,983
Thanks: 2
Thanked 529 Times in 435 Posts
|
![]()
Is the door vinyl or wood on the inside?
And does it have any markings on the glass in the lower corner of the panel? |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,062
Thanks: 17
Thanked 326 Times in 198 Posts
|
![]()
Take to a locksmith. Or have locksmith go to your place.
Or. Just purchase a new lock mechanism. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 2,983
Thanks: 2
Thanked 529 Times in 435 Posts
|
![]()
To purchase a new locking mechanism, you need to know who manufactured the door. They are not universal.
The door is currently operating like it was purchased without a locking mechanism. Depending on the year of manufacture... the glass is etched with either the Cardinal or Guardian label if manufactured in the US or some times Canada. But knowing if it is wood or vinyl helps me know whom may have manufactured the unit. If the unit is newer, then after they unlock and open the patio door from the inside they can look up... manufacturers place labels on the head jamb with information that they can use to get the correct replacement parts for a unit. |
![]() |
![]() |
Sponsored Links |
|
![]() |
#6 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Florida (Sebring & Keys), Wolfeboro
Posts: 5,788
Thanks: 2,085
Thanked 742 Times in 532 Posts
|
![]()
Of the many sliding glass doors I've seen in Florida, all locked only from the inside. Perhaps because burglars gain easy access to the inside by prying the doors upwards--and out of the track--. (The locking mechanism is usually only a hook that can be bypassed by prying the entire door upwards with a screwdriver).
To view any identifying data, you can try the prying-upwards "workaround", with this caution: glass doors are heavy. ![]() There are "try-keys" around. I have several rings of "try-keys" with dozens of keys on them, but they're only for certain vintage cars. Check your toolboxes, file cabinets, shed or trailer locks to see which keys "work" in the keyway. They aren' likely to actually unlock your door; however, the brand of lock can then be determined--a good start. ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,062
Thanks: 17
Thanked 326 Times in 198 Posts
|
![]()
A good locksmith may have a universal key.
A good locksmith can/could tell exactly what brand the mechanism is. Or. Provide a replacement. Depending on age of home one can find out who builder was. Town Hall will have copies of building permits with names. Ask the builder - if still around. Lumber yards and hardware stores may be able to help. If you take lock to them. Ask Gus - the 81 year old guy - that has worked at lumber yard or hardware store since high school. Gus knows everything. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Central MA-Gilford
Posts: 1,411
Thanks: 308
Thanked 117 Times in 94 Posts
|
![]() Quote:
This is a condo/development, where others have SAME door. FYI, Door is Metalon trim /face plates, door is about 15 yrs old. Will look at glass for Mfg markings, and maybe check neighbors door as well if I can't see any. Thanks EVERYONE for your great feedback, much appreciated !!! |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#9 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Gilford, NH / Welch Island
Posts: 5,932
Thanks: 2,290
Thanked 4,943 Times in 1,918 Posts
|
![]() Quote:
Good Luck! Dan
__________________
It's Always Sunny On Welch Island!! ![]() |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#10 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 2,983
Thanks: 2
Thanked 529 Times in 435 Posts
|
![]() Quote:
Some very old units would be all aluminum... those are no longer manufactured as they do not meet energy codes and have not for some time. But many are in service and work fine. Other are Metal outside and wood inside (sometimes factory painted so they can look very much like vinyl). These would most likely come from the major brands - Pella, JeldWen, Andersen, or Marvin (Though if old enough could have come from units that went bankrupt or were bought out by them). The glass codes tell me when the units were manufactured, and if you open the door and look up... more modern units will generally have the Product ID tag in the track that the door slides in. Sometimes they would place it to the side, but the change was made to avoid the fading of weather/UV. Some units will have very inexpensive cylinder replacements, with decent instructions. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
The Following User Says Thank You to John Mercier For This Useful Post: | ||
bigdog (12-19-2023) |
![]() |
#11 |
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 11
Thanks: 0
Thanked 5 Times in 4 Posts
|
![]()
Google Blaine hardware and or Strybuc hardware. They specialize in old door and window hardware. You can send them pictures of the lock and they will probably be able to identify it and help you ! Good luck !
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#12 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Merrimack and Welch Island
Posts: 4,036
Thanks: 1,212
Thanked 1,518 Times in 985 Posts
|
![]() Quote:
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#13 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 2,983
Thanks: 2
Thanked 529 Times in 435 Posts
|
![]()
That actually makes some sense.
Changing out the cylinder is easy once the manufacturer and year is known (only so many cylinder manufacturers)... but why do that if a few questions can get you what you need. The obvious, and I completely overlooked it. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Bookmarks |
|
|