Identify your lock(s) with our quick guide!
Have you ever wondered what lock(s) you have, or need replacing?
Below we have created a quick and simple guide to help you identify the lock(s) that you have or need replacing. Using the below guide, we will be able to provide you with an accurate no obligation quotation.
Euro Cylinder
This type of cylinder lock is one of the most popular locks.
Three of the most common types are
The single cylinder, which can be locked from one side only
The double-ended cylinder, which can be locked from either side
The key and thumbturn option, which locks with a key on the outside and a thumbturn on the inside.
In the past, the biggest problem with this type of lock has been lock snapping.
Lock Snapping
Lock snapping is a technique used by burglars to snap the euro cylinder lock. With the right tool, this can take as little as 20 seconds. The composition and makeup of the standard euro lock made it prone to snapping in the middle section. To remedy this problem, high security ‘anti-snap’ or ‘snap safe’ versions have now been developed. Rather than snapping in the middle, they’re designed to snap at the end, keeping the central part of the barrel intact.
All our euro cylinders are supplied with ‘anti-snap’ as standard, so you can rest assured that your property is protected against lock snapping techniques.
Below is the euro cylinder profile and the typical style of key that will operate the euro cylinder locks.
Check out how we can assist you by visiting our “Locksmith Services” page!
Mortice locks
This type of lock is embedded (morticed) into the door and the strike plate is fitted to the frame. This lock is usually only fitted to timber/wooden doors and can only be opened with a key, from either side.
Sometimes 5 lever mortice locks are confused with the less secure 3 lever mortice locks. You can check this by looking on the faceplate of the lock, the number of levers should be stamped there.
For optimum security the 5 lever mortice lock should be Kitemarked and conform to BS3621. If it is, these details should be stamped on the lock faceplate. In fact, many insurance companies require these types of locks to conform to BS3621.
What is BS3621?
BS3621 is a British Standard that sets minimum performance requirements for thief-resistant locks, particularly those used on external doors and windows, and is widely recognized for property security and insurance purposes.
Below images show a mortice lock in a door & the keys that are used to operate them.
Check out how we can assist you by visiting our “Locksmith Services” page!
Nightlatch
Nightlatch locks are fitted to the inside surface of the door, usually on timber/wooden doors and frames. This type of lock consists of a latch, operated by turning the knob/lever on the inside and by a key from the outside. As with Hoover and vacuum cleaners, the manufacturer Yale has become synonymous with this type of lock. This is why these locks are generally referred to as ‘Yale locks’. There are of course many other manufacturers e.g. Era, Union etc. A few variants of this type of lock exist, with differing levels of security. If the term deadlocking is used, it means that once locked, the lock can only be opened with a key.
Non Deadlocking Nightlatch
This type of lock has a rim cylinder on the outside which needs a key to open but on the inside, a knob/handle is used. Most nightlatches also have a ‘snib’ on the inside which allows you to lock the latch. You can also use it to snib the latch in the open position so that the door doesn’t lock behind you. This type of lock can sometimes be subject to ‘credit card opening’ and is best used alongside a deadlock for extra security.
Key Deadlocking Nightlatch
These locks are very similar to the common non-deadlocking variant but with the added security of being able to deadlock the property from the outside with a key. Once a nightlatch has been deadlocked the latch cannot be slipped with a credit card. This provides a much higher level of security and can also prevent an intruder from smashing a glass door panel to reach in and unlatch the door. However, it is important to remember that with this type of lock, once it has been deadlocked from the outside, the internal handle cannot open the door. This means anyone inside will be locked in.
Double Locking Nightlatch
These locks are very similar but also have a key on the inside which can lock the handle. These are the most secure nightlatches for your front door.
Below images show a nightlatch, rim cylinder and the keys used to operate the rim cylinder.
Check out how we can assist you by visiting our “Locksmith Services” page!
Multi-point locking system
These locks are most commonly found on composite and uPVC doors e.g. exterior front and back doors, Patio doors, French doors etc. A multi-point locking system bolts the door into the frame and locks at multiple points (hence the name). These bolts are controlled by a single cylinder lock. They can provide a very high level of security.
There are many different types of multipoint locking systems and many manufacturers but all will generally feature a minimum of a centrally located deadbolt and latch and at least two hook bolts, pins or camrollers/mushroom cams. It is however not uncommon to have up to seven locking points systems installed for maximum security.
As mentioned, multipoint locking systems use one locking cylinder (euro cylinder) to engage and lock all points. This means that this type of system can also be ‘keyed alike’ with other cylinder locks e.g. the front door, back door and patio doors can all be locked and unlocked using the same key.
The one weakness in this system has traditionally been the euro cylinder. In the last few years, it has resulted in big increases in the number of break-ins due to a technique known as ‘lock snapping’. Fortunately, there are now ‘anti snap’ euro cylinders available which protect against this.
Check out how we can assist you by visiting our “Locksmith Services” page!
