Latches and Locks

What Are Locks & Latches?

A door latch is essentially a shaft protruding from the door panel’s edge and into the door frame to secure it in place. Whenever the handle is turned, it retracts and allows the door to be opened. Thus, it holds the door in place but does not lock it. 

They all come together to form a lockset that includes latches, strike plates, locks, and various hardware mechanisms that help a door latch and lock in place. Door bolts and locks are critical as they provide security and safety. Thus, buyers should ensure the lockset they purchase is of premium quality.

Types Of Latches & Locks

There are multiple types of locks and latches, such as:

Roller Bolt Latches

They are primarily used when one wants to fit a pull handle or a cupboard doorknob within the door. The roller slips inside the striker plate in the door frame and keeps it closed. The spring present in the latch can also be adjusted to change the force required to close and open the door. 

Tubular Latches

Most commonly known as a mortice latch, they are used with either a door closer, lever handle, or a privacy door handle. Certain tubular latches have holes within the body so bolts can pass through for the handles to fit in with back-to-back bolts via fixings. 

Toilet Door Locks

As the name suggests, these types of locks are used in bathrooms and toilets. They can be used with pull handles set on backplates, door knobs with turn and release combos, or door levers with a turn and remove set. They come in multiple sizes, and like the tubular latches, some of their variations also have holes to allow for bolts.

Sash Locks

Also known as mortice sash locks, they are usually used on doors with locks that require a key to open. Moreover, they can be used with level lock door handles, door knockers, and door levers having a rose and keyhole combination. 

Deadlocks and Deadbolts

Deadlocks are also called mortice deadlocks, and they provide additional security to external and entry doors of any property. They are typically fitted to a wooden door along with a night latch and come in various sizes. In the case of deadlocks, the lock’s length determines the keyhole’s positioning. 

Functions Of Door Locks And Latches

Here are the main functions of locks and latches that must be considered before purchase:

Passage Latch Function

It is one of the simplest door locks. It can be retracted by the outside and inside of a lever at any time. The door can’t get locked as it does not contain a locking mechanism or a key on any side of the door. Passage locks are usually referred to as latches. 

Privacy Lock Function

As the name suggests, this lock is perfect for areas where privacy is the primary concern. The inside and outside levers retract the latch bolt. However, if a button inside the trim has locked the lever on the outside, it won’t open. An emergency key also comes with such locks that can be inserted to retract the latch bolt. 

Entrance Lock Function

Entrance locks use a key and are commonly found in buildings, office spaces, and conference rooms entrances. The outside and inside trim operate the latch unless a button locks the lever. A key operates the latch when outside levers are locked; whereas, the levers inside are always free to egress. 

Storeroom Lock Function

Also referred to as the storage room function, this lock function has a rigid outside lever that cannot be unlocked. However, the latch is retracted by the lever inside or using a key on the exterior trim. Therefore, unlike the outside lever, the inside one is always operational. 

Classroom Lock Function

The classroom lock works by using a key to lock and unlock the lever from outside. Also, there is no button inside, unlike the entrance lock function. 

Gate latches

Gate latches are essential hardware for keeping gates secure. They come in various shapes and designs, including spring-loaded, sliding bolt, thumb, and magnetic latches. When selecting a gate latch, consider security needs, gate type, and durability of materials.

Things To Consider Before Installing A Lock

Before installing a door hook, lock or bolt, consider the following things: 

Decide Between Replacement And Rekeying

Updating the entry door locks does not always mean completely replacing old door and window hardware. Changing the keys is also a workable option, especially for sturdy doors that already offer reliable security. However, an entire replacement can be considered when one has the budget or if the old system presents signs of wear and tear. 

Adding More Locks

Older locks, door, and window hinges have an obsolete mechanism that compromises the ability to keep the door secure. For example, if the sliding door gear or entry door has a single doorknob, experts recommend upgrading to a combination of multiple lock systems to make the home safer. 

Going Keyless

These days, keyless and digital door locks have become the talk of the town for two major reasons: they’re highly convenient since the user does not have to use a key and provide a safe way for verified members to enter the premises.