Door Locks - What Type of Lock is Right For Your Door? Door locks are an essential component to your home's security. If you're replacing a lock or installing a new one on your door, make sure to follow an inventory. Also, call an expert if you're still not sure of how to do it. Our expert London lock experts are in compliance with British Security Standards and install multipoint locking mechanisms. They are available to repair, unlock and replace Ingersoll and Banham locks throughout St Albans AL1. Types of Locks When it comes to protecting your home or business, having strong, robust locks is crucial. There are many types of locks available on the market. Each one has their own pros and cons. So, how do you know which one is suitable for your property? This month, we will examine the different kinds of locks available, so you can make an informed decision in selecting the right locks for your home. Mortice Sash locks, also referred to as 'deadlocks', are commonly fitted to wooden doors. They can be locked from both inside and outside with keys and are installed inside the door material rather than being fixed to the surface as latches. The sash is held into place by a solid bolt which extends out from the edge of the door frame. When the door is closed, the bolt retracts into the sash to secure it to the frame. The ideal deadlock should be fitted alongside a nightlatch. Both must be in compliance with BS3621, the standard accepted by many insurance companies. A nightlatch is like mortice locks however it doesn't 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 with varying lengths, so that only a key with the right key hole can unlock the lock. Mortice deadlocks should only be used in conjunction with a nightlatch and not as the sole lock for doors made of wood. Ingersoll locks have been endorsed by all insurance companies in St Albans, AL1. They are available in a range of sizes and are fitted with a keyed cylinder as well as hooks to secure the door. If you have a Ingersoll lock in your home, it is worth getting in contact with an experienced London locksmith to open it, repair or replace it if required. Keyless smart locks are a great method to increase the security of your business or home without changing the locks. These locks can be controlled and set up using a smartphone application, allowing you to monitor your security from any location even when you're not at the property yourself. If you're looking to enhance your security, a trusted locksmith can install Yale Smart locks to protect your business or home from intruders who aren't yours to keep. Cylinder Sizes Cylinder locks come in various lengths for various doors. Additional pins provide greater security against bumping and locking. Snap line features can be added to protect against snapping locks. When you are choosing a new lock, the first step is to identify the type of door. This will determine the number of pins you require. Cylinder locks can be operated by keys or a thumb turn, with the latter option being more secure due to a further layer of security that includes an internal locking mechanism. This is in addition to a solid metal body which acts as a physical stifle to anyone trying to break into your property through the door. A complete euro cylinder is ideal for use in uPVC doors, but it can also be used with other types of material including wood, composite, and aluminum. It can be used for an exterior or interior door and is available in two different variations: a double or single cylinder. A single cylinder has only one indented side and can be operated using the correct key, while a symmetrical model is compatible with both sides of the key. Half euro cylinders are a smaller version, and are typically employed on garage doors or in areas that require access through only one side like offices. They are generally slightly less expensive than the larger versions, but still provide a high level of security. It is essential that the replacement cylinder lock be fitted flush with the handle, lever or doorframe. It should not protrude beyond the opening. This is because it could make the lock vulnerable to attack via illegal activities such as 'lock snapping', which is breaking the locking mechanism rather than the key itself. To find the ideal cylinder, take measurements from the inside of the door to the center (including any furniture) and add 5mm for the keyway. If you are replacing a lock that is already installed, it's best to remove it from the door prior to taking these measurements. Installation It's important to note that not all hardware types will work with your door when you install a lock or replace one that's been in use. If you have a thicker door than the standard size, you may require spacers in order to ensure the lock functions correctly. If your door is longer or more substantial than the standard size, you may require special plates to ensure that the hardware fit. It's important to know the back-set before choosing a lock. This is the distance between the center of a knob above the floor finish and the edge closest to a door. Most knobs are 36 or 38 inches in height. Look at other knobs to check if they're at the same height. Once you've bought your hardware, it's time to start the installation process. The first step is to remove any screws holding the lock in place. After you have removed the screws, remove the handle and lock on both sides of the door. Save the latch plate, if it is not damaged. If door repair st albans is of the same model, you can reuse the latchplate as long as the thickness and model are identical. The next step is to measure the hole in the door. This is the diameter of the bolt hole, and you'll need to make sure that the lock you want to install fit in it. If the hole is too wide it is possible to reduce it using a hacksaw or handsaw. Once the holes are prepared then you'll need to attach the exterior and interior plates of the new lock. The base plate inside will need to be attached to the strike of the deadbolt and the exterior plate will be attached to the door's exterior. Secure both with the screws for mounting provided. In the final step, you'll need connect the lock cylinder to the bolt hole inside the door. Once the tailpiece is in place, you can slide the bolt through the hole in the door and close it. Be sure to activate the bolt and test it by locking and unlocking it numerous times to ensure that it's functioning correctly. Checklist Over time, dirt, grime and other environmental conditions can cause locks to become loose or jammed, or even damaged. It is essential to have these issues fixed as soon as you can to stop criminals from exploiting them to gain access to your home and possessions. There are other options to hire locksmiths if you are unable to afford one. Breaking a window, or using a different method of entry should be considered only as a last option. Otherwise, it can cause costly repairs or even serious injury. A good locksmith St Albans offers a wide range of services, including lock repair and replacement. They can also help you enhance your home security by installing multipoint locks in your doors. This will help you to meet your insurance requirements and increase the protection of valuables. You can also give a neighbor or friend you trust with a spare key in case you ever become locked out of your house. This will enable them to gain access to your home and help you gain entry without needing a locksmith. But, it is important to select a reliable person who is responsible and available when you require them. Premier Security London lock specialists work in accordance with British security standards and install a wide range of multipoint locking mechanisms for business and homes across Hertfordshire including Winkhaus, GU Ferco, KFV, Paddock, Yale, Avantis, Avocet and several other high-quality manufacturers. These locks can be installed to the front door, patio doors and even windows made of sash. If you recently bought an apartment or commercial property, it's an ideal idea to have all locks replaced as soon as possible to stop burglars from taking advantage of any weaknesses in your door security. A professional locksmith can advise you on the best option for your particular situation. They will also determine whether rekeying or changing your locks is the best solution for you. Rekeying is also a good option to landlords whose tenants have to leave and businesses that hire new management. This will ensure only you and the keyholders you choose are able to access your premises.
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