Door Locks - What Type of Lock is Right For Your Door? Door locks are an essential element of your home's security. If you're looking to replace the lock you have in place or install one for the new door, it's important to follow a checklist 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 are able to unlock, repair and replace Ingersoll and Banham locks throughout St Albans AL1. Types of Locks When it comes to protecting your home or business having sturdy, strong locks is crucial. There are a variety of locks on the market. Each one has its own advantages and drawbacks. So, how do you know which one is best for your property? This month, we will examine the various types of locks that are available, allowing you to make an informed decision when choosing your new locks. Mortice sash locks, also known as deadlocks are usually fitted to wooden doors. They can be locked both from the inside as well as the outside with a lock key. They are positioned within the material of the door and not on the exterior as latches. A bolt that is solid extends from the edge of the door frame to secure the sash to the frame. When the door is closed it retracts the bolt into the sash to secure it shut. The ideal deadlock should be used in conjunction with a nightlatch. Both must conform to BS3621 the standard accepted by many insurance companies. A nightlatch is similar to a mortice lock however it does not include a deadbolt that is installed internally. A nightlatch is a rim-cylinder with a key inside, and a handle on the outside. The cylinder has pins of different lengths, ensuring that only a key with the correct key hole will unlock the lock. A nightlatch should be the same place as mortice deadlocks and is not the sole lock on a wooden door. Ingersoll locks are approved by all insurance companies in St Albans, AL1. They are available in different sizes and come with hooks and a keyed lock cylinder. If you own an Ingersoll lock, you should consider calling an London locksmith who can unlock, repair, or replace it if necessary. Smart locks that don't require a key are a great choice to increase the security of your business or home without having to change the locks. These locks can be controlled and configured using a smartphone application, allowing you monitor your security even when you're not on the property. Locksmiths can install Yale Smart Locks to protect your home from unwanted intruders. Cylinder Sizes Cylinder locks are available in various lengths to suit different doors. They also have varying levels of security, with extra pins providing greater protection against lock picking and bumping. They can also be bolstered further with a snap line feature which provides additional protection against lock snapping. When selecting a new lock, the very first step is to determine the type of the door. This will dictate the number pins that you need. Cylinder locks can be operated by keys or a thumb turn the latter being more secure thanks to a further layer of security that includes an internal locking mechanism. This is in addition to a solid body which acts as a physical stifle to anyone trying to break into your property through the door. The full euro cylinder can be utilized in uPVC composite, wood, and doors made of aluminium. It can be used as doors for both interior and exterior use and comes in two different variations: a double or single cylinder. A single cylinder only has one indented surface, and can be operated with the correct key. A symmetrical model however, is compatible with both sides. Half euro cylinders are a smaller version, and are typically used for garage doors or in areas where access is restricted to only one side for instance, offices. They are usually a little cheaper than the standard full-sized version and still provide a good level of security. It is crucial that the cylinder lock replacement be fitted flush with the lever, handle or doorframe. It must not protrude from the opening. This is due to the fact that it could make the lock vulnerable to attack through illegal actions like 'lock snapping', which is breaking the mechanism that locks it rather than the key itself. For the perfect cylinder, measure the distance from the outside edge of the door to the center (including any furniture) and then add 5mm more for the keyway. It is recommended to remove the lock from the door when you are replacing one that is already in place. Installation It's important to remember that not all hardware types will fit your door when you install locks or replace an old one. You may require spacers when your door is more than the standard size. This will ensure that the lock functions properly. If your door is longer or larger than the standard size, you might also need special plates to make the hardware fit. When choosing 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 edge closest to a door. Most knobs are set a comfortable 36 or 38 inches above the floor. Compare this measurement the other knobs in your home to determine if you're comfortable with their height, too. Once you've purchased your hardware, you're now ready to begin the installation process. First, you'll need to remove any screws holding the existing lock in place. After the screws have been removed, remove the current handle and lock from both sides of the door. Save the latch plate, as long as 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 identical. The next step is to take measurements of the door hole. This will determine the size of the bolt hole, and you'll need to make sure that the lock you want to install fit inside it. If the hole is larger than what you require it is possible to cut it smaller using handsaws or a hack saw. Once the holes are made, you'll be required to install both exterior and interior plates for your new lock. The base plate for the interior will need to be attached to the strike of the deadbolt and the exterior plate will be attached to the face of the door. Attach both using the mounting screws provided. The lock cylinder must be secured to the bolt hole on the door. Once the tailpiece is secured, you can slide the bolt through the hole in the door and then close it. Be sure to activate the bolt and test it by locking and unlocking it a few times to make sure it's working properly. Checklist Over time dirt, grime, and other environmental conditions can cause a lock to become loose, jammed or damaged. These problems should be repaired as soon as possible to stop criminals from using them to gain access to your property and personal belongings. If you're unable to pay for a locksmith or other locksmith, there are other solutions to resolve the issue. However, breaking a window or other alternative entry points should only be used as a last resort. It could lead to expensive repairs or even injury. A reputable locksmith St Albans offers a wide range of services that include lock repair and replacement. They can also help you enhance your home security by installing multipoint locks in your doors. This will improve the security of your valuables as well as help you meet insurance requirements. Another option is to give an untrustworthy friend or neighbor an extra key in the event that you ever get locked out of your home. This will allow them to access your house and allow you to gain access without the need for locksmith. But, it is important to select a trustworthy person who is responsible and available when you require them. Premier Security London lock experts are in compliance with British standards of security and install a range of multipoint locking mechanisms in homes and businesses throughout Hertfordshire and beyond, including Winkhaus GU Ferco KFV Paddock Yale Avantis Avocet, and other high-quality brands. These locks can be set on the front of patios, entrance or even on windows with sash. If you've recently bought a new house or commercial property, changing all the locks as soon as possible is a good idea to ensure that intruders aren't taking advantage of any weak points in your door security. A professional locksmith can guide you on the best solution most appropriate for your particular situation. They will also determine if rekeying your locks or replacing them is the best choice for you. Rekeying is also a good option for landlords after tenants move out, and for businesses that hire new management staff. door fitters st albans will ensure that only you and the keyholders you pick can gain access to your premises.
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