Types of Deadlocks for Doors
Hook bolt deadlocks can be installed on narrow storefronts made of aluminum sliding doors to enhance security and strength of locks. The locks come with keys on both sides, allowing for greater flexibility.
To accurately measure the new lock, first determine the door's case depth (or backset). This is the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the latch hole.
Tubular Latch
The tubular latch is the most well-known type of door latch. It's simple and straightforward to install, making it a popular choice for Joiners and DIY enthusiasts alike. It is available in various sizes shapes, styles, and levels that can be used to match any style door handle.
A tubular latch is a rectangular steel casing fitted with an latch bolt and an encased latch follower that is spring-loaded (also known as a striker). When you open the door, the latch retracts, allowing you to close and lock it. When you close the door, the latch bolt will then spring back to catch on the frame's edge and secure the door shut.
If you're fitting a tubular latch, it is important to determine the height at which you'd like the latch to be positioned on the door. Many people believe that a latch and handle should be positioned at a height of a metre above the floor. However, this is not always the situation. The latch on a door knob must be placed in the middle of the rail. This is where the bulk of the weight is carried by the door when it is open and closed.
Once you've decided on where the latch will be placed, mark the position of the hole in the door and strike plate with a pencil. Then drill pilot holes for the screws that will be used to secure the plate to the door. Once you've drilled them, use a countersink bit to make sure the plate's back is flush with the door when it's screwed into place.
Consider a double-sprung version for those who require a more durable alternative to the standard tubular lock. This comes with a separate spring for the tongue movement, resulting in a smoother closing when you open and close the door. It also features a strong-action spring-loaded spindle follower which ensures that levers and doorknobs are returned to their horizontal positions after every use.
Once you have put the latch on the door, you will need to install a strike plate in the frame. The strike plate is the part that is placed in the gap left by the latch when it's closed. Mark the location in which you'd like to place the strike plate on the frame section surrounding it. Use a knife to cut a square for the plate and then take it off.
Cylindrical Latch
Interior doors are usually fitted with cylindrical locks. They are found in homes and offices and are very adaptable in their use. They are similar to mortise locks however, they are much easier and faster to install. They do not require that an "mortise" or pocket be cut into the frame of the door like mortise locks. The hole or bore is cut into the face of the door and they are installed into that. They are available in various sizes and can be used with both knobs and levers to shut and open the door.
The key difference between cylinder and mortise locks is that only a specific key can open these types of locks. This is due to the fact that they use pins that are different in height within the cylinder and springs to hold the pins in the right position. When the correct key is used and the pins are aligned with one another and the cylinder can rotate. This allows the latch bolts to retract and allow the door to be opened.
When the wrong key is inserted, the pins aren't aligned correctly, and prevent the cylinder from moving. This is the reason it's essential to use the correct key when you have to enter your home or business.
The cylinder is positioned inside the body of the door and is connected to the operating trim using a square or a half-round extension. There are also small notch-like notches cut out of the cylinder's side that are a match to key notches. They are designed to align when the appropriate key is placed in. Once the cylinder moves, it will also move the latch bolt in tandem.
A strike plate is a plate that is attached to the door frame and is able to catch the latch bolt that is projected from the lock. The strike plate is generally made of heavy steel and anchored in the door frame with screws. It also has a strike opening into which the latch bolt of the lock fits.
Use the right tools to remove the knob or handle of the lock that was previously used and the latch bolt. Note The Key Lab of the new strike bolt and latch bolt on the door and frame after taking off the old hardware. Once the latch bolt and strike plate are in place, it's a great idea to test the operation of the lock by pressing against it using your finger. If the latch bolt and strike plate are damaged or fail to function properly it's a good idea to consider replacing them.
Key-Locked Latch
This kind of lock is controlled by a key that is inserted from the outside, and a lever or knob on the inside. This type of lock is designed for doors that aren't at risk of being interfered with, like in offices. This type locks allows the outside lever to either be locked or unlocked while the interior knob/lever remains free for immediate exit. The key is needed only to pull the latchbolt back after the door has been shut.
The pins of a key-lock are pointed and lined up along a line that's called the shear line. When the right key is inserted into a lock, the pins are synchronized with the shear line and the plug can be turned to open the latchbolt. If you've ever encountered keys that fit perfectly into a lock but isn't able to open, it could be because one of the pins aren't aligned with the shear line.
Some locks also have a face plate that is fixed to the door's edge. It can be decorative as well as add security and strength to the locking mechanism. It's common to find these plates on mortice locks as well as rim locks that have reversed spring bolts.
There is also a strike plate which is usually connected to the jamb and frame of the door and has a hole that guides the bolt from the cylinder to the lock. It is typically utilized together with deadbolts to provide additional security.
Then, there's the cylinder, which holds pins that are aligned with the key's point to prevent it from turning. A good quality cylinder is extremely difficult to break into without the right tools and understanding of how to pick it. To lock a front door, you must turn the key in the same direction the door opens. If the door opens using the right hand, for instance the key needs to be turned clockwise in order to lock the door. To unlock the door, the key needs to be turned counterclockwise. This is different from other locks which require you to turn the key in the opposite direction of the way the door opens similar to for instance a Chubb lock.
Keyless Latch
Keyless latches allow you to lock and unlock your door without the traditional key. These locks can be controlled through a smartphone application or an access code. Some models come with an invisible security camera. Take into consideration your security needs as well as compatibility with your existing doors and hardware when selecting a keyless lock. Certain keyless locks require specific door preparations or alterations, so make sure to read the specifications of the manufacturer as well as installation instructions prior to installing.
A number of companies are working on smart lock technology that replaces traditional locks with keys, and adds security features. These locks are more durable and can be unlocked with fingerprint, code or facial recognition. Certain smart locks come with the ability to detect tampering, and detect if a door has been opened using a key that is not authorized or force.
Latch is an organization that has created an elegant and high-tech lock, similar to other smart locks. Its main market is realty companies which manage apartment blocks. The lock can be unlocked with a key, passcode, or a mobile phone, and renters are able to let in cleaners, dog walkers, or guests who are out of town using temporary codes. The company claims that this will stop tenants losing their keys and reduce maintenance costs since there's no need to replace locks when the tenant moves out.
While the Latch lock isn't yet available to the general public, it could eventually find a place in large condos and apartments. It's already being tested in a few locations, and the company plans to release more units this year. The price is roughly the same as a standard lock, and the company offers low prices and affordable costs for software.
The Latch App can be used to set up the doors that are shown as shortcuts, and you can adjust this at any time. To do so, open the app and select the menu in the top left-hand corner of the screen. Then select 'Widgets', and select the doors you wish to display as shortcuts. Once your doors have been configured, you can view access history within the Latch App.
