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Lock Identification
Find the lock you need to replace or repair
Cam Locks
This type of lock comes in 3 main types standard profile, single or double sided key or tubular keys.
They are used on types of doors from mail boxes, gym lockers, school lockers, filing cabinets, game machines, vending machines, metal/wood cabinets & many more… The list really does go on and on.
The security level of this type of lock is very low and therefore they are generally used on low security containers.
Needless to say we can repair it, replace it or upgrade it.
Euro Locks
Euro or Oval profile cylinders also supplied in 5, 10 and 15 pin with brass, satin chrome and polished chrome finishes.
Depending on the thickness of the door there are many different sizes. They come in 3 types, single/half, key and key (double cylinder), key and thumb turn.
Single/Half Profile Cylinders
These are operated from one side only.
Euro cylinders are mainly fitted to uPVC doors but some aluminium and wooden doors also use this type of lock.
Double Cylinders
Key and Key profile cylinders are operated from both sides only with a key.
Cylinder and Turn
Key and Thumb turn profile cylinders are operated with a key from one side and a thumbturn from the other, useful for controlled access from one side.
Thieves have devised methods of snapping these types of cylinders locks in a matter of seconds and still be able to operate the lock to open the door.
This threat can be considerably reduced simply by upgrading the cylinder to one that is specifically designed to prevent this method of attack.
It is recommend that all vulnerable doors using Euro-Profile cylinders be upgraded to incorporate 'Break Secure' cylinders.
Garage Door Locks
Garage door locks, also known as T-handles, come in a variety of sizes (long lugs, short lugs, square spindle, and diamond spindle).
There are also quite a number of garage doors that are fitted with half euro/oval profile cylinders.
Because security is poor with this type of lock a popular solution for securing the 'up and over' garage locks are the Enfield garage bolts.
They provide additional security to the standard lock and are suitable for single or double garage doors.
A further advantage with the Enfield Bolts is they can be keyed alike, so if you have a number of garages you can make your job easier when it comes to opening them by having the same key for all the locks.
Mortice Locks
A Mortice lock fits into a slot cut out of the door, with a key hole on either face of the door, and its striking plate fits into a slot cut out of the frame. A mortice lock is deadlocking (i.e. can only be opened with a key).
Strong locks are essential therefore always choose one which conforms to British Standards. Most home and contents insurers recommend a BS five lever mortice lock as a minimum. It is the most secure type of lock to get past it without a key means the door frame itself has to be broken.
The more levers that a key has to work, the harder it is for anyone to pick the lock. Sash locks are deadlocks with a built in latch so they do require handles with them.
Three Lever Deadlocks
The three lever mortice deadlock should be considered as the lowest form of security for a door, It is recommended that a 3 lever deadlock is replaced by a five lever BS3621 deadlock as soon as possible.
Five Lever Deadlocks
A grade down from British Standard deadlocks is the standard five lever mortice deadlock offering moderate protection to main doors in your home, office or retail department.
British Standard Deadlocks
BS standard mortice deadlocks, conforming to British Standard number BS3621: 1998 for Thief Resistant Locks.
This is a high security mortice door lock that has been rigorously tested for burglar resistance. This type of door lock has a single 'dead' bolt that is locked and unlocked with a key.
It is embedded in the door for extra strength, providing exceptional security and is specified by many insurance companies.
It offers excellent protection against all common forms of attack including lock picking, force, drilling, manipulation and hacksaw.
Multipoint Locks - uPVC Door Locks
A Multipoint Lock is a mechanism that secures a door or window at one or more points.
They consist of latch, deadbolt, hooks, anti-lift pin hook, mushroom cam, roller cam or finger bolts.
They are commonly used in conservatory and patio doors but can also be found in any uPVC (PVCu) door or even in composite/timber doors
They are operated in various different ways
Lever/Lever Operation
Lift the handle to engage the locking points and then turn the key once to lock. To unlock turn the key once, and push down the handle.
Key Operation
Turn the key 2 or more times to fully engage all of the locking points. To unlock turn the key 2 or more times to release the locking points.
Lever/Pad Operation
When closed the door is auto-locked on the latch and cannot be opened from the outside without a key.
Night Latch Locks
Night latch is the correct terminology for what most people call a Yale lock.
It is simply a latch operated by a turn from one side and by a key from the other side (Rim Cylinder).
Sometimes they are called slam locks, due to the reason that once the door is closed behind you need a key to come back through the door.
Non-deadlocking
These locks always need a key to unlock them from the outside. The latch can be deadlocked in an open or closed position by sliding the button on the inner face.
These sorts of locks are really at the bottom of the pile for security and were being supplemented with mortice deadlocks by the late 1960s.
If your door has a multipoint lock then there will be a latching bolt in the middle of the door that is operated by the handle.
Key Deadlocking
The rim night latch with lockable internal handle. These locks are the same as the night latches except you can deadlock the latch from the outside with a turn of the key.
This means that the latch cannot be slipped with a piece of plastic. Some of them also allow you to lock the turn knob on the inside with the same key (instead of the button) and this will prevent slipping from outside and the knob being turned by sticks, cables and so on through the letter plate.
Automatic Deadlocking
These differ from the above two in having a deadlocking pin just above or below the latch.
When you close the door the pin is depressed into the mechanism and it deadlocks the latch, which will prevent slipping
Rim Locks
A rim lock is a type of door lock that is mounted on the surface or "rim" of a door rather than being set into the door itself. It is typically installed on the interior surface of the door and consists of a locking mechanism and a latch bolt. Rim locks are often visible on the face of the door and are popular for both residential and commercial applications.
The basic components of a rim lock include a key-operated cylinder, a latch bolt, and sometimes a deadbolt for added security. Rim locks are relatively simple to install and are often used in conjunction with other types of locks for enhanced door security.
These locks are commonly found in older homes and historical buildings, and they may have a traditional or antique appearance. While rim locks may not offer the same level of security as some modern embedded locks, they can still be effective and are valued for their aesthetic appeal in certain settings.
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