Bi-fold doors - external handle/lock

[zaarin_2003]

Hi,

We've had bi-fold doors fitted to our extension, but they don't have an external handle or lock, meaning we can only lock them using a lever from the inside. I assume that is how they are designed, rather than someone forgot to attach that!

My question is, can a handle and lock be added now they're installed?


Thanks
Matt

 

[martygturner]

You can have one but when you open the doors the external matching handle will foul the next leaf when they are pushed fully open...

If you want a external handle go for a flush fit...see https://www.lockshopdirect.co.uk/pr...IHANBK&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=feedmanager

 

[zaarin_2003]

You can have one but when you open the doors the external matching handle will foul the next leaf when they are pushed fully open...

If you want a external handle go for a flush fit...see https://www.lockshopdirect.co.uk/pr...IHANBK&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=feedmanager

Those look exactly like what we have on the inside (except we don't have key holes!). So we can fit that to the outside too even if it wasn't meant to have one?

 

[martygturner]

I am not sure why the outside was not meant to have one its just the frame not been cut for one.... All frames are supplied whole with no holes...its up to the maker of the bi fold to add the holes where they are needed by the customer and or their locking system...pretty simple remove handle and lock..drill through holes on the inside to the outside...fit double sided lock, new handle and longer handle bar.

eg

 

[zaarin_2003]

I see, so to clarify; all bi-folds are supplied without handles or holes. Essentially the fitter has just not fit external handle/lock for some reason?

 

[zaarin_2003]

I am not sure why the outside was not meant to have one its just the frame not been cut for one.... All frames are supplied whole with no holes...its up to the maker of the bi fold to add the holes where they are needed by the customer and or their locking system...pretty simple remove handle and lock..drill through holes on the inside to the outside...fit double sided lock, new handle and longer handle bar.

eg
View attachment 287681

I see, so to clarify; all bi-folds are supplied without handles or holes. Essentially the fitter has just not fit external handle/lock for some reason?

 

[martygturner]

Not the fitter, the manufacturer gets a door blank and cuts holes according to the customers order...so the customer did not spec it.

As I pointed out some people do not want an external handle as they foul when opening all the doors leaving the last leaf poking out. or they are a security risk...eg a bar or restaurant or the muppet that ordered it did not think about it...

But changinging it is not difficult...drilling four holes...lock, handle and two screw holes for the handle...depending on the handle selected.

 

[cjcoffin]

Same with sliding patio doors, we wanted them as a lockable exit route and looked at 5 or 6 before we found a mfr that would do it.

 

[zaarin_2003]

Not the fitter, the manufacturer gets a door blank and cuts holes according to the customers order...so the customer did not spec it.

As I pointed out some people do not want an external handle as they foul when opening all the doors leaving the last leaf poking out. or they are a security risk...eg a bar or restaurant or the muppet that ordered it did not think about it...

But changinging it is not difficult...drilling four holes...lock, handle and two screw holes for the handle...depending on the handle selected.

I see. I'm the customer and no, I never asked for external handles, I just assumed! The bifolds were sourced and fitted by the construction company. I don't think external handles were ever discussed! Oops.

 

[ronniecabers]

External handles don't foul if a magnet is fitted to the master door and next sash... also some bifolds have traffic doors , so open other way to main folding doors

This is clearly the installer not checking what you want fitted or explaining the options available

 

[martygturner]

External handles don't foul if a magnet is fitted to the master door and next sash... also some bifolds have traffic doors , so open other way to main folding doors

This is clearly the installer not checking what you want fitted or explaining the options available

So they won't fold flat so foul the next leaf....

 

[ronniecabers]

Yes without the magnet it will foul ... hence the magnet, even with a ' flat handle 'you still get handle touching the sash it folds back on.
The crux of the issue here is that the OP wasn't given any options