Door Locks - What Type of Lock is Right For Your Door? Door locks are an essential aspect of the security of your home. If you're looking to replace the lock you have in place or install one for the new door, you need to follow a set of guidelines and contact a professional to ensure that the job is done correctly. Our London lock experts install multipoint locking systems that are in line with British Security Standards. They are able to repair, unlock and replace Ingersoll and Banham locks in St Albans AL1. Locks of various types When it comes to securing your home or business having sturdy, strong locks is essential. There are many kinds of locks available on the market. Each has its own advantages and drawbacks. So, how do you know which one is right for your property? This month, we will look at the various types of locks available so that you can make an educated choice when it comes to choosing new locks. Mortice Sash locks, also referred to as deadlocks, are typically fitted to wooden doors. They can be locked from both outside and inside with keys and are installed inside the door material as opposed to being placed on the outside like latches. The sash is secured into place by an incredibly strong bolt that extends out from the edge of the door frame. When the door is shut it retracts the bolt into the sash to lock it to the frame. In ideal circumstances, a deadlock and a nightlatch must be installed together, and both must conform to BS3621 - which is the standard recognized by most insurance companies. A nightlatch is akin to mortice locks however, it does not include a deadbolt that is installed internally. A nightlatch is a rim cylinder with a key inside and an outside handle. The cylinder has pins with different lengths, ensuring that only a key that has the right key hole can open the lock. A nightlatch must be put in the same place as a mortice deadlock and should not be the sole lock for a wooden door. Ingersoll locks have been approved by all insurance companies in St Albans, AL1. They come in a variety of sizes and come with a keyed-cylinder and hooks to secure the door. If you own an Ingersoll lock, you should consider calling an London locksmith who can open the lock, repair it, or replace it if needed. Keyless smart locks are an excellent way to increase the security of your home or business without having to change the locks. These locks can be controlled and configured using apps on smartphones, which let you monitor your security even when you're not on the property. Locksmiths can install Yale Smart Locks to protect your home from intrusions by unwanted burglars. Cylinder Sizes Cylinder locks come in different lengths for different doors. Additional pins provide greater security against bumping and picking locks. Snap line features can be added to further strengthen them against lock snapping. The first step in selecting the best cylinder for you is to determine what kind of door you have, which will then determine the number of pins that you require. Cylinder locks are operated by either a key or thumb-turn. The one with a key is more secure due to the additional layer of security provided by an internal locking mechanism. Additionally, there is a solid metal frame which serves as a physical barrier to anyone trying to gain entry to your home through the door. A complete euro cylinder is suitable to be used in uPVC doors, but can also be used with other types of materials like wood, composite, and aluminium. It is generally suitable for either an external or interior door. It comes in two variants that are a double or a single cylinder. A single cylinder only has one indented surface and can be operated using the correct key. st albans door and window , is compatible with both sides. Half euro cylinders, a smaller version, are utilized for garage doors and in areas where only one side is needed to gain access, like offices. They are typically a little less expensive than full-sized models however they still offer an excellent degree of security. It is essential that the replacement cylinder lock is fitted to be flush with the handle or lever and does not protrude out of the doorway. This could make the lock vulnerable to actions like lock snapping which involves 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 any furniture), and then add 5mm more for the keyway. It is recommended to take the lock from the door if you're replacing one that is already in place. Installation If you're looking to install a new lock or replace your old locks, you should keep in mind that not every hardware type will work with your door. If you have a wider door than the standard size, you might require spacers in order to ensure your lock can function correctly. If your door is larger or thicker than the standard size, you may also need special plates to make the hardware fit. When choosing the best lock for your home it is important to determine the back-set of the door. This is the distance between the knob's center above the floor and the nearest edge of a door. Most knobs are 36 or 38 inches tall. Take a look at other knobs and check if they're at the same height. Once you've bought your hardware, you're now ready to start the installation process. First, you'll need to remove any screws that are holding the lock in place. After removing the screws remove the lock and handle on both sides of the door. Be sure to save the latch plate, if it's not damaged. If the new lock is of the same model it is possible to reuse the latchplate as long as the dimensions and model are the same. The next step is to determine the door hole. This is the diameter of the bolt, so be sure the new lock will fit. If the hole is wider than needed you can reduce it with a handsaw or a hack saw. After the holes have been prepared, you will have to put in both the exterior and interior plates to your new lock. The interior base plate needs to be attached to deadbolt strike while the exterior base plate is affixed to the door's face. Secure both with the mounting screws supplied. Then, you'll need attach the lock cylinder to the bolt hole on the door. Once the tailpiece is positioned it is possible to 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 make sure it works. Checklist Over time, dirt and grime along with other environmental elements, can cause a lock become loose or jammed, or even damaged. It is essential to have the problem fixed as quickly as possible to prevent criminals from exploiting them to gain access to your home and possessions. If you're unable to pay for a locksmith alternative, there are other options to address the issue. However, breaking a window or any other alternative entry points should only be used as the last resort. Otherwise, it can result in costly repairs and even serious injury. A good locksmith St Albans will offer a variety of services including repair, replacement and installation. Installing multipoint locks on your doors will help you improve your home's security. This will improve the security of your valuables and assist you in meeting insurance requirements. Another option is to give a trusted neighbor or friend an extra key in case you ever get locked out of your home. This will allow them to gain access to your house and allow you back access without the need for locksmith. It is essential to select someone who you can trust and who will be readily available in case of need. Premier Security London lock experts are in compliance with British standards of security. They install a variety of multipoint locking mechanisms at homes and businesses in Hertfordshire, including Winkhaus GU Ferco KFV Paddock Yale Avantis Avocet, and other high-quality manufacturers. These locks can be installed on front doors, patios doors and even sash window. If you've recently bought the first commercial or residential property, changing all the locks as soon as you can is a good idea in order to ensure that intruders aren't exploiting weak points in your door security. A professional locksmith can advise you on the best option for your particular circumstance. They will also help you decide whether rekeying or replacing your locks is the best solution for you. Rekeying is also a good option for landlords who have tenants moving out, and for businesses that hire new management staff. This will ensure that only you and the keyholders you pick are able to access your premises.
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