Types of Deadlocks for Doors
Hook bolt deadlocks are used on narrow storefronts made of aluminum sliding doors to enhance security and strength of the lock. They are keyed on both sides for greater flexibility in access control.
To accurately measure a new lock to your door, you need to first determine the depth of the case (or backset). This is the distance between the edge of the front door and the center of latch hole.
Tubular Latch
The tubular latch is the most well-known type of door latch. It's simple and straightforward to install, making it a favorite of DIY enthusiasts and joiners alike. It's also available in a wide assortment of sizes, shapes, and levels to fit any door handle style.
A tubular latch is an rectangular steel casing that has the latch bolt as well as an encased latch follower that is spring-loaded (also known as a striker). When you open the door, the latch retracts to allow you to lock and close it. When you close the door, the latch bolt springs back and grabs the edge of the frame to keep the door shut.
You'll have to decide the size of the door's latch before you install it. Many people believe that a latch and handle should be set at a height of one metre above the floor. However, this is not always the situation. When door knobs are concerned the latch should be located in the middle of the rail - this is where the bulk of the weight is placed when you open and close the door.
Once you've decided on where the latch will sit, mark the position of the hole on the door and strike plate with the help of a pencil. Drill pilot holes to secure the plate. When you've drilled these then, use a countersink to make sure the plate's back sits flush with the door after it's screwed.
Consider a double-sprung lock if you need a stronger option than the standard tubular lock. It has an additional spring for the tongue movement, resulting in a more smooth closure when you close and open the door. It also features a heavy-action spring on the spindle follower, ensuring that levers or doorknobs return to their horizontal positions after each use.
Once you've fitted the latch to the door, you'll need fit a strike plate to the frame. The strike plate is a part that fits into the gap left behind by the latch after it's been closed. To make this happen, mark where you want the strike plate to rest on the frame that is surrounding it. Cut with your knife an appropriate square for the plate and then take it off.
Cylindrical Latch
Interior doors are usually equipped with cylindrical locks. They are commonly found in offices and homes, and can be found in numerous applications. Cylindrical locks function similarly to mortise lock systems, but are much simpler and quicker to install. They do not require a "mortise" or pocket be cut into the frame of the door as mortise locks do. The hole or bore is cut into the surface of the door and they are then inserted into the door. These locks come in different types and are compatible with both knobs and levers to shut and open the door.
The primary difference between mortise and cylinder locks is that these locks are only opened with a specific type of key. The pins are secured by springs and pins of different heights. When the correct key is inserted into the cylinder, the pins will align, allowing the cylinder to rotate. This allows the latch bolt to retract and the door can be opened.
When the wrong key has been inserted, pins are not aligned properly and stop the cylinder moving. It's important that you use the correct key to gain access to your office or home.
The cylinder itself sits within the door's body and is connected to the operating trim using an extension of a half-round or square. There are also tiny notches carved from the cylinder's sides that correspond to key notches, and they are designed to line up when the appropriate key is placed in. Once the cylinder moves it will also move the latch bolt with it.
A strike plate is an attached metal plate that holds the bolt that is projected to lock. The strike plate is usually constructed of steel that is it is secured to the door frame with screws. It also has an opening for the latch bolt to fit into.
Use the right tools to remove the knob or handle of the old lock as well as the latch bolt. Mark the location of the new strike bolt 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 with your finger. If the strike plate or latch bolt is damaged or does not work properly, you should look into replacing them.
Key-Locked Latch
This kind of lock is controlled with an outside key and a knob or lever on the inside. This kind of lock is used to secure doors that aren't susceptible to being tampered with, like in offices. This type of lock permits the lever on the outside to be locked or unlocked, while the inside knob/lever remains free for immediate exit. The key is only required to retract the latchbolt after the door has been shut.
The pins of a key-lock are pointed and lined up along a line that's called the shear line. van hooklocks are aligned with the shearline when the key that is needed is put into the lock. The plug is then turned to open the latchbolt. If you've ever had a lock perfectly aligned, but the key could not be opened or the lock would not open, one of the pins could be not aligned with the shearline.
Face plates are also used on a few locks. They can be decorative or provide strength and protection to the locking mechanism. These plates are typically found on mortice locks, rim locks and locks with reversed springs.
There is also a strikeplate, that is typically connected to the jamb and door frame and has a hole that guides the bolt from the cylinder into the lock. It is usually used with deadbolts to provide additional security.
There is also the cylinder, which is a series of pins that are aligned with the key's point to keep it from turning. It can be difficult to choose the best cylinder without the right tools and knowledge. To lock a front door, you must turn the key in the same direction as the door opens. If the door opens using the right hand, for example the key needs to be turned clockwise to secure the door. To unlock, the key must be turned counterclockwise. This is different from other locks that require turning the key in the opposite direction of the way the door opens as in the Chubb lock.
Keyless Latch
A keyless latch lets you to lock and unlock your door without using a traditional key. The locks can be operated using apps for smartphones or an access code and some models include a hidden camera for added security. Take into consideration your security needs as well as compatibility with your existing hardware and doors when you select a keyless lock. Certain keyless locks require special door preparation or modifications to be installed, so make sure you review the specifications of the manufacturer and installation instructions before installing.
A number of companies are working on smart locks that replace traditional locks with keys and provide additional security features. These locks are more durable and can be unlocked through a code, fingerprint or facial recognition. Certain smart locks come with tamper proof features and can detect if a door was opened using a key that is not authorized or force.
One company, called Latch has come up with an attractive high-tech lock that operates like other smart locks. Its primary target market is real estate companies who manage apartments. The tenants can open the lock with a passcode, a key or a mobile device. They can also allow in dog walkers, cleaners or guests from outside of town with temporary codes. The company claims that this eliminates the need for tenants to lose their keys and reduces maintenance costs because there is no need to change locks after a tenant moves out.
The Latch lock may not be accessible to the public at this point however it may be a possibility to be installed in condos or large apartments. The company has already begun testing the lock in a few locations and plans to release more units this coming year. The cost is similar to a regular lock. The company also offers affordable costs for software and affordable pricing.
The Latch App can be used to determine which doors are shown as shortcuts, and you can adjust this at anytime. To do so, launch the app and click the menu in the top left-hand corner of the screen. Select 'Widgets', and select the doors that you wish to display as shortcuts. You can check the history of access to your doors on the Latch App after you've configured them.