Burglary attacks are very common nowadays and most burglary attacks occur because the homes are not secured properly. The use of unsecure locks and doors or locks that are not adjusted properly according to the doors are the main reasons for these types of attacks.
To escape from these types of attacks, you can adopt many ways but the most important way is to choose the suitable and perfect lock for your door. We understand that there are many locks available in the market and you may be confused about how to choose the best lock. Don’t worry we will properly guide you on how you can choose the best lock according to your door type.
Are you facing different lock issues like security issues, loose locks, or a lock that is not suitable for your door?
Do you want to know how to choose the best lock according to the type of your door?
Then you are at the right place! This article is for you. We will provide you all the details about locks with their suitability for doors.
Want to learn further? Let’s get started below…
In this article, we will describe different lock types with their suitability for doors. After reading this article, you will be able to select the best lock for your door that increases the security and reliability of your door.
Selecting a suitable lock for the door is always a daunting process. But you can easily select the door lock by following our guide.
Always remember that you have to consider three important steps while selecting a door lock, the material of your door, the position of your door internal or external and the quality of the lock according to the door.
Another important thing that needs to be noticed while selecting a lock is the inner and outer doors of your home. If you want to select a door lock for outer doors like front, lawn or the main door of your home then a keyed entry function lock is the best option.
If you want to select a lock for your inner doors like rooms, kitchens and bathrooms then the passage function lock is good for inner doors. Passage lock works on both sides of the door that’s why it is the best choice for inner doors as you can open or close the door from any side.
Lock types:
It is very important that you have to select a suitable lock for the proper working of your door. Door locks are mainly categorized into two types conventional locks and smart locks.
Conventional Door locks:
Conventional locks are also known as non-connected deadbolt locks. It is a kind of single-cylinder lock. Conventional locks are outdated locks that do not have any modern features. You can use keys to open or lock your door. These locks provide security but conventional locks are not as reliable as modern locks nowadays.
Smart lock:
Smart locks are the most popular locks nowadays as they provide more features, security and reliability. You can use a biometric system, fingerprints, remote access or other advanced techniques to open and close doors.
Best locks for the doors (front or back):
- 5 Lever Mortice Sashlocks
- Smart Locks
- Multi-point locking system
- Euro Cylinder Locks
- Rim Cylinder with Deadlatch
1) 5 Lever Mortice Sashlocks
Mortice locks are also known as a sash lock and deadlock. Mortice locks are fixed into the door and simply open with a key. These locks can be used with a cylinder rim lock for front doors but are commonly used for inner doors like bedrooms, bathrooms, etc.
Suitable door materials: Mortice locks are suitable for wooden doors.
Appropriate door type: Lever mortice locks are mostly used for outer doors whether they are for front or back.
Advantages:
- Mortice locks are easy to change and manage.
- Thieves cannot forcefully break the lock.
Disadvantages:
- Mortice locks cannot be installed on the thin doors.
2) Smart locks
Modern locking systems called “smart locks” allow you to remotely open your door using an app on your smartphone. Carrying keys is obsolete with most smart locks, which work with both Apple and Android phones. You can use, access and handle your door smart locks remotely.
Suitable door materials:
Smart locks are suitable for wooden doors (Euro Mortice Cases), uPVC and composite doors but you can use different versions of smart locks for other doors.
Appropriate door type: Smart locks are mostly used for front doors.
Advantages:
- Most flexible smart lock with all the functions assembled into the same unit.
- You can easily install smart locks.
- Smart locks are available in different versions.
Disadvantages
- Smart locks have a little heavy internal unit.
- When you move the internal turn it causes little noise that can disrupt your comfort.
3) Multi-Point Locking System
Keys are used in multi-point locking systems. In multi-point locking, the lock system is fixed inside the door frame and you can place multiple points in one door. The multi-point locking system enhances security as an unknown person has to open multiple locks to open the door.
Suitable doors:
Multi-point locking system are best for aluminium, uPVC and composite doors.
Appropriate door type: Multi-point locks can be used in both front and back doors.
Advantages:
- Multiple locking points increase the security system as it has multiple points of locking.
- Do not need more cylinders for the lock mechanism, just one can fulfill the need.
Disadvantages:
- Sometimes it is difficult to handle multiple locks, especially for children or aged people.
4) Euro Cylinder Locks
Euro cylinder locks are also known as snapsafe locks or anti-snap locks. Euro cylinder locks are mostly designed to prevent burglary attacks or forced entry into your home. cylinder locks use extra covering around the cylinder.
The euro cylinder sits inside a lock case and is protected by a fitting bolt through its face. Euro cylinder locks contain a key system for opening and closing the door and provide a high level of security against forced entries or torching techniques to open the door.
Suitable door materials:
Euro cylinder locks are mostly used for wood, uPVC, composite, and steel doors. It is not preferable but these locks can be used for aluminium doors also.
Appropriate door type: Euro cylinder locks are mostly used for the outer doors but in buildings, schools, hospitals and offices you can use them as inner doors.
Advantages:
- Euro cylinder locks prevent you from burglary or forced entry thefts.
- Euro cylinder locks can easily installed and changed.
Disadvantages:
- If a euro cylinder lock is not fixed properly, then it can be broken very easily by using the cylinder snapping attack technique.
5) Rim Cylinder with Deadlatch
Rim locks are also known as Yale Locks and Nightlatches. Rim locks are used as flat surfaces and protrude away from the surface inside a door, featuring a cylinder that passes through the door to enable key operation of the lock from the outside. these locks are very quick and efficient as you don’t need the keys to lock the door, when you close the door a deadlatch automatically closes.
Suitable door materials:
Rim locks are suitable for timber doors, panel doors and wooden doors.
Appropriate door type: Rim locks are used for both inner and outer doors however, deadlatch or nightlatch locks are commonly used for outer doors as they provide a high level and automatic security.
Advantages
- Quick and efficient
- Easy to use and manage
Disadvantages
- It requires an additional lock to manage and install.
Some other tips for choosing valuable locks include:
Check the rating of Door locks
Always choose the lock with a good rating and also check the suitability of the lock according to the door. You can visit the website to check the rating of the locks and select the best lock for your home.
Examine your Budget
If you have a low budget then you can select a conventional lock according to the type of your door but if you have a good budget then the smart lock is the best option. Smart locks are the latest locks with advanced security options and provide you best features.
Define If You Want a Smart Lock
Smart locks provide you more advanced security features and the latest techniques to open and close the door. You can remotely handle your door lock system that’s why it is a good decision to choose smart locks.
Security standards
Strong security is very necessary while selecting any lock type. You have to choose a lock that is according to your door type and provides you security from burglar attacks, forced entries and other types of thefts. Before selecting any lock, ensure that the lock meets the standards of PAS24 and provides you a guarantee of security.
Conclusion
Before changing the locks of your house, you should think about where each door is located and how much security you need (inner or outer). Decide which locks are best for the material of your door by selecting the proper alternatives. When installing an external door, make sure the lock satisfies British standard specifications and determine whether an additional lock is necessary for security.
If you still need any help then reach out to us. Our locksmiths will guide you properly and suggest the more suitable locks according to your door type.
FAQs
Mortice locks or mortice sash locks are the most suitable locks for wooden doors.
To prevent lock snapping, a Euro cylinder lock is the best option.
Wooden doors mostly use two locks as the locks are adjusted easily in wooden doors.
Mortice deadlock, night latch or a mortice sash lock are suitable locks for wooden doors as these locks meet the requirement of BS3621.
Multipoint locks with a Euro cylinder are the best locks for uPVC doors.
You can read our price guide to know about the prices in detail. In general, you can expect to pay $50 to $200 to exchange your locks.
