Door lock components
Security is a fundamental human need, which translates into strong doors and secure locks. Today, requirements for the safety of premises place high demands on the production of locking mechanisms for entrance doors.
Therefore, the design of a door lock is constantly undergoing evolutionary development, because it is this device that is responsible for the emergence and fencing of each person’s personal property. But how to choose a truly high-quality and reliable lock? What types exist and what are their main differences? Let's look at different designs of devices with handles and latches.
Nowadays, if necessary, it is not as easy to choose a door lock as it might seem, since there are a huge number of different models on the shelves in stores. Over the past 10 years, the range of such products has expanded significantly, but the basis has not changed; according to the design of the door lock, the following types are distinguished:
- mortise;
- invoices;
- hanging or barn;
- levelers;
- coded.
The greatest demand is for overhead and mortise locks, and all other devices are non-standard solutions; their market share is no more than 7%. Thus, we will consider the structure of the door mechanism of two main categories.
Design of the attachment
The simplest locking door designs that do not harm the door during assembly and installation are considered to be overhead locks with a latch. Such mechanisms are installed on the inside of the door directly on the leaf, so the massiveness of the door also plays an important role in the level of protection.
The rim lock is designed so that it can be opened with a key or from the inside using a special rotary element. To increase the reliability of the mechanism, additional elements such as a safety valve or wedge latch are often used. Like any similar lock, overhead locking mechanisms with a latch are characterized by the following indicators:
- secrecy;
- reliability;
- resistance to burglary.
These are the main criteria that you should focus on when choosing and purchasing a good lock for an interior or entrance door. To get acquainted with the locking escutcheon mechanism in more detail, let’s consider the design of the lock, which contains the following elements:
- housing with a locking mechanism (latch);
- drive lever;
- face plate;
- reply part.
The structure of mortise and overhead locking devices differs little from each other, but there are still differences in the types of security mechanism, design and the presence of a latch or handle. Therefore, for comparison, we will consider another type of design.
Structural features of the mortise device
Another popular model is mortise locks with handle. These are practical, ergonomic and easy-to-use devices. There are lever and cylinder types of such mechanisms.
Door lock design
This type of lock is also good because its design is inconspicuous, so it will not spoil the appearance of the door, but at the same time will be able to protect the room from unwanted entry. When choosing such a device with a handle, you should pay attention to the following parameters:
- secrecy;
- design;
- material of manufacture;
- manufacturer.
The entire structure can fit inside the door leaf, leaving only handles and keyholes on the surface on both sides, which complicates the task of intruders. The mortise device has the following components (see photo):
- face plate;
- latch mechanism bolt;
- frame;
- drive lever;
- main bolt
This device is well suited for almost any door. The body of a mortise lock with a locking mechanism is installed in a niche of the door leaf, and a side bar with a handle is attached to both sides.
The door is fixed in the closed position by means of bolts pulled out from the body - latches. Moreover, the greater the number of the latter elements, the more reliable the protection of the room. A mortise lock is relatively easy to install - you can install it yourself, without the involvement of specialists.
If we talk about the design of a door lock, we can highlight fundamental differences for its different types. Today, a wide variety of structures are installed in apartments and houses that can protect the home from thieves and at the same time are convenient for use. In order to become better acquainted with the range of fittings for entrance and interior doors and their features according to GOST, it is worth considering individual types of products in more detail.
Today there is a huge variety of door locks.
Types of castles
First of all, you should understand the classification of locks and their description according to GOST. There are several main criteria by which the differences between individual types of fittings are determined.
First of all, it is necessary to distinguish between locks for entrance and interior doors; their design may be similar in some respects, but in general they are completely different elements.
If we talk about installation methods, it is worth highlighting the following varieties:
- Overhead. These are the simplest models used for installation on entrance doors. They are attached directly to the canvas and are usually not equipped with a handle. Doing this kind of work with your own hands will not be difficult.
- Mortise. These include the vast majority of modern locks for both entrance and interior doors. The mortise lock, according to GOST, is inserted inside the blade and can be connected to the handle.
- Built-in. It is installed during the manufacturing process of the door leaf and is directly its component. This is an ideal option for a metal entrance door.
Types of door locks depending on the installation method
The structure of almost any door lock is based on the presence of the following elements:
- secret mechanism (larva);
- retractable crossbars;
- pen;
- halyard tongue;
- overlay panel.
Locks for interior doors are usually limited to a simple latch, without a secret mechanism. At the same time, the front door cannot be left without reliable locking fittings. All products are classified according to the level of secrecy and degree of reliability. Belonging to one class or another determines the number of available secret combinations. The more there are, the more difficult it is to break into the door with a master key. In addition, there is a separate category of burglar-resistant models. Some of them cannot be opened without the original key.
An example of a pin-type cylinder lock design
In order to delve deeper into this issue and make the right choice when purchasing, it is necessary to consider the types of larvae according to GOST in more detail.
Lock mechanism
So, what does an entrance door lock consist of? The main part is the larva, it is the very mechanism that ensures the blocking of the structure in the opening and prevents strangers from entering the room.
The following models are distinguished:
- cylinder;
- levelers;
- disk;
- crossbars;
- crusades.
Door lock options depending on the locking mechanism
Cylinder. These are the most common products, the secret part of which is located in a part similar to a cylinder. The structure of the so-called English lock is as follows: inside the cylinder there are pins that lock the mechanism in the closed position. The key has notches that move these pins according to the diagram and allow you to turn the mechanism.
Level ones. These products are very reliable. The design of a lever door lock involves the presence of levers inside the mechanism. The key has the shape of a so-called butterfly or soldier and, when turned, raises them to the level specified by the coding.
Disk. This is not the most reliable option, but it can still be used. The key looks like a rod cut in half with several notches. Inside the lock, this key turns the discs, forming a tunnel and releasing the mechanism.
Crossbars. The device of such a door lock is equipped with a latch on the reverse side. Today, such options are rarely used due to their unreliability. The essence of the device is the presence of two crossbars, which are pulled back with a special key or latch.
Crusades. The weakest type, the key has a cross shape. The larva can be opened with a Phillips screwdriver or any other suitable object.
Mortise and built-in locks
According to GOST, one of the types of door lock designs is the mortise model. Such products are used almost everywhere. The peculiarity of the mortise lock device is that its main part cuts into the door leaf. Only the key hole, a handle and a decorative panel that hides the attachment points go outside.
A mortise lock in accordance with GOST is inserted into the end of the blade, and its counterpart has the form of a plate and cuts into the box opposite. This principle is used to install a mortise system on a door made of any material.
A more advanced version is a built-in lock. Unlike a mortise one, it is placed inside the canvas during the production process and cannot be easily removed. Only the crossbars come out through holes cut to fit their shape. The peculiarity of such models is that the number of crossbars can be simply huge, and they are located not only on the side, but also below and above to completely block the door in the opening.
Built-in locks are usually used on metal entrance doors
Overhead structures
The design of a padlock can be called simpler. Today they are used less and less. A special feature of the overhead door lock is that, according to GOST, it is attached to the door leaf without additional recess. The system consists of two parts: the main part contains a cylinder and a latch on one side, the well goes out on the back side. The second part is the response panel where the crossbars go.
The mating part is also overhead, so if you do the installation yourself, it must be conveniently placed on the frame exactly opposite the exit of the pins.
Overhead lock model
Interior models
If we consider the question of how the design of door locks works, we should definitely consider interior models. The design of a standard interior door lock can be divided into a separate category, since, unlike previous models, these products have a special design.
The circuit of such a door lock is combined with a handle. In this case, in addition to the latch, there is an outlet to the handle, which sets the halyard tongue in motion due to its connection with a rectangular cross-section rotary pin. Depending on the type of handle, such mechanisms are divided into three categories:
- rotary round;
- nobs;
- push.
Types of locks for interior doors
The design of an interior lock is almost completely identical to that of a mortise lock, but here the exit under the handle often has more space. It is impossible to make a high-quality lock on a door with your own hands without certain skills, but understanding their structure will be useful for every owner.
A mortise lock with a handle may differ in size, shape and material from which it is made A door lock is, of course, an integral part of the house. This installation must be of high quality, durable, and reliable. All locks are conventionally divided into three groups - mortise, overhead, padded. A mortise lock for a doorway is chosen very often.
Types of locks with handle
According to the type of mechanism, door locks can be lever, disk, cylinder, or biometric. The lever design includes components, including a secret part. It is presented in a set of several plates, and together it is a reliable protection mechanism. Such a secret mechanism ensures the coordinated operation of the plates with figured cutouts; when opened, they are aligned with protrusions where the key bit is.
The lock handle should be selected depending on the style of the interior
The lever-type structure, although it is simple, nevertheless, the principle of operation ensures a high degree of reliability. True, this design still has a drawback. Namely, it is designed in such a way that it has a large hole size, that is, a potential thief has the opportunity to check his master keys.
But there is no need to worry if you decide to choose a lever lock. Today, not only simple models are produced, but also mechanisms equipped with a special protective system. Therefore, burglars are unlikely to be able to get into the required grooves. And the mechanism, when burglars try to open it, is blocked with a master key.
Cylinder and disc locks
Cylinder locks are called so because the design includes a cylinder. And the rotation of this cylinder, which means the opening is carried out by turning the base of the key. Such locks are often used in everyday life; some call them Soviet, which in this case means not modern, with a low degree of reliability.
A disc lock cannot be called modern; turning the key sets the discs in motion, that’s the whole scheme. But if it is a disk type with a handle, then its anti-burglary protection is not the worst.
Thus, disc and cylinder locks:
- They are not modern models;
- Their elements are reliable, but not so reliable that experienced burglars could not cope with the mechanism;
- A thief can simply pull out the lock cylinder to open the locking device;
- Therefore, you should not spend money on expensive models with a cylinder or disk mechanism, they are not worth it.
When purchasing a cylinder lock, you should ask the seller for documents confirming its quality
If you need an inexpensive lock, and you are going to place it where there is a low probability of burglary, you can purchase something from cheap Chinese products. The elements are simple, easy to open/close, and easy to assemble. Looking at the cross-sectional model of such locks, you can be convinced that this is not the most reliable built-in mechanism.
Interior mortise lock: device and design
The circuit of such a lock is combined with a handle. That is, it is equipped not only with a latch, but also with an exit to the handle. It also sets the halyard tongue in motion, this happens due to its connection with the rotary pin. Mechanisms, depending on the type of handle, can be rotary round, push-type or noba type.
The locking structure of interior doors consists of:
- Shutter;
- Moving plate;
- Lever;
- Springs;
- Latches;
- Cases.
For interior doors you can choose cheaper mortise locks than for entrance doors
Interior door locks (or as this structure is otherwise called - internal lock) cannot be called a full-fledged locking structure. Still, this is not the same as a lock for the front door. The interior lock consists of a handle, decorative overlays, a bolt and a locking mechanism. The details are that the larva of such a lock does not have an internal structure. That is, it is not difficult to unlock the mechanism, and it is not so difficult to assemble/disassemble it.
Metal entrance door lock
For an iron (or wooden) entrance door, overhead, built-in and mortise-type structures are used. Most modern locks are mortise designs. It is inserted inside the door leaf and can be connected to the handle.
You can’t leave your front door without reliable locking hardware. The main part of the mortise model cuts into the door leaf. It turns out that only the key hole goes outside. The response part of such a bell has the form of a plate; it cuts into the box opposite. This is how the mortise system is installed on any entrance door.
Classification: types of keys for locks
The most common are English keys. But their reliability is low. An English lock has a flat key, with ridged grooves on one edge and a longitudinal dimple. In this case, the riflings rest against small pins in the lock, and then recess them to a certain depth.
When purchasing a lock you receive several sets of keys
Cross keys cannot be called reliable either. Only there are more secrets on the blank of such a key. In English castles there are only pins in the cylinder at the bottom. But in the cross castle they are on four sides. Such keys have four sides; if you look at the drawing, they resemble a screwdriver. Therefore, it is not difficult for a burglar to make a master key and open such a lock.
What are Finnish keys:
- This is half a round rod, which is cut across, with shallow machined grooves;
- This type of key lock is also not difficult to open;
- On a strong iron rod you can repeat the shape of a key without secrets, and even a novice burglar can make such a master key with his own hands.
The most reliable keys are lever and perforated. Small pits, notches, and holes are applied to perforated keys. There are even keys with magnetic inserts and a floating pin. It is difficult to break into such a system, especially if the lock cylinder is protected by a special bracket, and the set includes perforated keys with the owner’s secret card.
Detailed picture: English door lock
This is the most reliable cylinder lock. On the other hand, it is believed that it is not exposed to special risks, that is, it is used in everyday life. But the design is simple, it is easy to repair.
The English castle has excellent aesthetic qualities and reliability
What are the advantages of an English castle:
- If the keys are lost or the core is broken, installing a new core is a snap;
- The lock is compact, as are the keys to it;
- You can insert another core into one mechanism.
The disadvantages include the same modest protection indicators. Therefore, more often such a lock is used with additional security systems, of course, not push-button-level designs, but some kind of duplicate, more reliable lock. And sometimes it makes sense to install security bolts on the front door.
Locking mechanism for a plastic door
The locking mechanism can be single-locking or multi-locking. A single-point lock has only one locking point, meaning it will not provide reliable security and a tight fit to the door. The multi-point design is a locking mechanism for two- or even three-point door locking.
Locks for plastic doors can be partially plastic or entirely metal. The latter option is more common, as it has high strength. Otherwise, the choice is made according to the same criteria: type of lock, mechanism, etc. It can be an auto-lock, or a lock that can only be closed with keys.
A locking mechanism for a plastic door can be bought in a specialized store or on the Internet.
Many experts assure that it is not a matter of whether the castle is English, Finnish or French. The most reliable method of protection is a combination locking system. When different types of locks are combined, then theoretically it will be very difficult for a burglar to quickly deal with them. For example, a cylinder lock and a lever lock are installed. One set of master keys won't get you off here.
And it’s even easier to put a regular old latch inside. The latch is always easy to close. Yes, and this will be additional protection when the owner of the house.
Well, there are simple safety rules: if there are three doors on the site, and yours looks the most expensive, this will not stop a burglar. He is not as scared of not being able to cope with the construction as he is of not trying his luck to get into this particular, apparently rich apartment. And, of course, there is no need to show the keys in public; modern burglars can make a master key simply from a photo taken on a phone. Be careful and prudent.
Types of mortise locks with handles for entrance doors (video)
A modern lock is equipped not only with a spring, a latch and other well-known elements, it can also be a device with the owner’s secret card, etc. Because the choice is great, it’s a matter of opportunities and priorities.
Good luck with your choice and strong locks!
Similar materials
The door lock device must be reliable to protect against burglary and unauthorized entry into the premises. The level of security depends on the type of lock and the secret mechanism that provides security.
Types of door locks
Depending on the design, the lock can be:
The body of the mortise lock is completely built into the door leaf. Such a device has a sufficient level of home protection against burglary and penetration. The invoice is attached to the door leaf from above or can be partially recessed into it. The hinged locking mechanism comes in a variety of sizes and designs. It consists of a cylindrical arch and a body with a secret and comes in:
The choice of a mortise, rim or padlock depends on which door it will be installed on.
All mechanical locks have the following components:
- a housing that hides the secret lock mechanism;
- bolt or bolt;
- core (cylinder mechanism) into which the key is inserted.
Inside the cylinder there is a secret lock mechanism, which differs depending on its type.
The locking mechanism of a plastic, metal or wooden entrance door can be cylindrical, lever-less or lever-type. In addition, there are also combination locks, screw locks, with ciphers and locking mechanisms on interior doors. Thus, there are a lot of devices to ensure safety and peace of mind. In order to have an idea about the features and design of each of them, we will consider all these types of locks in more detail.
Cylinder lock device
A cylinder lock is opened using a small key, which on one side has teeth of different shapes and sizes.
A cylinder lock can be mortise or padlock and have the following components:
- top and bottom pins;
- spiral springs that activate them and return them to their original state after removing the key from the cylinder.
The cylinder lock mechanism rotates, driving the bolt, only when the pins are flush with the surface of the cylinder. This is achieved if “your own” key is inserted into the key groove, which allows you to assemble them in the desired position. If you insert a “foreign” key into the cylinder mechanism, the pins inside will be positioned incorrectly, which will not allow you to turn it and open the lock.
The design of the cylinder door lock can be single or double. Single mechanisms are used for door locks that can only be opened from the outside with a key. Double ones are designed for those locks that are controlled by a key on both sides.
Lever lock mechanism
The lever lock is considered one of the most reliable among all locking devices for an entrance plastic, metal or wooden door. Its secret lies in a group of plates or levers that have cutouts of various shapes. Each of them corresponds to the protrusions and recesses on the key, which allow you to assemble the plates in the desired way and open the lock.
The reliability of a lever lock depends on the number of levers. Each individual option for placing level plates that differ along the contour is called a series. By increasing the number of levers with different locations of protrusions and depressions, you can increase the number of series. For a lock with three plates it is 6. For four-lever locks, a set of plates gives, respectively, 24 different series. In locks that have two rows of levers, the number of series reaches up to 150. Double-bit keys are used to open them.
The principle of operation of a lever lock is similar to a cylindrical one, only the role of pins in it is played by steel plates. To increase protection, to make it more difficult to assemble the plates and make it difficult to open the lock with a random key, the cutouts of the levers are made of different sizes, and the plates themselves are of different thicknesses.
Bessuvaldny castle
The structure of a leverless lock is characterized by only one plate, so this lock is considered the most unreliable. Therefore, experts recommend installing it on internal doors.
The secrecy of lever-less locking devices is provided by the configuration of the shape of the key slot. In addition, on the base of the lock, opposite the key slot, there are barrier plates or annular projections. They are made in the form of concentric circles, to bypass which special slots are made along and across the grooves of the keys.
Code lock
The combination lock can be electronic or mechanical. For electronic devices, a prerequisite for operation is connection to an electrical network or an autonomous power source. Mechanical is easy to install and use. In addition, it is easy to reprogram if necessary.
The combination lock circuit is a bolt that is activated when the required combination of numbers is pressed in the case of a mechanical operating principle of the device. For electronic locks, you need to enter a secret combination or use a magnetic key.
Electronic devices are more reliable than mechanical ones and are widely used on entrance doors to offices, buildings and residential apartment buildings.
Locks on interior doors
The lock can be installed not only on the entrance door, but also on the interior door. However, it is difficult to call them full-fledged locking devices, because any lock must have a secret that provides at least minimal protection. But locks on interior doors do not have such a secret. They include the following components:
- handles and external decorative trims;
- crossbar driven by a handle;
- locking mechanism.
The lock cylinder on an interior door has no internal structure. Through it you can reach the internal latch and unlock the mechanism connected to the handle and preventing the door from opening freely.
Knowing what locks are made of and having an idea of their operating principle, you can more confidently choose a locking device on which your safety and the safety of your personal property depend.
