The Biggest Problem With Door Locks St Albans And How You Can Solve It
Door Locks - What Type of Lock is Right For Your Door?
Door locks are an essential element of the security of your home. If you're replacing a lock or installing one on a brand new door, be sure to follow a checklist. Also, consult an expert if you're still not sure of how to do it.
Our London lock experts install multipoint locking systems in accordance with British Security Standards. They are able to open, repair and replace Ingersoll and Banham locks in St Albans AL1.
Locks of various types
When it comes down to the security of your home or business, having strong, robust locks is essential. However, there are varieties of locks on the market, each having their particular advantages and drawbacks. So how do you decide which one is right for your property? This month, we'll look at the different kinds of locks available to ensure you can make an informed choice when selecting new locks.
Mortice sash locks, also referred to "deadlocks," are typically used on doors made of wood. They can be locked from the inside as well as the outside with a lock key. They are positioned in the interior of the door and not on the exterior as latches. A solid bolt extends from the door's frame to secure the sash to the frame. The bolt retracts into the sash once the door is closed. Ideally, a deadlock should be fitted alongside the nightlatch, and both must be in compliance with BS3621, the standard that is accepted by a majority of insurance companies.
A nightlatch is similar to mortice locks, but differs in that it does not include a deadbolt inside. Instead, a nightlatch features a key operated rim cylinder on the inside and a handle to operate from the outside. The cylinder has pins of varying lengths, so that only a key that has the right key hole can unlock the lock. A nightlatch should be place alongside a mortice deadlock and should not be the only lock for a wooden door.
Ingersoll locks have been endorsed by all insurance companies in St Albans, AL1. They are available in a variety of sizes and come with hooks and keys for a lock cylinder. If you have a Ingersoll lock in your home is a good idea to get in contact with an experienced London locksmith to unlock, repair or replace it if necessary.
Keyless smart locks are a great method to increase the security of your business or home without changing the existing locks. They can be controlled and set up through a smartphone app which allows you to check your security from any location, even if you're not at the property. If you're looking to upgrade your security, a trusted locksmith can install Yale Smart locks to protect your home or business from intruders.
Cylinder Sizes
Cylinder locks are available in various lengths to suit different doors. They also come with different levels of security, with additional pins offering higher protection against the likes of bumping and picking locks. Snap line features can be added to further protect against snapping locks.
When you are choosing a new lock, the first step is to determine the type of the door. This will dictate the number pins that you require. Cylinder locks can be operated with either a key or thumb-turn. The one with a key is more secure due to the added layer of security offered by 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 to your home through the door.
The full euro cylinder is used in uPVC as well as composite, wood, and doors made of aluminium. It can be used as doors for both interior and exterior use and is available in two versions: a double or single cylinder. A single cylinder has only one indented side and can be operated with the correct key, whereas the symmetrical model can be used with both sides of the key.
Half euro cylinders are a smaller version, and are typically used for garage doors or in locations that require access through one side only like office buildings. These models are usually a little less expensive than the larger versions however, they offer an excellent level of security.
It is essential that the replacement cylinder lock is fitted so that it is flush with the lever or handle and does not protrude out of the doorway. This could leave the lock vulnerable to illegal actions like "lock snapping which is breaking the locking mechanism instead of the key.
To find the ideal cylinder, take measurements from the inside of the door to the center (including any furniture) and then add 5mm more for the keyway. It is best to remove the lock from the door if you are replacing a lock that is in place.
Installation
It's important to remember that not all hardware types will work with your door when you install a lock or replace an old one. If you have a wider door than the standard size, you might need spacers to ensure that the lock functions effectively. If your door is larger than the standard width, you could need special plates to help the hardware to fit.
When selecting a new 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 36 or 38 inches tall. Take a look at other knobs and see if they are at the same height.
Once you've bought your hardware, you're now ready to start the installation process. You'll first need to remove any screws holding the existing lock in place. Once the screws are removed, you can remove the existing handle and lock off both sides of the door. Make sure to save the latch plate, if it's not damaged. If st albans windows and doors is of the same model you can reuse the latchplate as long as the dimensions and model are the same.
The next step is to measure the door hole. This is the diameter of the bolt hole, therefore you'll need to make sure that the lock you want to install fit into it. If the hole is wider than you need you can cut it smaller using handsaws or a hack saw.
Once the holes are drilled after drilling, you'll be required to put in the interior and exterior plates of your new lock. The base plate for the interior will need to be attached to the strike of the deadbolt while the exterior plate will attach to the face of the door. Secure both with the mounting screws supplied.
In the final step, you'll need connect the lock cylinder to the bolt hole in the door. Once the tailpiece is in place it is possible to 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 several times to verify that it's functioning correctly.
Checklist
Over time, dirt and grime, as well as other environmental factors can cause locks to become loose, jammed, or damaged. It is crucial to get these issues fixed as soon as you can, to prevent thieves from exploiting them to gain access your property and possessions. If you are unable to pay for a locksmith alternative, there are other options to address the issue. Breaking a window or using a different method of entry should only be done as a last option. Otherwise, it can lead to costly repairs and even serious injuries.
A reputable locksmith St Albans offers a wide array of services, including lock repair and replacement. Installing multipoint locks on your doors can help you improve your home's security. This will allow you to meet your insurance requirements and improve the security of valuables.
You could also give your neighbor or a friend you trust with a spare key in case you ever become locked out of your house. This will allow them to gain access to your home and assist you gain entry without the need of locksmith. It is crucial to choose one you can trust and who will be there when you need them.
Premier Security London lock specialists work in accordance with British security standards and install a range of multipoint locking mechanisms to businesses and homes throughout Hertfordshire including Winkhaus, GU Ferco, KFV, Paddock, Yale, Avantis, Avocet and a number of other high quality manufacturers. These locks can be installed on front doors, patios doors and even sash window.
If you've recently purchased a new house or commercial property, replacing all the locks as soon as possible is a good idea to prevent intruders using any weak points in your door security. A professional locksmith will advise you on what solution is most appropriate for your particular situation. They will also determine if rekeying your locks or replacing them is the best option for you. Rekeying is also a good option to landlords whose tenants have to leave and businesses who hire new management. This will ensure that only you and the selected keyholders are able to access your premises.