Locking for Aluminium Doors

When deciding how to control access to an aluminium door there are a number of solutions:-

  1. Replace the existing hook bolt with a mortise latch lock and fit and electric strike (more)
  2. Leave existing lock in place and add a :-
    • Door Handle Magnet (more)
    • or
    • Magnetic Lock (more)



Replacing the existing 'Hook Bolt' and fitting a suitable electric strike

This method is the neatest solution, because nothing is added to the door / frame. However, you should be aware that the door will no longer have a dealock (as you will be removing this) and that might affect the insurance for the premises.

  1. Replacing the Hook Bolt
  2. Fitting an electric strike into an aluminium frame
  3. Fitting an electric strike into an aluminium door (double door scenario)

    Replacing the Hook Bolt
    First you need to take some careful measurements.

    Round Screw In Cylinder
    If the lock has a round screw in cylinder, the measurements are in inches. The 2 most popular sizes are 31/32 inch and 1 & 1/8 inch, there are 2 other sizes which are rarely used. You can see there is not much difference in the sizes, so you need to be accurate. (more)

    Euro Profile Cylinder
    If the lock has a euro profile cylinder (basically the shape of a big keyhole), the measurements are in millimetres. The 2 most popular sizes are 25mm and 30mm, there are 2 other sizes which are rarely used. (more)

    Note : You can see there is not much difference in the sizes, so you need to be accurate. The size is measured from the front of the faceplate of the lock to the centre line of the cylinder (where the key goes)

    Single Door
    Use a FLAT faceplate lock and strike
    Double Door
    Use a RADIUS faceplate lock and strike

    Lock Handles etc.
    By fitting an exact replacement, you can use the existing key cylinder, and thumb turn. If you prefer you may fit a handle or paddle handle to the inside for easier exit.

    You will need a handle or paddle handle for exit, unless you leave the existing key in place and use an egress button. For the full range of locks, fittings and handles click here. Please make sure you are aware of lock handing when choosing handles and fittings

    with round cylinder

    with euro cylinder




Fitting an electric strike into an aluminium frame
When fitting an electric strike (lock release) into an aluminium frame you should be aware of the following:-

  1. The electric strike must be ANSI type. This will guarantee that it will be a specific size and suitable for your installation.
  2. Most aluminium frames (shop front section) are 100 x 45mm. Using a standard ANSI strike and a 25mm lip extension will usually be a perfect fit.
  3. When cutting out for the electric strike (lock release), as they say in the carpet trade... Measure twice cut once! Unlike working with wood, you cannot easily rectify cutting errors.

ANSI Strike
There are a number of manufacturers of ANSI electric strikes (lock releases). They are all the same overall dimensions in terms of how they fit into the frame, but the depth and body part of the strikes do vary.  Adams Rite were the first in the UK selling these locks and have been copied by the likes of Trimec, Alpro and others.

Lip Extension
Lip Extensions are for centre hung doors, thick doors or other conditions that may vary from the standard 1 3/4" thick door that closes flush (or near flush) with the jamb face. For existing 7100 Series strikes, a thin metal membrane in the standard lip can be drilled or punched out and the lip extension can be added in the field.

Fitting
See below.

ANSI strike

25mm extension lip




Fitting an electric strike into double doors
When fitting an electric strike (lock release) into double doors you should be aware of the following:-

  1. The electric strike must be ANSI type. This will guarantee that it will be a specific size and suitable for your installation.
  2. Most aluminium doors (shop front section) are 46mm thick. Using a standard ANSI strike without a lip extension will usually be a perfect fit.
  3. When cutting out for the electric strike (lock release), as they say in the carpet trade... Measure twice cut once! Unlike working with wood, you cannot easily rectify cutting errors.

ANSI Strike
There are a number of manufacturers of ANSI electric strikes (lock releases). They are all the same overall dimensions in terms of how they fit into the frame, but the depth and body part of the strikes do vary.  Adams Rite were the first in the UK selling these locks and have been copied by the likes of Trimec, Alpro and others.

Lip Extension
Lip Extensions are not required for double.

Fitting
See below.

ANSI strike

25mm extension lip

For the full range of strikes and locks for aluminium doors Click Here