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A Guide to the Different Types of House Locks

Posted on : March 10, 2020

The reason we train locksmiths is because locks are supposed to be complicated and secure. They’re specifically designed so that nobody except the key-holder can use them to gain access to wherever they’re installed. Learning how to install, operate, and replace house locks requires specific training because there are so many different types. And that’s where we come in.

Yes, like everything, there are several different types of house locks, each with their intricacies and unique mechanisms. Let’s take a look at some of the most common house locks and tell you a little more about how our MPL experts can get you trained up on every single one of them.

Padlocks

We can’t mention different types of locks without mentioning padlocks. Padlocks can be secure, safe, and reliable locks – but not for the front door of your home. That’s because padlocks are the only type of lock that is not permanently attached to whatever it’s protecting.

Mortice Locks

Mortice locks are one of the most common door locks found throughout the United Kingdom, particularly the Five-Lever Mortice lock (British Standard). In fact, mortice locks are so common, that many home insurance policies will refer to them as the house lock of choice. On our locksmith training courses, we’ll teach you all about the British Standard kitemark, and what BS3621 means.

These locks are robust and difficult to force open, since they’re protected by the strength of the door frame. A key is required to open and lock the door from both sides, and they’re easy on the eye since all of the mechanics are inside the door.

Cylinder Locks

Another common lock is the cylinder lock.

Different pins of varying lengths are combined in one assembly, and only the key which correctly fits the shape created by the assembly will open the lock. This is a common type of lock used in electronic locks, such as those with ‘fob’ permission locks.

Single-sided cylinder locks are operated by using a key on the outside of the door. Another locking device, such as a thumb-turn, is found on the inside of the door. This means that a quick exit is possible, and that becomes significant in the event of a fire or emergency. As you might imagine, a double cylinder lock requires a key for access on both sides and is more secure than a single-sided cylinder lock.

Cylinder locks can also be swapped out and changed without needing to remove the entirety of the internal hardware. On our locksmith training courses, we show you how to do that with minimal fuss.

Multi-Point Locking Systems

So, by this stage, you already know a thing or two about house locks and their locking mechanisms. If all of the different bolts, cylinders, keylocks and pins have been a little bit confusing, then you may find the popular multi-point locking system a little easier to comprehend.

It’s in the name, really. This is likely to be the type of lock you find on a uPVC door. As the key turns (on either side of the door), a minimum of three different locks move and secure themselves within the door frame. Sometimes, there can be up to five different points of contact, making it a very secure door lock. The majority of new homes will use a front door with a multi-point locking system.

Lock Types and MPL Locksmith Training

There are still many other types of lock used throughout the United Kingdom, including rim locks, and nightlatches. You can learn everything you need to know about all of these types of locks on one of our Locksmith Training Courses.

Our courses are extremely flexible, and you can learn the basics in our 1-day course, or complete the full training in an intense 5-day locksmith course. We have over two decades of experience in the industry, and our purpose-built locksmith training centre has all the resources you need to become a City & Guilds approved locksmith. Contact our team today on 01924 693 293.

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