Door Locks – What Type of Lock is Right For Your Door?
Door locks are a crucial component to your home’s security. If you’re looking to change an existing lock or install one for an entirely new door, it’s essential to follow a plan of action and call a professional to ensure the installation is done properly.
Our London lock experts install multipoint locking systems in accordance with British Security Standards. They can unlock, repair and replace Ingersoll and Banham Locks in window fitters st albans Albans AL1.
Types of Locks
Strong, robust locks are necessary to secure your home or business. There are many types of locks on the market. Each has its own advantages and drawbacks. What can you do to determine which lock is best for your property? This month, we will look at the different kinds of locks available so you can make an informed choice when selecting new locks.
Mortice sash locks, also known as “deadlocks,” are typically fitted to wooden doors. They can be locked from the inside as well as the outside with a lock key. They are installed inside the structure of the door and not on the exterior as latches. A bolt that is solid extends from the edge of door frame to hold the sash in place. The bolt retracts into the sash Windows st Albans once the door is shut. The ideal deadlock should be fitted alongside a nightlatch. Both must be in compliance with BS3621, the standard recognised by most insurance companies.
A nightlatch is similar to mortice locks, however, it doesn’t include a deadbolt inside. Instead, a nightlatch has a key operated rim cylinder inside and a handle to operate from the outside. The pins on the cylinder are different lengths so that only the key that has the correct key hole will open the lock. A nightlatch should be place alongside mortice deadlocks, and is not the sole lock on a door made of wood.
Ingersoll locks are a type of high security lock that is fully approved by insurance companies throughout St Albans AL1. They are available in a range of sizes and are fitted with a keyed-cylinder and hooks to secure the door. If you have an Ingersoll lock on your property it is a good idea to get in contact with an experienced London locksmith to unlock it, repair or replace it if needed.
Smart locks that don’t require a key are a great option to improve the security of your home or business without having to change the locks. They can be controlled and arranged via a smartphone app that allows you to monitor your security from anywhere even if you’re at the property. A locksmith can install Yale Smart Locks to protect your home from intruders.
Cylinder Sizes
Cylinder locks are available in a variety of lengths to fit different doors. They also have different levels of security, with extra pins that provide greater protection against the likes of bumping and picking locks. Snap line features can be added to make them more resistant to snapping lock.
The first step to take when selecting a new cylinder is to identify the type of door you have, which will then dictate the number of pins that you require. Cylinder locks can be operated with a key or a thumb turn, with the latter option being more secure thanks to an additional layer of security involving an internal locking mechanism. This is in addition to a solid steel body that acts as a physical barrier to anyone who attempts to break into your property through the door specialists st albans.
The full euro cylinder can be used in uPVC, composite, wood, or doors made of aluminium. It can be used for an interior or exterior door and is available in two different versions: a double glazed windows st albans or single cylinder. A single cylinder only has one indented surface, and can be operated using the correct key. A symmetrical model however can be used on both sides.
Half euro cylinders are a less expensive version, and are typically employed on garage doors, or in places where access is required through only one side, such as offices. They are generally a little less expensive than the full-sized versions however, they offer a high degree of security.
It is essential that any replacement cylinder lock be installed so that it is flush with the lever or handle, and is not protruding out of the doorway. This could make the lock vulnerable through illegal activities like ‘lock snapping,’ which involves breaking the locking mechanism, instead of the key.
To find the perfect size of cylinder, measure from the inside edge of your door to the centre (including furniture), then add on an additional 5mm for the keyway and barrel. If you are replacing a lock that’s already installed, it is recommended to remove it from the door prior to taking these measurements.
Installation
It’s important to note that not all hardware types will work with your door when you install the lock or replace one that’s been in use. If you have a larger door than the standard size, you may require spacers in order to ensure your lock will function properly. In addition, if your door is wider than standard width, you could require special plates to aid in the hardware to fit.
When selecting the right lock, it’s also essential to determine the back-set of the door. This is the distance between the knob’s center above the floor finish and the near edge of a door. Most knobs are 36 or 38 inches high. Look at other knobs to check if they’re at the same height.
Once you’ve bought your hardware, it’s time to begin the installation process. You’ll first need to remove any screws that are holding the lock you have already installed. Once the screws are removed, you can remove the existing handle and lock from both sides of the door. Be sure to save the latch plate if it’s not damaged. You can reuse the latch plate for your new lock if it’s the same model and the same thickness as the previous one.
Next, you’ll need to determine the hole size in the door. This will determine the size of the bolt hole, so you’ll need to make sure that your new lock can fit inside it. If the hole is bigger than you need you can reduce it with either a hack or hand saw.
After the holes have been drilled then you’ll need to attach the exterior and interior plates of your new lock. The interior base plate must be attached to deadbolt strike while the exterior base plate is connected to the door’s face. Both plates can be secured with the mounting screws supplied.
The lock cylinder must be secured to the bolt hole on the door. Once the tailpiece is secured then you can slide the bolt through the hole in the door and then close it. Be sure to turn on the bolt and test it out by locking and unlocking it a few times to make sure it’s working correctly.
Checklist
Over time, dirt, grime and other environmental elements can cause a lock to become loose, jammed or damaged. These problems should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent criminals exploiting them in order to gain access to property and possessions. If you are unable to afford locksmith services, there are other ways to resolve the issue. Breaking a window glass replacement st albans, or utilizing a different entry point should only be done as a last resort. Otherwise, it can lead to costly repairs and even serious injury.
A reputable locksmith window doctor st albans Albans will offer a variety of services including repair, replacement and installation. They can also help you upgrade your home security by installing multipoint locks in your doors. This will help you satisfy your insurance requirements and increase the protection of valuables.
You can also offer your neighbor or a friend you trust a spare key if you ever get locked out of your house. This will enable them to access your house and allow you to gain entry without the need for [Redirect-Java] a locksmith. It is crucial to choose one you can trust and will be readily available in case of need.
Premier Security London lock experts are in compliance with British standards of security and install a range of multipoint locking mechanisms for homes and businesses in Hertfordshire, including Winkhaus GU Ferco KFV Paddock Yale Avantis Avocet and other top-quality manufacturers. These locks can be fitted to front doors, patio doors, and even windows made of sash.
If you recently bought the first commercial or residential property, it’s recommended to get all the locks changed as soon as you can to stop burglars from taking advantage of any weak points in your door Click4r.com/posts/g/11431442/ security. A professional locksmith will advise you on the most appropriate solution for your particular situation. They will also determine if rekeying your locks or replacing them is the most appropriate option for you. Rekeying is also a good option for landlords when tenants move out and businesses that recruit new management staff. This will ensure only you and the keyholders you choose have access to your premises.