Door Locks - What Type of Lock is Right For Your Door? Door locks are an essential aspect of the security of your home. Whether you need to replace an existing lock or install one for an entirely new door, you need to follow a plan of action 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. 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 having sturdy, strong locks is vital. There are many types of locks available on the market. Each has their own pros and cons. How do you determine which lock is the best fit for your home? This month, we will examine the different types of locks available so that you can make an educated choice when it comes to choosing new locks. Mortice sash locks, also known by the name deadlocks, is typically fitted to wooden doors. They are secured from both outside and inside with keys and are installed inside the door material as opposed to being fixed to the surface as latches. A solid bolt extends from the edge of the door frame to hold the sash. When the door is shut it retracts the bolt into the sash, securing it shut. Idealy, a deadlock and a nightlatch must be installed together, and both must be in compliance with BS3621, the standard accepted by the majority of insurance companies. A nightlatch is a lock that looks like a mortice, but it differs from a mortice in the sense that there is no deadbolt internally. Instead, a nightlatch is equipped with a key operated rim cylinder inside and an operator on the outside. The pins on the cylinder are of different lengths, so only the key with the correct key hole can open the lock. A nightlatch must be put in the same place as a mortice deadlock and is not the sole lock for a wooden door. Ingersoll locks are a type of security lock that is fully approved by insurance companies in St Albans AL1. They are available in a range of sizes and come with a keyed cylinder and hooks to secure the door. If you own an Ingersoll lock on your property, it is worth getting in contact with an experienced London locksmith to unlock, repair or replace it if required. Smart locks that don't require keys are an excellent option to improve the security of your business or home without the need to change locks. They can be controlled and arranged through a smartphone app which allows you to check your security from any location even when you're not at the property. A locksmith can install Yale Smart Locks to protect your home from intrusions by unwanted burglars. Cylinder Sizes Cylinder locks come in a variety of lengths to suit different doors. Additional pins provide greater security against lock picking and bumping. Snap lines can be added to make them more resistant to snapping lock. When choosing a new lock, the first thing to do is determine the type of the door. This will determine the number pins that you need. double glazing repair st albans can be operated by a key or a thumb turn, with the latter option being more secure thanks to a further layer of security, which is an internal locking mechanism. This is in addition to a solid steel body which acts as a physical barrier for anyone trying to gain entry into your home through the door. A full euro cylinder is suitable for use in uPVC doors, but can also be used with other types of materials, including wood composite, and aluminium. It can be used for an interior or exterior door and is available in two versions: a double or single cylinder. A single cylinder has one indented surface and can be operated with the correct key. A symmetrical model, however it is compatible with both sides. Half euro cylinders are a smaller model, and are usually employed on garage doors, or in places that require access through one side only like office buildings. They are generally smaller in price than full-sized models, but still provide the highest degree of security. It is important that any replacement cylinder lock is installed so that it is flush with the lever or handle and does not protrude out of the doorway. This could make the lock vulnerable to actions such as 'lock snapping which is breaking the locking mechanism instead of the key. To find the ideal cylinder, measure the distance from the inside edge of the door to the center (including furniture) and then add 5mm more for the keyway. It is best to remove the lock from the door if you're replacing a lock that is in place. Installation If you're planning to install a new lock or replace old ones, it's important to be aware that not all hardware will fit your door. If you have a larger door than the standard size, you might require spacers in order to ensure your lock will function correctly. If your door is larger or more substantial than the standard size, you may require additional plates to make the hardware work. It's important to know the back-set before choosing locks. This is the distance from the center of the knob above the floor's finish to the nearest edge of the door. Most knobs are positioned 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 as well. Installing your hardware is simple once you have purchased it. First, you'll need to remove any screws that are holding the current lock in place. Once the screws are removed, you can remove the existing lock and handle from both sides of the door. Make sure to save the latch plate if it's not damaged. If the new lock is the same model, you can reuse the latchplate as long as the thickness and model are the same. The next step is to measure the door hole. This is the measurement of the bolt, so be sure your new lock will fit. If the hole is too wide it is possible to reduce it with handsaws or a hacksaw. After the holes have been made, you'll have to put in both the exterior and interior plates for your new lock. The interior base plate must be connected to the strike of the deadbolt, while the exterior plate is attached to the door's exterior. Secure both using the screws for mounting provided. Finally, you'll need to connect the lock cylinder to the bolt hole inside the door. Once the tailpiece is positioned then you can slide the bolt through the hole in the door and then close it. Test the bolt by locking it, then unlocking it several times to verify that it is working. Checklist Over time, grime and dirt along with other environmental factors can cause a lock become loose, jammed, or damaged. These issues should be fixed as soon as possible to prevent criminals using them to gain access to property and possessions. If you are unable to afford locksmith services alternative, there are other options to address the issue. However breaking a window or other alternative entry point should only be used as the last resort. Otherwise, it could cause costly repairs or even serious injuries. A good locksmith St Albans will offer a variety of services including repair, replacement and installation. Installing multipoint locks on your doors will assist you in improving your home's security. This will enhance the security of your valuables and aid you in meeting the insurance requirements. Another option is to give an untrustworthy friend or neighbor an extra key in case you ever become locked out of your home. This will allow them to gain access to your home and assist you gain entry without having to hire locksmith. It is crucial to choose someone who you can trust and who will be there when you need them. Premier Security London lock specialists adhere to British security standards and install a variety of multipoint locking mechanisms for homes and businesses throughout Hertfordshire including Winkhaus, GU Ferco, KFV, Paddock, Yale, Avantis, Avocet and a number of other high-quality manufacturers. These locks can be fitted to front doors, patio doors, or even sash windows. If you've recently purchased a new home or commercial property, it is a good idea to get all the locks changed immediately to prevent intruders from taking advantage of any weaknesses in the security of your door. A professional locksmith will guide you on the most appropriate solution for your particular circumstance. They will also help you decide whether rekeying or changing your locks is the best solution for you. Rekeying is also recommended for landlords after tenants move out, and for businesses that hire new management personnel. This will ensure that only you and your designated keyholders are able to access your premises.
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