Common types of Locks
Within your home or office there are many different locks performig may different fuctions. But do you know what one you need? Here we take a look at some common locks found.
Cylinder locks
Types: Rim, Oval, Euro, Scandinavian and screw in.
Finishes include: Brass, satin, chrome.
Common sizes: 30/30, 35/35, 40/40 etc.
Commonly found: Multi point locks on UVPC doors, dead locks, sash locks.
Key features: The keys can ether be flat with dimples on both sides or have a serese of cuts along the top (5 or 6 depending on the cylinder)
The brands that may be on your door include: Yale, Asec, Brisant, Ultion, Assa, CarlF, UAP, TSS, ERA, Anker, Legg, EVVA
The cylinder in the photo was fitted in Reading, Berkshire.
Mortice locks
Types include: Dead lock (no handles), sash lock (with handles)
Finishes include: Brass and satin.
Common sizes: 2.5 and 3.0inchs
Commonly found: Timber doors
The brands that may be on your door include: ERA, Chubb, Yale, Asec, Union. The mortice lock in the photo was fitted in Goring in the Oxfordshire and Berkshire border.
Other mortice locks commonly found include fire brigade locks. This lock is common in multi occupancy buildings and offices and is designed to restrict access to areas such as riser cupboards while allowing access for emergency services.
Night latches
Finishes include: Brass and satin.
Common sizes: 40mm, 60mm back set
Commonly found: Timber doors
This lock can also have a lockable handle on the inside. Night latches work using a rim cylinder on the out side. The inside handle can be locked using the same key as the exterior rim cylinder.
The brands that you could have on your door are ERA, Yale, Banham, ASEC or Stirling.
The Nightlatch in the photo was fitted in Wallingford, Oxfordshire.
Multi point locks (MPL)
Multi Point Locks (MPL) are now one of the most common forms of locks on the markets and can be used on almost any material used in door or window production. The vast majority of MPL’s are operated useing the handle and a euro cylinder. There are 100’s of manufactures on the market with ERA, Yale, WINKHAUS, MILA and ASSA ABLOY being the most common. The MPL in the photo was fitted in Basingstoke.
Padlocks
Smiths supply a range of different padlocks for a wide variety of applications. From high security closed shackle padlocks with hasps and staples to small locker padlocks (for Bulk purchace only) The brands you may have are Burg Wachter, ASSA, Yale, IFAM, Squire, Federal . This padlock from Federal was supplied and fitted in Kingsclere, Hampshire
Padlocks are commonly found on lockers, sheds and gates. Should you wish to padlock somthing to the floor ground anchors can also be supplied. When attached to a firm surface, for example a concrete floor, the anchor provides a firm, solid point of security. Oxford products is a common brand used.
Window locks
Smiths supply and fit a range of window locking devices for all types of windows and the keys for them. they include lockable window handles, sash jammers and window restrictors. The brands that may be on your window include: ERA, Avocet, Titon, ASEC, Schlosser, Chameleon. The handle pictured was fitted in Thatcham, Berkshire and the Sash Jammer fitted in Lower Caversham in Berkshire.
Push button locks
Push button locks use a mechanical code to open the lock. Some versions do give you the option of an over ride key. For the most part the lock has a handle to exit. The brands you may come accross include: Borg, Asec, Arrone, Stirling, Kaba, Bravex, Simplex. The lock in the photo was fitted in Old Basing in Hampshire.
Electronic door locking and releasing devices
Devices useing power come in a range of forms. common functions include magnets on doors and electronic realises. Both forms can use fob, code, exit button release systems. The electronic realise in the photo was fitted in Wokingham, Berkshire.
Specialist locks
Smiths supply and install a range of specialist locks including locks for Bollards, Shutters, Vans, letter boxes, garage doors and safes. The shutter lock in the photo was fitted in Bracknell, Berkshire.
Exit door hardware
Fire exit hardware include exit paddle handles and push bars. The devices keep the door locked but lets occupants exit the building in the event of emergency. The most important aspect of the devices is the occupants do not need a key to open the door from the inside. The paddle handle in the photo was from an installation in Newbury, West Berkshire. Brands you may see include Welling, Exidor, Union and Briton
Fire brigade locks (FB)
Fire brigade locks (FB) come in a range of types including mortice (normaly FB1 and FB2) and pad locks. The locks are used to limit access on certain doors while allowing all fire service personel access. Brands who produce FB locks include Walsall and Union. The featured lock was fitted in Woodley in Berkshire.
Smiths security services parent company Abbey Gate Locksmiths also offer the same services accross Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. For more information please click here to visit their site.