Glossary

What is a mortice lock? A sash lock? What is a nightlatch?

The language of locks and locksmiths can be confusing – please find this handy guide on some common terms and their meaning.

1. Euro/oval Profile Cylinder- A cylinder or half barrel with a specific shape that can be fitted and used in many types of locks including mortice locks or sash locks and multi-point locks.

2. Deadlock/deadbolt – A mortice deadlock or sash lock does not have a latch, but a bolt only which is operated by key. Some night latches have a deadlocked function that adds extra security to the locking mechanism after the key has been rotated for a second time “double locking”.

3. Door Chain – Also called Door Limiter. A fitment that restricts the door to being partially opened in order to identify callers prior to opening the door for access. Can be either an integral part of the lock mechanism or surface mounted on the inner face of the door.

4. Electric Strike – An electrical realise device that permits releasing of the lock in the door from a remote control or sensor.

5. Faceplate – The exposed surface of a multi-point or mortice locks or sash lock which shows in the edge of a door after installation, normaly you can recognise the brand lock mark on it .

6. Hook bolts /hook deadlock – Hook shaped bolts used on a multi-point lock, designed to assist door compression and a high level of security against forced attack, design and good solution for sliding door

7. Keep/Receiver/Striker – A metal plate or metal box which is pierced or recessed to receive the bolt or latch when projected.

8. Levers Locks – Levers are used in some mortice locks and padlocks. The higher the number of levers a lock contains, the higher the level of security it offers. On British standard locks you request to be with a 5/6 levers or 7.

9. Multi point locking systems – The point where the multi-point lock enters the outer frame of the door, using either a hook or a rectangular shaped bar.

10. Key under muster or under number – One key that operates a number of locks where the individual locks each have their own, different key. For further information, contact your locksmith.

11. Mortice Locks – The lock fits into a mortice that has been ‘cut out’ of a timber door edge. The locking action is achieved by a bolt that shoots out of the lock into the striker plate when the key is turn.

12. Nightlatch – A lock which is mounted onto the surface of the door as opposed to being morticed into the edge of the door. A night latch holds the door shut on a latch which can often be deadlocked into position. Normally the comment sizes is 60mm or 40 mm backseat. Nightlatches are still sometimes referred to by their traditional name of ‘rim lock’ although a usually now refers to a basic security lock for use on internal doors, gates or outbuildings.

13. Rim Lock – Nightlatches are still sometimes referred to by their traditional name of ‘rimlock’ although a rim lock usually now refers to a basic security lock for use on internal doors, gates or outbuildings

14. BS3621/British standard locks /insurance approved – This British Standard applies to Mortice Locks and Nightlatches. All locks that carry the BS3621 kitemark meet the standards (B.s) -3621 set by insurance companies and the police.

15. Backset – The measurement used on nightlatches and mortice locks normally 2” or 3” inches.

16. Bathroom Lock – A mortice lock which is used with thumbturn handles to allow the occupant of the bathroom to lock the door from the inside with option to open from outside an emergency case .

17. Kite mark – A BSI Kitemark is a trusted mark/symbol of product quality recognized by consumers and specifiers. Kitemarked products have passed a rigorous certification process and can be repeatedly manufactured and supplied to the same standard and purpose for which they were designed.

18. Multi-Point Lock – Describes a type of lock mechanism that has more than one locking point. It usually has a minimum of three locking points (plus latch) spread strategically over the length of the door. Multi-point locks are typically used on uPVC or composite doors.

19. Locksmith – Someone with the skills and expertise and knowledge to install, repair, replace, and even bypass different types of locks ,padlocks ,code lock

At Locksmiths of Chelsea and Kensington, London we’re on hand to give you a free estimate or advice. We use the best quality products so you can be sure that the locks supplied and fitted will be to British Standards.

We work and supply all major brands of locks, including:

Major Lock Brands