Door Lock Types – A Simple Guide for your Home

Door Lock Types – A Simple Guide for your Home

Did you know that most burglars will gain access to your home simply by walking through the front door? That’s why you should look into different lock types and choose the best door lock for your property. Different factors come into play when you’re choosing a door lock, such as:

• Door Type: Are you choosing a lock for uPVC doors, garage doors, conservatory doors, or garage doors? Wooden doors are safe when you use mortice or rim cylinder locks with a deadlatch. For your uPVC or composite door, you should use multi-point locks. But sliding glass doors need hook or bar mechanisms, instead.
• Security Level: What kind of security do you need for your home? Is your house in a generally crime-prone neighbourhood? You should check the crime rate in your area and then choose high-security locks with BS3621 or PAS24 certifications.
• Insurance Needs: What sort of insurance do you need? Many insurance companies will ask you to get particular lock types if you’re applying for homeowners’ insurance, such as BS3621. So, make sure that you have talked to your insurance company first.
• Your Budget: Yes, budget is yet another major factor to take into account when you’re deciding which door type would be perfect for you. While it’s tempting to opt for cheaper locks, high-quality locks from reputable brands like Yale or Mul-T-Lock can provide better security and durability.
• Usability & Aesthetics: Make sure that your lock is easily operable for all the people residing in your dwelling. You shouldn’t ignore the lock’s finish and style. Does it match the hardware of your door and overall interior design?
• Ratings & Certifications: Choose locks with Sold Secure (Gold, Silver, and Bronze) & Secured by Design (SBD) certifications to make sure that they meet the latest security standards.
• Installation Method: See whether you need professional installation or if you can install the lock yourself. Professional installation ensures proper fitting and optimal security.

5 Top Door Lock Types: Descriptions, Pros, and Cons

Looking for the best door lock types for your home? Many UK homeowners utilise different lock types to make their properties burglar-resistant. We’ll give you a detailed analysis of the 5 best lock types to be used in England and Wales. Let’s start with a brief comparison of these options, shall we?

Lock Type	Common Use	Security Features	Door Compatibility
5 Lever Mortice Deadlock	External wooden doors	Very secure against picking methods	Wooden doors (exclusively)
Rim Automatic Deadlatch	Internal and external wooden doors	Latches on its own and has key-locking handle as well	Wooden doors (exclusively)
Euro Cylinder	uPVC and composite doors	Resists snapping, bumping, and drilling	uPVC and composite doors (also wooden)
Multi-Point Locking System	External uPVC and composite doors	Enhanced security with multiple locking points	uPVC and composite doors
5 Lever Mortice (BS3621)	External wooden doors	Meets British Standards for enhanced security	Wooden doors (exclusively)

1. 5 Lever Mortice Deadlock

These locks are usually embedded within your door. They have five levers, as the name itself indicates, that are aligned by a key. So, they are quite simple. Also, 5 lever mortice locks can fit into the door itself easily; that’s how they are designed. They will give you a flush finish. You will lock/lock these locks from two sides with a key. The five-lever system is there to make sure that burglars have a hard time breaking into your home and end up walking away. That’s why many insurance companies recommend you use this lock type.

Pros

• The five levers of this lock type will protect your home against picking & snapping.
• These locks meet the strict BS3621 standards so you easily get lower home insurance premiums.
• The construction of these locks includes anti-drill and anti-saw features to make them resistant to forced entry attempts.
• You can get these locks in polished brass/chrome finishes to match your door style.

Cons

• These locks are not recommended for uPVC or plastic doors.
• 5 lever mortice locks can be a bit expensive compared to other lock types.
• The embedded nature of these locks is a key reason why you should always hire experts to install them (can’t install them on your own!).
• The five levers are prone to wear & tear.

2. 5 Lever Mortice Deadlock Conforming to BS3621

These locks are a strong continuation of the previous entry. These locks conform to BS3621, a syringe set of standards set by British Standards Institute (BSI). You can think of them as better versions of your usual 5 lever mortice deadlocks. Designed with hardened steel plates, they can resist drilling and hacksawing attempts. Also, the five-lever mechanism has false noticing to see that nobody picks this lock. A 20mm bolt throw makes these locks extra strong. They are commonly used on external doors, particularly wooden ones, due to their high security features and compliance with insurance requirements.

Pros

• They resist common burglary attempts like drilling and sawing.
• They conform to the rigorous testing standards set by the BSI.
• They are very durable and immune to drilling & picking as well.
• They are available in finishes like polished brass, satin chrome, chrome effect, etc.

Cons

• You can’t use these locks on your plastic/uPVC doors.
• These locks are costly (just like non-BS3621 locks.)
• You must hire a professional locksmith to install this lock (DIY not allowed!).
• The levers will need adjustment over time and require extra maintenance as well.

3. Key Operated Multipoint Locking System

This lock type keeps your door safe by engaging different locking points along the frame of your doors. You’ll operate this system with a key and it’s a much better domestic security solution for you than traditional single-point locks. You’ll find these locking mechanisms on uPVC doors as well. Also, wooden and composite doors have this lock type. So, you’ll usually find this lock type with a central deadbolt, hook bolts, and compression bolts. Lifting a handle and turning the key will engage all these components. As a result, your door will be secured at multiple points.

Pros

• Your door is secured at multiple points so intruders won’t be able to enter easily.
• These locks will seal your door tightly to improve energy efficiency and reduce drafts.
• These locks are available in key-operated and handle-operated configurations as well.

Cons

• Like always, extra security comes at a price; these locks are especially costly.
• After a while, these locks will require extra maintenance for smoother operations.
• Very old wooden doors won’t work well with this lock style (unless you’re willing to make the necessary frame modifications.

4. Rim Automatic Deadlatch with Key-Locking Handle

This surface-mounted lock type automatically latches when the door is closed. It also features a key-operated cylinder on the exterior and a handle or thumb turn on the interior. So, this lock is capable of locking and unlocking securely from both sides. You’ll normally find it mounted on the inside surface of your wooden door. Commonly utilised in residential areas, this rim automatic deadlatch offers basic security without manual locking features. The key-locking handle adds an extra layer of security by allowing the internal handle to be locked. So, nobody can tamper with these locks.

Pros

• It’s easy to use and very convenient.
• The key-locking handle prevents unauthorised unlocking of the interior handle, offering an extra layer of protection.
• Students and renters can use it on their wooden doors.
• These locks provide quick locking without having to engage a bolt manually.
• You can use them for your high-traffic doors due to their automatic latching mechanism.
• They are affordable solutions to domestic security.

Cons

• You may get locked out of your home if you forget your keys.
• You may need to pair these locks with other door lock types for enhanced security.
• These doors are, unfortunately, INCOMPATIBLE with uPVC/composite doors.
• Your insurance provider may not like these door locks.

5. Euro Cylinder Lock

You might know this one as a Euro Profile lock as well. It’s a lock cylinder used in uPVC doors and composite doors. It has a cylindrical shape that gives this name its name. Also, this lock is called “Euro Profile” since it has a particular shape profile. These Euro Cylinder locks are known as pin tumbler locks. So, they have a series of pins that must come in alignment through a key. When these pins align with each other, the cylinder turns and operates the lock.

You can get these locks in different formats, such as double cylinders and half cylinders; double cylinders are operated from both sides with a key, while half cylinders are operated from a single side only. The lock includes a revolving cam that manipulates the lock bolt when turned by a key gently. Like always, we’ll now explain the advantages and disadvantages of these locks.

Pros

• These locks are very versatile and available in different formats (e.g., full, half, and even thumb-turn cylinders).
• Many Euro cylinder models have anti-snapping features. Also, these locks keep you safe from snapping, drilling, bumping, and other techniques used by burglars.
• Since the cylinder is removable, you can easily replace it without changing the locking mechanism in its entirety.
• This lock type is perfect for uPVC and composite doors. Even some wooden doors work well with it. That’s why many UK homeowners choose this option.

Cons

• If your Euro cylinder lock doesn’t have anti-snapping features, it’s vulnerable to snapping by burglars.
• High-security models of this lock type cost a lot. You may have to sacrifice affordability for domestic security.
• Unauthorised key duplication can happen if you don’t have restricted keys.
• The security of the lock is dependent on the quality of the cylinder and its installation.

FAQs – Top Door Lock Types UK

What’s the best type of lock for my front door?

The ideal lock type for your front door depends on the kind of door you have. Also, what type of a house do you have? Wooden doors require two locks. For instance, a mortice deadlock and a night latch will work just fine. But uPVC and composite doors use multipoint locking systems. It is crucial to know that flats/apartments with single-exit routes may need BS8621-type locks. You should consult a professional locksmith to make sure that you have bought the correct lock type based on your unique circumstances. You must choose locks that meet British Standards (e.g., BS3621) for security and durability.

What’s the best brand for door locks?

The choice of the best door lock brand or your U home depends on personal preferences. You should choose a brand that offers independently tested locks. So, door locks that are certified to meet British Standards or carry the Secured by Design (SBD) labels meet moderate security & durability requirements.

Do I need two locks for my front door?

Well, two locks are recommended for wooden doors since these doors require extra security. A typical setup for wooden doors includes a mortice deadlock (BS3621-compliant) and a night latch. However, for UPVC or composite doors, a single multipoint locking system is sufficient.

What type do you recommend for a wooden door?

In the table above, we’ve explained that with the exception of multipoint locking systems, all lock types go along very well with wooden doors. So, you should get BS3621-compliant locks, such as mortice deadlocks, etc.

What lock type should I choose or uPVC doors?

Most UPVC doors have multipoint locking systems combined with Euro cylinder locks. But you can opt for a Euro cylinder that meets SS312 Diamond Approved or TS007 3-Star standards to prevent snapping attacks.

What’s the best lock for my composite door?

Do you want to secure your composite door against common burglary methods? First, you need to check if your composite door has been tested to PAS24 standards. If it has obtained the label of Secured by Design, then you can rest assured that your lock is already very secure. But if the door lacks certification, SS312 Diamond Approved or TS007 3-Star Euro cylinder can improve security.

How much does it cost to get a door lock?

The cost of acquiring a door lock depends on different factors. For instance, door lock types will cost differently based on their manufacturers and the security features they offer. Normally, door locks will set you back by $30 to $50 if you’re buying on Amazon. Getting an expert locksmith to install them won’t cost much as well.

What does police-approved door locks mean?

Police-approved door locks meet the Secured by Design (SBD) standards laid down by experts. It means that this particular lock has been tested against forced entry methods. So, door locks meeting the highest standards receive this prestigious “Police Preferred Specification” label.

Need More Guidance?

If you want to know more about available options, feel free to contact us at Lock & Key Leeds. We have the best lawyers available to help with your lock-and-key-related problems. Trust us to send you an expert locksmith for emergency services. Our locksmiths will perform burglary repairs. Also, they will upgrade your door locks by installing anti-snap, high-security alternatives.