Wondering how to figure out the appropriate lock or latch for your handles? Or maybe you want to spruce up the doors of your commercial or residential projects and just don’t know where to start. Products in a range of shapes, sizes, materials, and finishes are available on the market for everything from internal to external spaces. But how does one go about figuring out which design is suitable for the specifications of the room?
What are door latches and locks?
A door latch shuts when the door is closed and opens when the handle is operated. Conversely, door locks are electronic or mechanical devices that fasten doors, either released by keys or other objects such as security tokens, keycards, fingerprints, etc. The main difference between locks and latches is that locks require a key, but a latch does not. Both door locks and latches offer a level of security depending on the type installed on your door. As implied by their respective names, a lock ensures that your door is locked, whilst a latch may hold your door closed but definitely not lock it. Their effectiveness is in part due to how durable the materials from which they have been constructed.
What are the different types of door locks and latches?
A wide range of Locks and Latches are available for purchase at hardware stores. Knowing the requirements of your project will help you find the best match from the following list of types. First, we will consider the internal door latches:
- Tubular Latches
Also commonly known as mortice latches and are most commonly used by homeowners. The name refers to its working, how the latch is ‘morticed’ into the door itself. It may also contain holes that allow bolts to pass through.
- Flat latches
Are similar to Tubular Latches, as both are embedded into the structure of a door and therefore also function in a similar manner. However, instead of being installed in residential buildings, these latches are often installed on heavy-duty doors where locks are not required.
- Roller-bolt latches
This type of door latch is similar to the ones above in the sense that it is also embedded within the door. The main difference in roller bolt latches comes down to functionality: with this type of latch, the user can simply pull open the door as opposed to twisting any knobs or turning any handles!
External Door Latches are attached to the door and its frame. They come in a variety of types:
- Sliding Bolt Latches
These are popular choices amongst homeowners. They consist of a sliding metal bolt that can fasten doors shut by sliding in one direction and opening in the reverse direction. Some may have the accommodations for a padlock which can add an additional layer of security.
- Rim Latches
Rim Latches are commonly used indoors and look quite similar to flat or tubular latches. However, instead, these are installed on the outside of a door rather than within, making them less secure.
- Night Latches
One of the most secure types of latches, Night Latches are visually the most similar to rim latches and verge on being door locks. They’re commonly used as an additional layer of security alongside another latch or locking mechanism. On the inside of the door, the actual latch will be installed with a knob that can be turned to unlock the latch from the inside. From the outside, a key will need to be used to engage the latch.
Generally, if the intention is to add security, locks are installed as the first layer of defense. There are a number of suitable locks one must consider, each designed for different purposes:
- Padlocks
One of the biggest benefits of padlocks is that they aren’t permanent and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. There are two main types of padlocks: keyed and Combination Padlocks. For the latter, a user needs to have a set of numbers to serve as a password of sorts. If entered correctly, the lock opens. The main issue with padlocks is that these types of clasps are easy to shim or decode. Keyed padlocks have two types: non-re-keyable and rekeyable locks In addition to this, they may be key retaining, or not. Key retaining locks don’t allow the key to be pulled from the lock once the lock has been opened.
- Deadbolts
Installed mostly on external doors, Deadbolts have extra options when compared to padlocks. They are available in three different types: lockable thumb-turn, single and double. Within a single cylinder, the lock has a key barrel on the outside, and the inside has a thumb-turn. The main drawback of this is that the lock can easily be opened from the inside if the intruder has access to the thumb-turn. However, for the double cylinder, there is a key cylinder both on the inside and outside which makes the door safer but lowers the ease of accessibility. This may be a significant risk in the event of an emergency. The lockable thumb-turn is a combination of both single and double cylinders. The thumb-turn on the inside can be locked using a key and if unlocked, the deadbolt will work the same as a single-cylinder lock.
What size locks and latches do I need?
When replacing existing locks or latches on your doors, your best bet is to use the same size. This avoids having to carry out any unnecessary work as well as eliminates the risk of choosing an inappropriate new size. On replacement doors, a size that is suitable to the door and door furniture should be used. We can consider a few measurements to make this decision.
‘Backset’ – the measurement between the forend plate and the center of the keyhole or follower.
Frame stop clearance – the backset of a lock/latch must ensure that the door furniture fitted to it is clear of the frame stop when the door is closed.
Knuckle rash – room for the hand to operate the door furniture without interference from the frame stop.
Conclusion
The various Types of Door Locks and handles discussed in this article should allow you to easily pick out an appropriate type of lock. The levels of security vary according to type, and modes of operation. Two types of locks may be used on a single door, depending on the level of protection you need. Ironmongery Solutions has over 10 decades of experience with over 30,000+ satisfied customers. Our website provides trusted quality products for your home and business, from the experts of Ironmongery and furnishing.
