At Handles4Doors, we are committed to providing practical and robust locks and other products, and our expert team are always on hand to provide you with handy advice and guidance. Here is some useful information on different door locks, so you can make an informed decision when yours need replacing.
The Different Types Of Door Locks
Deadbolt Locks are more commonly known as deadlocks. These are double keyed locks or ones that feature a double cylinder or cylinder and turn. These locks are usually fitted on external doors for extra security. They differ from more common front door night latch locks as they don’t contain a spring return mechanism on the locking bolt. This ensures that the lock is less prone to being forced open; no matter how much someone might try! They are generally available as insurance rated door locks and require no more than a pair of simple escutcheons on the door.
A night latch, which is sometimes known as a slam lock, is a sprung latch bolt lock which is operated by a key outside and a lever or turn knob on the inside. They are also often referred to as Yale locks. Some versions can be deadlocked by a key from inside and are insurance rated, however the majority are not and should be combined with an insurance rated deadlock on any external door. Please note you usually need to acquire a separate cylinder pull for the outside of the door to assist with the closing of the door.
A sashlock combines a deadbolt and latch which, again, is available as a double keyed lock or with a double cylinder or cylinder and turn. These are commonly used on back doors and French doors as they make the property a lot more accessible. As always, external doors should use insurance rated versions of these door locks whilst internal doors can use less complicated, lower security versions. Sashlocks will require a pair of lever handles with a keyhole backplate or a separate set of levers and escutcheons to install.
Need privacy? Then a bathlock is what you need! These are essentially a simplified sashlock, which is operated by a turn on a square spindle. They are most often used to obtain privacy on bathroom doors and En suites. Generally, in an emergency, the lock can be unlocked from outside the bathroom using a penny slot release. It’s quite common nowadays to use a separate latch and a separate bathroom deadbolt with round rose lever furniture. Full bathroom locks require lever handles which have the turn knob and release function on the backplates.
Multipoint door locks, often referred to as Espag locks, are generally full door height locks with multiple locking points. Commonly used in UPVC doors and high security doors, they are available in nightlatch and sashlock versions. These locks generally use cylinders to achieve the locking function and the security of the lock is only as good as the cylinder that is fitted to it.
Cylinders often referred to as euro locks or euro cylinders are the removable cylinders seen in many external door locks and office door locks, they can be keyed both sides or one side can have a turn for a quick exit. Cylinders range from budget low security versions to extremely high security versions which are resistant to picking, snapping and bumping. The advantage of cylinders is that they can easily be keyed alike or suited on a master system; for example in blocks of flats the main entrance can be a common cylinder and operated by each individual flat entrance key, meaning each occupant only has to carry one key.
Contact Handles 4 Doors Today For More Advice On Door Locks
Whether you opt for one of our deadbolt door locks, cylinder door locks or another variety of lock, you can find the perfect door locks for your needs at Handles 4 Doors today. Visit our showroom or browse our collection online at www.handles4doors.co.uk. Alternatively, call our expert team on 01252 786510, or e-mail customerservices@handles4doors.co.uk.
