A Guide To Lock Types

Mortice locks, generally referred to as ‘Chubb-type locks’, provide a high-level of security for

domestic properties. They are usually fitted into a ‘pocket’, (or ‘Mortice’) in the edge of wooden

doors, and have a key with a longer, cylindrical shaft. Insurance companies tend to specifiy

‘British Standard 5-lever Mortice Locks’ on Insurance requirements, because of their higher

security. Sometimes they are fitted in conjunction with a ‘Yale-type lock’, or Nightlatch. The

latest Chubb-type locks, feature a 20mm Bolt with is significantly stronger than it’s 14mm

predecessor, and include ‘anti-saw’ protection, Anti-pick notches (to hamper ‘picking’), a

‘hardplate’ to protect against drilling, and a fully boxed-in ‘keep’.

Additionally, we can also supply and fit ‘Euro Sash Cases’. These are essentially a Mortice lock,

that is driven and locked with a ‘Euro Cylinder’ that is more usually associated with UPVc doors.

The advantage of this system, is that the Cylinder can replaced easily, which is a valuable feature

for Offices and Landlords etc. where there is a need to change locks frequently, and because just

the Cylinder is being replaced, rather than the entire Mortice, it is a good way to keep costs down.

‘Sash cases’ can also be fitted with a ‘Thumbturn’, to comply with Fire Regulations, and allow for a

swift exit in an emergency.

Nightlatches, are often referred to as ‘Yale-type locks’. Unless these are of the latest large, heavy

‘British Standard’ variety, which are ‘Insurance approved’, they are generally considered low-security,

and should be fitted with a mortice lock to meet Insurers requirements. The ‘lock’ actually consists of

two parts. The Cylinder itself, which can be changed in a ‘lost key scenario’ (unless it is the BS type),

an the actual ‘latch’ mechanism itself, which usually wont require replacing unless it develops a fault

which can happen overtime. Nightlatches have a button, or ‘snib’ which can be pushed up or down to

deadlock the door, - this can sometimes fail, so if the button begins to feel stiff or abnormally loose,

then it is wise to have it checked, before it fails completely, and possibly locks the owner out. The

‘British Standard’ Nightlatches, feature ‘auto-deadlocking’, which is a great security feature, and

prevents ‘credit-carding’ (as seen in the films), and are Insurance approved.

Euro Cylinders, are usually associated with UPVc doors, and from the front resemble a large

keyhole shape. Along with Nightlatches, they use a ‘flatter key’, and can be operated from either

side with a key, or in a ’thumbturn’ version, with a key from one side, and just turned with a ‘knob’

on the inside, to aid ease of opening.