We handle locks every day. Do you know how it works? If not, you will find an answer to this question in this article.
Door lock: what are its components?
In general, a lock consists of a cylinder, a keeper, and a bolt. The cylinder is this hole in which the key is inserted. Inside, you find 5 to 36 split pins: the stator, a fixed element, and the rotor, a moving element that turns with the key. They are equipped with communicating springs and holes. There are several types of cylinders: the standard cylinder, the double-entry cylinder and the knob cylinder. The bolt, for its part, is an essential element that accommodates the key when opening and closing the door. Finally, there is the keeper, which is this piece of sheet metal fixed to the door frame. It keeps the door closed. Whether simple or electric, the strike guarantees a door’s security level.
How does a door lock work?
In principle, a lock works thanks to the interaction between the key introduced into the cylinder and the lock’s bolt. It can be half-turn or spring-loaded, dormant, on edge, forked or even throwing. When the key is not inserted, the pins of the stator and the rotor are tightened by the pressure of the springs to prevent the door from opening. Once you get the key in, it spins inside and pushes the ends of the stator pins down the tubes. The springs compress, and the lock is unlocked. If the key is not suitable for the latter, the door will never open.
What are the types of locks?
1. Smart locks
Smart locks or connected locks that complement or replace your front door deadbolt do much more than a lock. It can unlock your door without a key.
Most smart locks allow you to receive alerts and know who is entering and leaving your home. They allow you to send limited access to visitors, children, trusted service providers or guests when you are not home.
2. Multi-point locks (3 points, 5 points, etc.)
Multi-point locking systems are equipped with massive hooks that comfortably lock different doors. The wide range of products offers the ideal solution for a wide variety of applications.
A modern locking system for wood and composite doors, ideal for social housing and new construction markets.
A self-contained one-piece locking system will improve your door lock’s performance and increase your security.
3. The electric lock
The electronic lock is composed of an outer handle plate and an inner handle plate. The inner plate handle is always on.
The handle of the external plate is normally released from the lock, but it turns freely without opening. Opening the lock is controlled by the electronic system of the lock.
In the upper part of the external plate, above the handle, there is a reader that allows the electronics of the lock to communicate with the cards approached.
4. Mortise locks
Mortise locks are ideal for left or right-hinged wooden doors. Their keys are suitable for doors up to 54mm thick. The deadbolt is locked or unlocked by a key from either side and has a 12.5mm anti-saw deadbolt.
A deadbolt mortise lock has a single deadbolt that is locked or unlocked by means of a key from either side. While a sash lock has both a deadbolt and a latch operated by each side by a lever handle.
The security level of mortise locks varies from 2 to 5 levers. The higher the number of levers, the more secure the lock.
5. Gate locks
This is usually a garden lock or an economical step gate with polyamide housing and stainless steel mechanism. This lock is recommended as a standard for all your small doors and garden gates. A stainless steel deadbolt with a throw of 23 mm guarantees secure locking.
- Easy left or right change of self-locking bolt
- 4-hole fixing with two hexagon socket screws
- Only for 40 mm door profiles
How to repair a front door lock?
If you have a door problem, the lock may not always be to blame. When the houses have settled, the strike plate may no longer fit the latches, or the hinges may have loosened, causing the door to close.
If the bolts no longer work and the paint is not to blame, remove the lock and examine it before. Remove the buttons by loosening the small screw on the side of the button shank; don’t lose it!
Once the screw is removed, the button is removed or unscrewed. The other button can stay on the axle, but the spacers might fall out when you push the axle through the door. Save them too. If there is a pivoting thumb plate, remove that as well.
With the knobs in place, it’s time to remove the two screws from the face of the lock. You may need a heat gun to heat up and release any paint. If it does not release easily, insert the pin or a screwdriver through the hub of the knob and give it a gentle shake to help the mortise lock place. Open the lock by removing the screw(s) holding the cover in place. Look for broken parts anywhere in the lock. These may be small, but they are critical; set them aside. Any warped or broken parts may require lock repair or replacement.
What steps should you take for your door lock replacement?
You will need to measure and record the button hub details, spacing, and horizontal distance. Most locks come with different measurements and spacing. These measurements are essential to get the correct internal parts.
Most door handle problems start with a broken spring. The remaining issues are from someone improperly repairing or installing the spring or latch incorrectly. The springs break because they are tired, or the lock has never been lubricated. nakliyat
Pro Tips
Before reinstalling the lock:
- Take the opportunity to clean the edge of the door, the buttons and the rosettes.
- Press the latch into the mortise and replace the screws.
- Install the knobs – alignment is key; the pin should remain perpendicular to the face of the door for the maximum life of the assembly.
- Make sure everything is snug; loose buttons wear out the escutcheons, loose buttons wear out the hubs, and worn hubs don’t work the locking bolts. Finally, reset the strike so that the holes line up with the bolts, adjusting the strike mortise in the stud if necessary.
- Opt for connected locks combined with built-in locks to guarantee more security in your home
- Install a pass door lock for your garden door for more efficiency and security.
However, the ideal way is to hire the services of a professional locksmith to replace your Lock. Locksmith in Tampa, Florida, not only replace your Lock efficiently but also give you beneficial tips to boost the security of your premises.
