Door Locks - What Type of Lock is Right For Your Door?

Door locks are a crucial aspect of the security of your home. If you're replacing a lock or installing one on a brand new door, you should follow a checklist. Also, call an expert if you're still not sure how to go about it.

Our London lock specialists install multipoint locking systems that are in line with British Security Standards. They are able to open, repair and replace Ingersoll and Banham locks in St Albans AL1.

Locks of various types

Strong, durable locks are vital to secure your business or home. There are a variety of locks on the market. Each has distinct advantages and disadvantages. How can you tell which lock is best for your home? This month, we'll look at the various types of locks available to ensure you can make an informed choice when it comes to choosing new locks.

Mortice sash locks, which are sometimes referred to as 'deadlocks,' are commonly installed on wooden doors. They can be locked from the inside as well as the outside using a key lock. They are positioned in the interior of the door and not on the exterior as latches. The sash is held in place with an incredibly strong bolt that extends out from the edge of the door frame. When the door is closed, the bolt retracts into the sash to lock it shut. In the ideal scenario, a deadlock must be fitted alongside a nightlatch and both should comply with BS3621, the standard recognised by most insurance companies.

A nightlatch is akin to mortice locks but differs in that it doesn't include a deadbolt that is installed internally. Instead, a nightlatch has the rim cylinder operated by keys on the inside, and an operator on the outside. The cylinder is fitted with pins of different lengths, ensuring that only a key that has the right key hole can unlock the lock. A nightlatch must be put in the same place as a mortice deadlock and should not be the only lock on a door made of wood.

Ingersoll locks are approved by all insurance companies in St Albans, AL1. They are available in a variety of sizes and are fitted with a keyed cylinder as well as hooks to secure the door. If you have a Ingersoll lock at your property it is a good idea to get in touch with an experienced London locksmith to unlock it, repair or replace it if required.

Smart locks that don't require a key are an excellent option to improve the security of your home or business without having to change the locks. These locks can be controlled and configured through an app on your smartphone, which lets you monitor your security even when you're away from the property. If you're looking to enhance your security, a reputable locksmith can install Yale Smart locks to protect your home or business from intruders.

Cylinder Sizes

Cylinder locks come in various lengths to meet the needs of different doors. Extra pins offer higher security against bumping and picking locks. They can also be strengthened further by a snap line feature which gives additional protection against lock snapping.

When selecting a new lock, the first thing to do is identify the type of door. This will dictate the number of pins you need. Cylinder locks can be operated by a key or a thumb turn, with the latter option being more secure thanks to an added layer of security that includes an internal locking mechanism. It also comes with a solid metal frame which acts as a physical obstacle for anyone who wants to gain entry into your home through the door.

A full euro cylinder is suitable for use in upvc door repairs st albans (https://appel-crosby-3.technetbloggers.de) doors, but can also be used with other kinds of material including wood, composite, and aluminium. It can be used as doors for both interior and exterior use and is available in two variants: a cheap double glazing st albans and a single cylinder. A single cylinder is only equipped with one indented surface, and can be operated with the correct key. A symmetrical model, however it is compatible with both sides.

Half euro cylinders are a smaller model, and are usually used for garage doors or in areas where access is restricted to only one side, such as offices. They are generally smaller in price than the full-sized versions however they still offer an excellent level of security.

It is important that the replacement cylinder lock is fitted to be flush with the lever or handle, and is not protruding out of the doorway. This can make the lock vulnerable to activities like 'lock snapping,' which involves breaking the locking mechanism instead of the key.

To get the ideal cylinder determine the distance from the inside edge of the door to the center (including any furniture) and add 5mm extra for the keyway. It is recommended to take the lock from the door when you are replacing one that is in place.

Installation

It is important to keep in mind that not all types of hardware will work with your door when you install locks or replace an old one. You may need spacers if your door is thicker than the standard size. This will ensure that the lock functions correctly. If your door is wider than standard width, you could require special plates to ensure the hardware to fit.

It is important to know the back-set before selecting locks. This is the distance from the center of the knob above the floor's finish point to the near edge of the door. Most knobs are 36 or 38 inches tall. Check other knobs to see if they are at the same height.

Once you've bought your hardware, you're now ready to start the installation process. First, you'll need to remove any screws that are holding the lock in place. After you have removed the screws, remove the handle and lock on both sides of the door. Make sure to save the latch plate, if it's not damaged. If the new lock is of the same model it is possible to reuse the latchplate as long as the dimensions and model are the same.

Next, you'll need to measure the hole in the door. This is the diameter of the bolt, so make sure that the lock you choose to purchase will fit. If the hole is larger than needed you can reduce it with handsaws or a hack saw.

Once the holes are prepared then you'll need to attach the exterior and interior plates of your new lock. The base plate inside must be connected to the strike of the deadbolt while the exterior plate will attach to the door's face. Both plates can be secured with the mounting screws provided.

Finally, you'll need to connect the lock cylinder to the bolt hole in the door. Once the tailpiece is positioned then you can slide the bolt through the hole in the door and close it. Make sure you activate the bolt and test it by locking and unlocking it a few times to ensure that it's working properly.

Checklist

Over time, dirt, grime and other environmental conditions can cause locks to become loose and jammed or damaged. This issue should be addressed promptly to stop criminals from using them to gain access to your property and personal belongings. There are other options to hire locksmiths if you can't afford one. However, breaking a window or an alternative entry point should be considered only as a last resort. Otherwise, it could lead to costly repairs and even serious injuries.

A reputable locksmith cheap windows st albans Albans will offer a variety of services including repair, replacement and installation. Installing multipoint locks on your doors can help you improve the security of your home. This will help you to comply with your insurance requirements and improve the protection of valuables.

Another option is to give a trusted friend or neighbor an extra key in case you ever get locked out of your home. This will enable them to access your house and help you regain access without the need for a locksmith. It is essential to select someone you count on and who is there when you need them.

Premier Security London lock specialists are in compliance with British security standards and install a range of multipoint locking mechanisms to homes and businesses throughout Hertfordshire including Winkhaus, GU Ferco, upvc door repairs St albans KFV, Paddock, Yale, Avantis, Avocet and several other high-quality manufacturers. These locks can be put in on patios, front doors, doors and even sash window.

If you've recently bought an apartment or commercial windows st albans property, replacing all the locks as soon as possible is a great idea to prevent intruders exploiting weak spots in your door's security. A professional locksmith can guide you on what solution is most appropriate for your particular situation. They will also determine if rekeying your locks or replacing them is the most appropriate option for you. Rekeying can be recommended to landlords whose tenants have to leave and upvc door repairs st albans companies that hire new management. This will ensure only you and the keyholders you choose have access to your premises.