Tips Lock Solutions
Locks and door handles: the key to choosing the right one
Need door handles and locks? Beyond aesthetics, several aspects must be considered, such as ergonomics, ease of installation, quality and safety. Here are some tips for making the right choice.
Components and characteristics
Here are the main elements that make up a lock, as well as their characteristics.
1 – Barrel and housing
The barrel houses the lock mechanism. A solid metal sheath, the housing, attached to the stop ring, protects the barrel. Inserting and turning the key activates the deadbolt. They are ideal when fitting an exterior door handle and lock.
Some brands offer configurable systems to enable and disable keys that can be used with the lock yourself, all without requiring the services of a locksmith.
2 – The deadbolt
Solid metal cylinder, with a flat end, designed to lock the door by fitting into the strike plate. The bolt is actuated by the key or the rotating bar.
3 – The rotary knob
Button that activates the bolt on the inside of the door to bar or unlock the lock.
4 – The striker
The striker plate consists of a metal plate with an opening, attached to the hole in the door frame into which the bolt is inserted to lock the door or keep it closed.
5 – The rosette
Decorative plate surrounding the handle.
6 – The axis
The axis is the metal rod which connects the two parts of the handle and activates the bolt by turning.
7 – The headrest
The face plate is a metal plate provided with an opening, which must be fixed on the hole made in the thickness of the door, and through which the bolt passes.
8 – The latch bolt
Solid metal cylinder intended to keep the door closed when inserted into the strike plate. The bolt is operated by the handle when opening the door.
Types of finish
The most common are: brass, polished brass, antique brass, pewter, stainless steel, satin nickel and satin chrome.
Handle models
Here are the advantages and features of the handle models on the market. Choose in particular according to the characteristics of your door and your handyman skills.
Traditional cane beak round
TRADITIONAL ROUND
Features
The rounded shape and size of the traditional handle are designed to fit the shape of the palm of the hand.
The handle must be turned with a flick of the wrist to operate the bolt.
Exists in “passage”, “privacy” and “lock” versions.
Benefits
Round, ball, bell, tulip shape, etc. that blends in with any decor
Suitable for all doors, regardless of which way they open
Wide variety of finishes and decorative trims
Easy to install
The main models of locks and bolts
The choice of a lock will depend among other things on the desired degree of security and ease of installation. The features and benefits of each will help you make your decision.
Smart lockHandle with knob lockPrivate handlePassage handleDeadbolt lockEntry latchNumeric keypad lockNight lockNail bar resistant lock
smart lock
Features
Keyless locks that allows you to lock or unlock your door remotely by mobile phone.
A unique code allows people to whom you have given access to enter your home. You can then clear the code at your convenience.
Benefits
No key needed
Safe
Easy remote tracking of whereabouts
Installation: how do we do it?
Here are some general guidelines to help you install door locks and handles.
Measure the thickness of the door. Handles and locks can be installed on doors 1 3/8″ to 1 ¾ » thick.
If you buy a machined door, that is to say already perforated to receive the handle and the lock, know that these doors are standard. Be sure to make the strike hole at the same height as the pre-drilled hole on the door.
If you buy a non-perforated door, be sure to make the holes for the handle and for the strike at the same height, which is normally 36″ (at the center of the hole) for residential doors and 39 3/4 po for commercial doors. A template is included with the handle in order to drill the holes correctly.
For the replacement of an exterior door, it is preferable to select the handle and the lock at the same time. When ordering, the manufacturer will drill the holes to the correct dimensions.
For full details, see our article Installing a Handle or Lock.
Maintenance Recommendations
For reasons of safety, reliability, durability and ease of use, do not hesitate to choose quality products, especially for the main door.
It may be necessary to re-screw and lubricate locks and handles occasionally. Lubricate them only with a lubricant specially formulated for locks and handles, as popular lubricants could damage the mechanisms.
4 Choses à savoir avant de changer la serrure de porte
Whether you want to change your front door lock to increase the security of your property or because it is damaged, having a clear idea of the options available to you will help you make a good decision.
Here are 4 things to consider for a successful lock change!
1. BASIC CRITERIA FOR FINDING THE RIGHT LOCK
If changing the lock of a door may seem trivial, you should know that not all locks are suitable for all doors. Thus, it is important to take certain technical aspects into consideration before making the purchase. For example :
What is the size of the previous lock?
What are the dimensions of the elements of the current mechanism (locking points, cylinder, handle, etc.)
How thick is the door?
What materials is the sash made of?
What direction does the door open?
Your locks are in good condition, but you want to increase the security of your home or commercial building? This is a criterion that must be taken into account during your research. Indeed, not all locks offer the same degree of protection. To this end, knowing the requirements of your insurance company on the issue could help you find the most appropriate lock.
2. REPLACE A SINGLE PIECE OR THE COMPLETE LOCK?
If your lock is malfunctioning, only one of its elements may be at fault. It is then possible to replace only the part in question. Do you just want to change the key? Replacing only the barrel (barrel or cylinder; the part where the key is inserted) is a simple and economical solution. If you wish, there are even different locking options available to you, such as the disengageable cylinder which allows the door to be opened even if a key is introduced inside the house.
However, if you have decided to change the locks to strengthen the security of the premises, replacing the cylinder will not be enough. The best avenue will then be to opt for a lock model with several locking points, thus offering optimal security.
3. DIFFERENT TYPES OF DOOR LOCKS
Although the majority of people know that locks are an essential component to ensure the security of their home, not everyone is necessarily aware of the types of locks available on the market. Choosing the right door lock is of great importance, especially since depending on the situation, some types of locks will work better than others.
This is why it is useful to have basic knowledge in this area. You will have a clearer idea as to the best locks to select to be able to sleep soundly.
SOME MODELS OF RESIDENTIAL LOCKS:
DEADBOLT LOCKS
Very popular in the residential sector and commercial spaces, deadbolts are made of a solid metal cylinder with a flat end. The bolt is activated with the key or the rotating bar.
BUTTON LOCKS
Easy to install, the handle with button lock locks on one side with a key and with a button on the other side. They are mainly used for entrance doors, sheds and to lock certain rooms in the house such as bathrooms, offices or workshops.
CYLINDRICAL LEVER LOCKS
Mostly used in businesses, cylinder lever locks are somewhat similar to deadbolt locks. Easy to use, they are however better suited to interior doors than exterior ones, as they unfortunately offer little resistance to anyone trying to force them open.
MORTISE LOCKS
Although it is not uncommon to find this type of lock in residences, they are more common in commercial spaces. The mechanisms of this lock are integrated into the door itself. Its main components are the threaded cylinder and the cam lock. Mortise locks are known for their strength and are some of the most reliable locks on the market.
4. WHAT ARE THE MOST SECURE LOCKS?
If strengthening the security of your home or building is your priority, certain types of locks are to be preferred. The locks found on the market fall into different categories according to their quality. Thus, there are 3 grades of locks, those of grade 3 being the cheap locks. Grade 2 locks are the best quality, and Grade 1 locks offer the best protection.
Are you looking for the safest lock? You might consider changing your lock to an electronic lock. Used mainly in shops and businesses, they are however gaining popularity in residences.
ELECTRONIC LOCKS: BETTING ON TECHNOLOGY TO ENHANCE SECURITY
The electronic lock is a device that can be combined with a conventional lock or can be purchased as a complete system. The electronic locks available on the market have different modes of operation. Thus, there are locks that are operated using a keypad or that use a wireless signal, an internet connection or that use biometric fingerprint technology.
Electronic locks (or smart locks) have many advantages for anyone looking for a high-performance, yet easy-to-use security system.
ADVANTAGES OF ELECTRONIC LOCKS:
- Suitable for businesses and residences
- Offer versatility with a wide choice of options
- Ability to modify access as desired
- Can be combined with an alarm system
- Offer increased protection
- Allow remote control
- Simplify key management
Code lock: everything you need to know
Are you the type to forget your keys everywhere, to the point that you found yourself stuck outside your home for a long time waiting for your spouses to arrive? Or do you have the same problem, but you live alone and the duplicate front door key is on the key fob inside? In the first case, you lose precious time waiting, in the second case, you are in a bit of trouble. This is where Locks Solutions comes to the rescue! We unlock your door and you can finally come inside. As it often happens to you, you ask us if we install code locks! Of course we do! That’s all you need to know about the code lock!
A code lock, how does it work?
The code lock activates a mechanism that unlocks the door simply by entering a code. It requires the installation of a box, located either on the door or next to it. Generally, when the box is on the door, the latter is equipped with a handle.
On this box there are the numbers from 0 to 9, and sometimes symbols (star or sharp) and letters (A, B,..). The combination can be typed either on buttons or on a touch screen.
Once you have entered the correct combination, you are notified by an audible signal that unlocking is complete.
The advantages of the code lock:
- no more lost keys
- finished being stranded outside
- no more keys under the carpet
- You can provide a temporary code to your neighbor during your vacation
- You can provide a temporary code to workers on your home
- Convenient, since no hardware tool is needed to open the door
- Safe. It is not for nothing that banks use it.
The disadvantages of the code lock:
- The price. More expensive than a key lock, but if you lose your keys often and have to replace them three times a year, then a code lock becomes a worthwhile investment
- Installing. Trust Locks Solutions to install it to keep it running smoothly, which in turn provides a superior level of security.
Code locks, not just on front doors
There is also the code lock:
- In building entrances
- For secure doors in banks, jewelry stores, etc.
- For safes
- For luggage locks, bike locks, lockers, etc.
Your decision is made, you want to install a code lock? Contact Locks Solutions, your trusted locksmith in Luxembourg! Eh yes! Locks Solutions covers all of Luxembourg! Also consider Locks Solutions for all your lock needs: unlocking, lost key, installation and repair, etc.
Our contacts
T. 27 29 43 65 / M. 621 768 704
113 Route d'Arlon - L-1140 Luxembourg