We’ve put together a list of some of the most common types of locks available and some of their attributes.
YALE OR RIM CYLINDERS
The rim cylinder (Yale) is one of the everyday locking solutions and probably one of the most recognisable locks. The lock acts as a night latch.
These Yale rim cylinders are mainly found on wood doors and can also be designed for commercial exit and panic devices as it provides key access from one side of the door only.
These locks are accompanied by a deadlock to reinforce the bottom half of the door.
MORTISE LOCKS
A Mortise lock in its simplest form, is a lock which needs a pocket to be cut into the door, which is where the lock will then be fitted.
sashlock or a deadlock.
Sashlocks are a lock as well as a latch. They provide the most secure locking mechanism when it comes to entrance doors to offices, homes, shops etc. The lock is easy to use and can be opened from either side using keys. The latch element can also be opened from either side by use of a pair of handles.
There are a number of different types of sashlocks. The most common however is the 5 lever sashlock. The number 5 simply relates to the number of levers inside the case and with 5 lever locks most will be insurance approved and British standard compliant. As well as police standards approved.
Of course there are 3 lever locks available at a much cheaper cost, but it would be our recommendation that this type of lock would be used on internal store cupboards or sheds and outbuildings etc. As they wouldn’t realistically be secure enough for a main door and as security is of paramount importance it’s certainly not worth the risk!
A Mortice deadlock, very simply just has the lock. Again can be opened from both sides with the keys supplied. Deadlocks however, are more suitable for swing doors in corridors and entrances. If you think of deadlocks almost as a secondary lock on any door.
Both sashlocks and deadlocks are fitted with a steel outer casing to help protect them from side drilling and reinforcing that extra level of security.
UPVC DOOR LOCKS
For UPVC the locks that are used are euro cylinders (some composite and aluminium doors use these too). These types of locks are often used in commercial as well as residential properties.
However, with these particular locks, lock snapping is a common term used by burglars to break into a property. To combat this it’s important to choose a good euro cylinder your local locksmith will be able to recommend the most secure for your property. But as a rule of thumb we would always look to make sure the lock is of a 3 star kitemark standard at a minimum.
Of course at Mobile Locksmith Durham we’ll also make sure that all of our locks are fitted correctly. As when it comes to the euro cylinders it’s important to make sure that there is no external overhang and the right size cylinder is fitted!
Whichever lock you decide to choose, remember that any lock is only as good as the door/frame it is fitted to. As well as, as good as the trained person fitting it.
Mobile Locksmith Durham are not only fully qualified and trained, we know our locks! We’re available to provide advice and recommendations on which locks would suit your needs and we’ll make sure to show you how to use your new locking system once it’s fitted!
