Sliding doors, French doors, and sliding gates are sleek and stylish home features that improve the property's appeal. These gates operate on tracks or guides that slide when opening and closing.
Unlike other doors and opening mechanisms, sliding doors and gates must be seamless. And to provide a high level of security, a hook lock is a reliable option for keeping the gate closed without compromising its style.
What Are Hook Locks?
A hook lock or hook bolt lock is a locking mechanism applied to the external lock of a sliding door. It looks like a deadbolt, except the bolt that rotates into the receiving bracket, is hook-like. The locking mechanism is often radial direction to the axis of rotation.
Hook locks are commonly used in sliding doors and flaps where the lock simply mortice into the gate frame. As the gates slide shut, the hook bolt rides up and into the hole of the gate frame. It prevents the gate from easily sliding open when released.
Sliding doors may also be equipped with a deadbolt lock, but a hook lock is a better option for added security. The two operate in the same mechanism, throwing the lock in a receiving bracket. But, the deadbolt has a straight latch instead of the hooked end. So, hook locks create a better grip than a standard deadbolt.
Types of Hook Lock
Sliding gates are a seamless, sleek and stylish home feature. This type of gate is commonly used in driveways with limited space that cannot accommodate a standard swing gate.
Unlike the swing gate, you cannot just fit any lock into a sliding gate because it would compromise its function and looks. The most common are double bolt locks, track locks, security bars, smart locks or mortise locks like hook bolts.
Locking Key Hook Lock
Locking key hook bolts are locks that operate with a key. The key overrides the lever action and secures the gate latch. It is designed against accidental opening of the sliding door for maximum security against threats. Most hook bolts are weather resistant and versatile for sliding gates, sliding doors, and garage doors.
Devices like the Easilok A5 Single Lock Hookbolt are an innovative upgrade for hook lock. It features a Twist-to-Lock mechanism where you can lock the gate from the outside without using a key. However, you cannot do the same for unlocking without using its specified key. When you are inside the gate, you can do the locking and unlocking without needing that key.
Mechanical Keyless Hook Bolt
A mechanical or combination hook bolt uses a key and a surface-mounted digital plate or numeric keypad. The mechanical keyless combination bolt enables thousands of code combinations for opening the lock. But, there is only one unique user code it will accept at a time unless you change it. When the user enters the code into the keypad, the hook bolt will disengage, and the door will open.
This convenient feature is found in bolt likes like the 2500 Surface Hook Bolt from LockeyUSA. The lock is designed for sliding glass doors and gates where a hook bolt is necessary.
Please note that digital locks do not have other special features, motor power and accessories apart from their locking mechanism. If you want a completely remote and wireless operation, there are automatic locks for sliding doors designed for the purpose.
New Locks for Sliding Gates
Technological advancement brought innovative changes in home security. Automatic gates are now equipped with a lock system that controls them without you having to step out of your vehicle. It uses an input device like a keypad that remotely connects to an access system instructing the gate to open or shut.
This convenient feature is beneficial for all types of gates and doors. However, they are installed in different mounting positions for the lock to work properly. It also requires a motor to power the system, which can be electric or solar.
Automatic gates utilize different access systems for keyless entry like cards, fobs, smartphone apps or fingerprints and other accessories.
How to Maintain Door Locks
Whatever type of lock you have for your gates and doors, problems are inevitable. Routine checkups and maintenance are best for ensuring optimum security and performance.
Here are a few easy ways to ensure it is always on top of its performance.
- Check for loose door hinge and screw to repair them immediately and prevent potential problems.
- The hook bolt or deadbolt should fit snugly and align into the mortise.
- Check if the screws on the plates are intact. If not, it compromises the lock’s break-in resistance.
- Lubricate the inner locks annually. Locksmiths often prefer dry Teflon or powdered graphite because it lubricates the lock and helps it repel water, dust and chemicals.
- Lubricate the moving metal parts of the door with light oil to keep it smooth running.
- Clean the locks with a damp cloth using a mild detergent but avoid abrasive cleaners and chemicals.
Takeaway
A hook lock is the proper hardware for sliding and French doors. It is also one of the most trusted when it comes to security and quality. It has a high stopping and locking force guaranteed to secure your home and property.
If you are looking for high-quality hook bolts, you can check out All Security Equipment. We have manual sliding door hook bolts, digital keyless bolts, and accessories for our customers’ home needs.
And if you want to upgrade your place to keyless, remote and smart sliding gate locks, we also have a wide range of products. If you have a question about lock applications, call or email us.
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