Types of Deadlocks for Doors
Hook bolt deadlocks are used on sliding narrow stile aluminum storefront doors to increase security and strength of locks. These locks have keys on both sides to allow for greater flexibility.
To accurately measure a new lock to your door, you must first determine its 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 by far the most well-known door latch. It's easy to install, which makes it a popular choice for Joiners and DIY enthusiasts alike. It's also available in a large variety of sizes, shapes and quality levels to suit any style of door handle.
A tubular latch is a rectangular steel casing that has a spring-loaded followinger and the latch bolt (also known as a striker). When you open the door, the latch retracts, allowing you to shut and lock it. When you close the door, the latch bolt springs back and grasps the edge of the frame to secure the door shut.
You'll need to determine the height of the latch on the door before you install it. Many people believe that one metre from the floor is the correct level to place a latch and door handle. This is not always the case. When door knobs are involved the latch should be placed on the mid-rail - this is where most of the weight is shifted when you open and close the door.
Once you've decided on where the latch will be placed and where it will be, mark the location of the hole in the door and the strike plate using the help of a pencil. Then, drill pilot holes for the screws that will secure the plate to the door. Once you've drilled them, use a countersink bit to ensure that the back of the plate is flush with the door after it's screwed.
Consider a double-sprung version If you require a more robust alternative to the standard tubular lock. The door will close more smoothly when you choose this latch, as it has a separate spring to move the tongue. It also features a strong-action, spring-loaded spindle follower that ensures that doorknobs and levers are returned to their horizontal position after every use.
After you've attached the latch to the door, you'll need to install a strike plate onto the frame. The strike plate is a piece of metal that is inserted into the gap left by the latch after it's closed. You should mark the area where you'd like to put the strike plate on the frame section surrounding it. Use a knife to cut an appropriate square for the plate and then remove it.
Cylindrical Latch
Cylindrical locks are typically used on interior doors. They are commonly found in homes and offices and are very adaptable in terms of their applications. They are similar to mortise locks, however, they are much easier and quicker to install. They do not require an opening pocket or "mortise," to be cut into the door frame as mortise lock systems do. The hole or bore is cut into the face of the door and they are installed into that. These locks are available in different types and can be used with knobs and levers to open and close the door.
The main difference between mortise and cylinder locks is that only a particular key can unlock these types of locks. The pins are fixed by springs and pins with different heights. When the correct key is inserted and the pins are aligned with each other and the cylinder can rotate. This enables the latch bolt to retract and the door can be opened.
If the wrong key has been put in, the pins aren't aligned correctly, which stops the cylinder moving. It is essential to use the right key to gain access to your home or office.
The cylinder is located inside the door's body and is connected to the operating trim using a square or a half-round extension. The cylinder also has small notch on its side that are designed to align with the key notches when the right key is placed. Once the cylinder has been moved, the latch bolt will follow.
A strike plate is a metal plate that catches the bolt that is projected to lock. The strike plate is generally constructed of steel that is heavy-gauge and is attached to the door frame with screws. It also has an opening for the latch bolt to engage into.
When replacing a cylindrical lock, ensure that you make use of the right tools to remove the old lock's handle, knob and latch bolt. Note the place of the new strike 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 good 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 do not work properly it's a good idea to consider replacing them.
Key-Locked Lock
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 used for doors that are not at risk of being interfered with, such as in offices. This type of lock allows the outside lever to be in either locked or unlocked and the inside knob/lever is always available for immediate egress. The key is needed only to retract the latchbolt after the door has been closed.
The pins on a key-lock line up and are pointed along a line called the shearline. The pins are aligned with the shearline once the right key is inserted into the lock. The plug can then be turned to release latchbolt. If you've ever encountered a key that fits perfectly into a lock but isn't able to open it could be because one of the pins isn't aligned to the shear line.
Face plates can also be found on some locks. They can be decorative or provide strength and protection to the locking mechanism. These plates are commonly found on mortice locks, rim locks and locks with reversed springs.
A strike plate is also available. It is usually attached to both the door frame and the jamb, and has a hole through which the bolt can be carried from the cylinder into the lock. This is typically used in conjunction with deadbolts for an additional level of security.
The cylinder is the final part, and it holds a series pins that align the key's edge to stop it from rotating. A good quality cylinder is very difficult to break into without the proper tools and knowledge of how to pick it. To lock doors, the key must be turned in the same direction the door is opened. For instance, if the door opens with the right hand, the key must be turned clockwise to secure it. To unlock, the key must be turned counterclockwise. This is different than other locks, like Chubb locks which require you to turn your key in the opposite direction of the way the door opens.
Keyless Latch
A keyless latch allows you to lock and unlock your door without using a traditional key. Keyless locks can be operated using the smartphone app or access code or key. Some models include a hidden camera for additional security. When selecting a keyless lock be sure to consider your security requirements and compatibility with your doors and hardware. Some keyless locks require special door preparation or modifications to be installed, so make sure you re view the specifications of the manufacturer and installation instructions prior to installing.
Several companies are developing smart locks that replace traditional locks with keys, and adds security features. They are more durable and can be unlocked by fingerprint, code or facial recognition. Certain smart locks also come with tamper-proof features and can detect when a door has been opened by a key that isn't authorized or force.
One company, called Latch has come up with an attractive, high-tech lock that works similar to other smart locks. Its primary market is real estate firms that manage apartments. The lock can be opened by tenants by using a passcode key or a mobile device. They are also able to let in dog walkers, cleaners or guests from out of town using temporary codes. The company claims that this will eliminate the necessity for tenants to lose their keys and also reduces maintenance costs since there is no requirement to change locks after tenants move out.
The Latch lock may not be available to the general public yet however, it could be found in condos or large apartments. It's currently being tested in a handful of locations, and the company plans to launch more units this year. The cost is similar to the cost of a regular lock. The company also offers affordable software fees and competitive pricing.
You can change the shortcuts at any time by using the Latch App. Open the app and click the menu in the top left corner of the screen. Then select 'Widgets', and choose the doors you want to be displayed as shortcuts. Once your doors are configured, you can view access history in the Latch App.