Door Locks - What Type of Lock is Right For Your Door? Door locks are a crucial element of the security of your home. Whether you need to replace an existing lock or install one for a new door, you need to follow a checklist and consult a professional make sure it's done correctly. Our professional London locksmiths are in compliance with British Security Standards and install multipoint locking mechanisms. door specialists st albans can unlock, repair and change Ingersoll and Banham Locks in St Albans AL1. Types of Locks Locks that are strong and durable are vital to secure your home or business. There are many types of locks on the market. Each has its own advantages and drawbacks. So how do you decide which one is best for your home? This month, we'll examine the different types of locks available so you can make an educated decision when choosing new locks. Mortice sash locks, also known as deadlocks, are typically fitted to wooden doors. They can be locked both from the inside and the outside with a lock key. They are set inside the structure of the door and not on the outside as latches. The sash is secured in place with the bolt, which extends from the edge of the door frame. The bolt retracts into sash when the door is closed. The ideal deadlock should be fitted alongside a nightlatch and both must be in compliance with BS3621, the standard that is accepted by a majority of insurance companies. A nightlatch is like mortice locks, however, it does not include a deadbolt inside. A nightlatch is a rim cylinder with a key inside, and an outside handle. The pins on the cylinder are different lengths so that only the key with the right key hole can open the lock. Mortice deadlocks should be used together with a nightlatch and not as the only lock for doors made of wood. Ingersoll locks are a type of security lock that is fully endorsed by insurance companies throughout St Albans AL1. They are available in different sizes and come with hooks as well as keys for a lock cylinder. If you own an Ingersoll lock on your property it is a good idea to get in touch with a professional London locksmith to unlock it, repair or replace it if required. Keyless smart locks are an excellent way to increase the security of your business or home without having to change the locks. These smart locks are controlled and configured through a smartphone application, allowing you to monitor your security when 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 unwanted intruders. Cylinder Sizes Cylinder locks are available in various lengths to meet the needs of different doors. Additional pins provide more security against lock picking and bumping. Snap line features can be added to further make them more resistant to snapping lock. The first step to take when selecting a new cylinder is to determine what kind of door you have, which will dictate the number of pins you need. Cylinder locks can be operated by a key or a thumb turn, with the latter option being more secure thanks to an additional layer of security, which is an internal locking mechanism. Additionally, there is an iron frame that acts as a physical barrier to anyone who attempts to gain entry to your home through the door. The full euro cylinder can be utilized in uPVC as well as wood, composite, and aluminium doors. It is usually suited to either an exterior or an interior door, and comes in two variants: a single or double cylinder. A single cylinder has one indented side, and can only be operated using the correct key, while an symmetrical model works with both sides of the key. Half euro cylinders are a less expensive model, and are usually employed on garage doors or in locations where access is required through only one side like offices. These models are generally a little cheaper than the full-sized model but still offer an adequate level of security. It is crucial that the cylinder lock replacement be fitted flush with the handle, lever or doorframe. It should not protrude out of the opening. This can make the lock vulnerable to illegal activities like 'lock snapping, which is breaking the locking mechanism instead of the key. For the perfect cylinder, measure the distance from the outside edge of the door to the center (including any furniture), and add 5mm extra 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 When you want to install an entirely new lock or replace your old locks, you should keep in mind that not every hardware type will fit your door. You may require spacers if your door is thicker than the standard size. This will ensure that the lock operates properly. In addition, if your door is larger than the standard width, you may require special plates to aid in the hardware to 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 near edge of the door. Most knobs are set at a comfortable 36 or 38 inches above the floor. Check with other knobs in your house to determine if you're satisfied with their height too. Installing the hardware is easy once you have purchased it. You'll first need to remove any screws holding the existing lock in place. After the screws have been removed, pull the existing handle and lock from both sides of the door. Save the latch plate, if it is not damaged. You can reuse the latch plate for your new lock if it's the identical model and thickness as the previous one. Next, you'll need 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 inside it. If the hole is wider than needed, you can easily cut it smaller using handsaws or a hack saw. Once the holes are prepared, you'll be required to install both exterior and interior plates to your 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. Both plates can be secured using the mounting screws supplied. In the final step, you'll need attach 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 close it. Test the bolt by locking it and unlocking it a few times to make sure it's working. Checklist Over time dirt, grime, and other environmental factors can cause locks to become loose, jammed or damaged. These issues should be fixed as soon as you can to stop criminals from exploiting them to gain access to your property and possessions. If you are unable to afford locksmith services, there are other ways to resolve the issue. Breaking a window, or using a different method of entry should be considered only as a last option. In the wrong circumstances, it could lead to costly repairs and even serious injuries. A good locksmith St Albans will offer a variety of services that include repair, replacement, and installation. They can also help you upgrade your home security by installing multipoint locks to your doors. This will enhance the security of your valuables as well as help you meet insurance requirements. You can also give your friend or neighbor you trust with a spare key in case you ever become locked out of your home. This will allow them to gain access to your home and help you gain entry without the need of locksmith. However, it is crucial to select a trustworthy person who will be responsible and available when you require them. Premier Security London lock experts are in compliance with British standards of security and install a range of multipoint locking mechanisms for homes and businesses in Hertfordshire such as Winkhaus GU Ferco KFV Paddock Yale Avantis Avocet, and other high-quality brands. These locks can be set on front doors, patios windows, and even on sash windows. If you've recently purchased an apartment or commercial property, it is recommended to get all locks replaced immediately to stop burglars from gaining access to any weaknesses in the security of your door. A professional locksmith can guide you on what solution is most appropriate for your particular situation. They will also assess whether changing your locks or rekeying them is the best option for you. Rekeying is also recommended for landlords after tenants move out and businesses that recruit new management personnel. This will ensure only you and the keyholders you pick can gain access to your premises.
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