Which Lock Do I Need?

We often get asked about which lock suits which purpose, here are just a some of the popular locks that we have available. Take a look to see if this helps – if not please do not hesitate to get in touch and we will be happy to help.

We offer a professional Locksmith service based in Dorset with a retail outlet in Gillingham. We cover Dorset, Wiltshire, Somerset and the surrounding areas.

Mortice Locks

Mortice locks are popular locks used on both interior and exterior wooden doors. These range from a 2 lever Mortice lock up to the 5 lever British Standard Mortice lock. There are many different types of mortice locks available however, the two most commonly used are the Sash lock and the Dead lock as pictured.

Mortice Sash Locks

Sash locks are used when a handle and key are both required.

Sash locks are usually installed on front doors as they have both a Dead lock and a Latch.

Mortice Dead Locks

Offering exceptional security Dead locks can only be operated with a key, and locks with a single bolt. The term ‘mortice’ simply means that the lock needs a mortice cut-out in the door or furniture to be fitted inside the frame work.

Mortice Night Latch

Mortice night-latches are fitted into the frame work of the door. When the door is closed it is locked and from the outside requires a key to be opened again. From the inside of the door the handle can be used in order to open the door with out having to use the key.

Nightlatch

A Nightlatch has the same principle as the Mortice night latch, However the only difference is that the Nightlatch is fitted on the door as opposed to being fitted in the door like the Mortice nightlatch.

Cylinders

There are millions of different key differs when it comes to the cylinders. With a wide range and different selections available.

Master key systems can be provided to suit the customers requirements and the locks can also be keyed alike.

To be able to work out the size of cylinder needed for your lock, follow the instructions to be sure you get the right size.

Take measurement A from the centre of the screw hole going left to the end of the cylinder edge. Secondly take measurement B by doing the same going the opposite way on the other side. The measurement is taken in mm and once completed you are ready to order the right size cylinder.

Example

Measurement A = 30mm
Measurement B = 40mm
you would want a 30/40 cylinder

Multipoint Door Mechanisms

Used mainly for plastic or composite doors the UPVC strips work on a central lock and for added security have additional locking devices such as locking hooks, bolts or rollers or any combination of these.

To help determine what UPVC strip you have or require here are some measurements and descriptions to look for:

Check for a manufacturers stamp on the lock strip.
What is the width of the lock strip?
What type of lock are there on the strip & how many?