You mightn’t think that there is a lot that you need to know about locks. There are, however, numerous things that you need to consider, from what locks to install to what you should do about the locks of a new home. Read this and make yourself a little wiser on some of the key questions about locks.
What’s lock snapping?
Lock snapping is a well-known practice by burglars, which affects some people who have UPVC Doors with euro cylinder locks. Burglars break the handle of the door and proceed to break the protruding cylinder, allowing them access to the locking mechanism.
However, it’s possible to defend yourself against lock snapping. To this end, a 3* TS007 lock is what you should have in your UPVC door.
A 3* TS007 should stop burglars in their attempts to snap your lock and, as such, they are known as anti-snap cylinders. There is a purposefully snappable section which, upon snapping, leaves less to grip of the main body. Combined with built in grip defenders and an inner steel bar, there is a real challenge for would-be burglars.
What should I do about my new home‘s locks?
You should replace them. When you move into a property, you don’t know how many keys might still be in circulation. It also gives you an opportunity to upgrade them if necessary, which is an important reason in and of itself.
What locks should I have?
This depends on what type of door that you have. However, it’s important that you are selective about what lock you use, as not all locks are created equal.
–Euro Cylinder:
Bear in mind our earlier advice about lock snapping when choosing a euro cylinder.
–Multi-Point Lock:
A multi-point lock is exactly what it sounds like; it uses multiple points to lock the door. A bolt, a hook and another, smaller hook lock the door.
There are numerous locks involved in wooden doors, and you can click the link above to find out about the full range. However, you most need to know about the mortice lock.
–Mortice lock:
These are normally used on entrance doors to homes. You should have these locks to British Standard 3261. Insurers often specify that at least one of the entrance doors to your property has a lock meeting BS3261, but different insurers have differing criteria (i.e. they may want all entrances to have locks to that standard).
The lock itself isn’t something which you have to choose; rather, you need to pick the right handles for your windows. We’ve laid out the main types for you below.
–Basta/Shaw casement handles:
Used on wooden windows.
–Cockspurs:
Used on wooden and UPVC windows. They have a distinctive ‘spur’ jutting from the handle.
–Espagnolette:
Used on wooden and UPVC windows; generally seen on more contemporary windows.
–Tilt & Turn
Used on tilting windows, and are stronger than espagnolette handles.
–Sash locks
These are used specifically on sash windows and are additions to the main locks.
If I get locked out, is it safe for me to try and pick the lock?
If you’re reading this, it would be safe to presume that you haven’t had lock-picking experience. You could, therefore, find yourself damaging the locking mechanism.
We’ve also seen damage caused in other ways. The photo below is from where a locksmith came to a job to find that the home owner’s neighbour had tried to remove a door from its hinges in order to provide access.
Have any questions about locks or LockRite? Add a comment below.
