Aluminium bifold doors are a space-saving solution for pantry areas, closets, and connecting the indoors to the outdoors. They’re a great choice where there’s insufficient clearance space for a swinging or sliding door.
Typical aluminium bifold doors comprise of one or several pairs of hinged doors. These doors hardly come with a locking mechanism.
Although you want to save some space with these doors, it doesn’t mean that you’ll keep your valuables unprotected. Thus, it’s important to add a locking mechanism in the doors.
Whether you want to add a childproof lock mechanism or something more secure, there are several ways of installing a door lock. You’ll only need basic equipment and tools.
How to Add a Childproof Lock
If you have kids in your house, then you should ensure that the cabinets and doors are properly secured. You can use a basic zip-tie lock mechanism to keep your kids away from the valuables inside your closet or any other space that’s closed with a bifold door.
To install a zip-tie lock, wrap the loops around the handles or knobs and press them together to close the zip lock. That way, the door will be locked. You can unlock the door by pressing the zip lock release.
You can also consider a top-mounted child lock mechanism to lock double or single bifold doors. These locks slip on the folding section of a bifold door, thereby preventing it from being opened. Such locks are great to keep the fingers of your kids protected from being caught between the folding panels.
When installing a top-mounted lock, first, open the bifold door and position the lock over one side of the door. Then shut the door. Next, slide the door lock over the folding section of the door.
You can unlock it by sliding it off the folding door section. Some top-mounted locks come with wands that assist shorter users to lock or unlock them.
You can also create extra clearance space when installing a top-mounted lock. Standard top-mounted locks require a space of approximately 1/8 inch between the frame and the top section of the bifold door.
Check for an adjustment nut or screw near the bottom pivots. Rotate the nut or screw to lower or raise the door.
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.
Hire Aluminium Bifold Door Experts in Sydney
If you need professional assistance with regards to aluminium bifold doors, reach out to our qualified experts. We’ll be happy to provide more information and also assist you with any aluminium bifold door requirements in Sydney. More details can be found at https://aluminiumwindowsanddoors.net.au/bi-fold-doors-sydney/.
Also read: A Guide on Replacing the Slats of a Bifold Door with Fabric