A Guide to Locks

The more specific name for this type of latch is Tubular mortice latch. When purchasing door handles in combination with the door latch, the provided spindle (square through bar) is a standard size that all latches will match. A Tubular mortice latch is used for internal doors where no lock is required.

A mortice sashlock is a lock that operates with a key and a handle/knob. A sashlock can be left locked or unlocked. When unlocked the door can be opened solely by turning the handle/knob. A 3 lever mortice sashlock would be used on an internal door and a 5 lever on an external door (normally the back door).

A mortice deadlock is more commonly referred to as a deadlock. These locks operate solely via a keyhole on both sides of the door. They are commonly found on front doors for security and insurance purposes. Deadlocks are often coupled with a nightlatch (see below) for added security. Internal 3 lever versions also exist for niche purposes.

A mortice bathroom lock will look almost identical to a sashlock. However they have 2 spindle slots, rather than 1 slot and a keyhole. The second, smaller, spindle slot is a universal size for any bathroom thumbturn and release. A bathroom lock allows for the installation of a “bathroom turn and release”. These allow the door to be accessed from the outside in case of emergency.

A Euro cylinder lock is a mortice lock very similar to a sashlock. However, they come in 2 parts, a cylinder case and a Euro cylinder. The cylinder case is installed exactly like a sashlock/deadlock, but the Euro cylinder is slotted though the cross-section. The cases are split into the following types; Internal or External and Sashlock or Deadlock. The cylinders are also split by Internal or External. Internal can be as low as 3-pin while external is 5 and above.

Deadbolt locks are designed to operate without the need for a lever handle. The door is operated with a finger plate/pull handle system. Ideal for high traffic restrooms where wear and tear might become an issue. The deadbolt looks very similar to a door latch and the installation is simple.

These are designed for use with French doors, where one door is locked onto the other. One of the doors will usually be fixed in place with bolts at the top and bottom. The 2nd door is then locked to it using a rebate kit as an attachment for standard 3 lever and 5 lever sashlocks or a lock that is built with a rebate (often a 2 lever 64mm sashlock).

A nightlatch commonly known as a Yale lock is designed to provide easy access to a property. They come in 2 sizes, the standard 60mm and the smaller 40mm.

There are different types of night latch including:

• Standard - when the door closes and is held in place by the bolt, the only way to open the door from the outside is with a key in the rim cylinder. It has a snib function to keep the nightlatch fixed in the open position to avoid being locked out. One of the most popular ranges of standard is the Yale night latch.
• Deadlocking – operates on the same mechanism as a standard night latch except it can be locked from the outside. When locked the night latch is completely inoperable until unlocked. While an effective anti-crime feature, there is a possibility of having an occupant locked within.
• Double locking – similar operating mechanism to a deadlocking nightlatch, but there is a keyhole on the inside to allow occupants to operate the lock from the inside. The ERA BS Kitemarked are one of a few nightlatches that are insurance approved for use without an additional high security lock.
• Rollerball – When the door is closed, it does not lock automatically. The user will have to operate the lever to lock the door. A rollerbolt nightlatch is therefore ideal to avoid accidental lock-outs.

Rim locks are predominantly used for sheds and gates. Rim automatic deadlocks are mounted on the surface inside, long keys are provided to go through the door. Because of the closed system, they can withstand the weather much more effectively than any other lock type.

Magnetic Locks

Magnetic door locks are a relatively new innovation that allows users quieter and more seamless door operation. Instead of the traditional latchbolt and deadbolt combination, which can be loud and clunky, maglocks work by combining these two functions into one modern, sleek solution. When the door is open, the deadbolt/latch is fully retracted, creating a flush finish. When the door is closed, the maglock is attracted to another magnet at the back of the striker's keep, thus acting as a latch. To lock the door, turn the key or thumb turn, and the magnet will be locked in place.