The Sage Advice On Door Locks St Albans From A Five-Year-Old
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 change an existing lock or install one for the new door, it's essential to follow a plan of action and contact a professional to ensure that the job is done correctly.
Our London locksmiths install multipoint locking systems that are in line with British Security Standards. They can unlock, repair and change Ingersoll and Banham Locks in St Albans AL1.
Types of Locks
When it comes down to the security of your home or business using strong, durable locks is crucial. There are many kinds of locks available on the market. Each has distinct advantages and disadvantages. What can you do to determine which lock is suitable for your home? This month, we will look at the various types of locks that are available so that you can make an educated choice when it comes to choosing new locks.
Mortice sash lock, sometimes referred to as "deadlocks," are typically used on doors made of wood. They can be locked from the inside and outside using a key and are fitted within the door material, instead of being placed on the outside like latches. A bolt that is solid extends from the edge of door frame to secure the sash to the frame. When the door is shut and the bolt is pulled back into the sash to lock it shut. In ideal circumstances, a deadlock and nightlatch should be fitted together, and both must conform to BS3621 - which is the standard accepted by the majority of insurance companies.
A nightlatch lock that looks similar to mortices, but differs from a mortice in that there is no deadbolt installed internally. Instead, a nightlatch has an rim cylinder that is operated by a key on the inside, and an operating handle on the outside. The pins on the cylinder are different lengths so that only the key that has the right key hole can open the lock. Mortice deadlocks should only be used together with a nightlatch, but not as the sole lock on a wood door.
Ingersoll locks have been 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 at your property is a good idea to get in contact with a professional London locksmith to unlock, repair or replace it if necessary.
Smart locks that don't require keys are a great option for increasing the security of your home or business without the need to change locks. These locks can be controlled and arranged via a smartphone app which allows you to check your security from any location even when you're not at the property. If you're looking to enhance your security, a reputable locksmith can install Yale Smart locks to protect your business or home from unwanted intruders.
Cylinder Sizes
Cylinder locks are available in a variety of lengths to fit different doors. Additional pins provide more security against bumping and picking locks. They can also be bolstered further by a snap line feature which offers additional resistance against lock snapping.
When you are choosing a new lock, the first thing you should do is identify the type of door. This will determine the number of pins you need. Cylinder locks operate with the thumb or a key. The latter is more secure due to the additional security offered by an internal locking mechanism. It also comes with an iron frame that serves as a physical barrier to anyone trying to gain entry to your home through the door.
A complete euro cylinder is ideal for use in uPVC doors, but it can also be used with other kinds of material including wood, composite, and aluminum. It can be used as an exterior or interior door and comes in two different variants: a double and a single cylinder. A single cylinder only has one indented surface, and can be operated using the correct key. A symmetrical model, however it is compatible with both sides.
Half euro cylinders are a shorter model, and are usually used on garage doors or in locations where access is required through one side only for instance, office buildings. They're generally smaller than the full-sized model and can still offer a good level of security.
It is important that any replacement cylinder lock is fitted to be flush with the lever or handle and does not protrude out of the doorway. This could leave the lock vulnerable through illegal actions like "lock snapping which is breaking the locking mechanism instead of the key.
To find the ideal cylinder, determine the distance from the inside edge of the door to the center (including furniture) and add 5mm 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 is important to keep in mind that not all hardware types will fit your door when you install locks or replace an old one. If you have a thicker door than the standard size, you might require spacers to ensure your lock can function correctly. If your door is wider than standard width, you might require special plates to ensure the hardware to fit.
It's important to know the back-set before selecting a lock. This is the distance from the center of the knob above the finish floor to the edge of the door. Most knobs are set at a comfortable 36 to 38 inches above the floor. Compare this measurement the other knobs in your home to see if you're happy with their height, too.
Installing your hardware is simple after you've purchased it. You'll first have to remove any screws that hold the lock you have already installed. After removing the screws, remove the lock and handle on both sides of the door. Save the latch plate if it is not damaged. If the new lock is of the same model it is possible to reuse the latchplate if its dimensions and model are the same.
The next step is to take measurements of the door hole. This is the size of the bolt, so make sure the new lock will fit. If the hole is wider than needed you can reduce it using handsaws or a hack saw.
Once the holes are prepared after drilling, you'll be required to put in the exterior and interior plates of the new lock. The interior base plate needs to be connected to a deadbolt strike, while the exterior base plate is attached to the face of door. Secure both with the screws for mounting provided.
Finally, you'll need to connect the lock cylinder the bolt hole on the door. Once the tailpiece is positioned then you can slide the bolt through the hole in the door and close it. Test cheap double glazing st albans by locking it, then unlocking it a few times to verify that it works.
Checklist
Over time, dirt, grime and other environmental elements can cause a lock to become loose, jammed or damaged. It is important to have these issues fixed as soon as you can to stop criminals from exploiting them to gain access to your home and belongings. There are options for hiring locksmiths if you are unable to afford one. However breaking a window or other alternative entrance should only be used as an option last option. Otherwise, it can cause costly repairs or even serious injuries.
A good locksmith St Albans offers a wide array of services that include repair and replacement of locks. Installing multipoint locks on your doors will aid in improving the security of your home. This will help you to comply with your insurance requirements and increase the security of valuables.
Another option is to give a trusted neighbor or friend an extra key in case you ever become locked out of your home. This will enable them to gain access to your home and help you gain entry without the need of a locksmith. It is essential to select someone who you can trust and who will be available when needed.
Premier Security London lock specialists adhere to British security standards and install a variety of multipoint locking mechanisms to homes and businesses throughout Hertfordshire including Winkhaus, GU Ferco, KFV, Paddock, Yale, Avantis, Avocet and many other top quality manufacturers. These locks can be installed to the front door, patio doors, or even windows made of sash.
If you recently bought a new home or commercial property, it's an ideal idea to have all locks replaced as soon as possible to stop intruders from gaining access to any weak spots in your door security. A professional locksmith can guide you on what solution is most appropriate for your particular situation. They will also help you decide if rekeying or replacing your locks is the best solution for you. Rekeying is also a good option for landlords who have tenants moving out or businesses are looking to hire new management personnel. This will ensure that only you and your chosen keyholders have access to your premises.