The LocksOnline’ guide to lever locks, The Sash, the Dead and the ugly!
Don’t know the difference between a Sash lock and a Dead lock? Do not fear, LocksOnline here!
Here’s a basic guide to selecting the right lock for your door.
So you have an old lever lock, over time it has got worn and stiff, always takes you 3 or four times to shut the door and lock it? Sound familiar? Well not to worry because here I am going to help you select your new lock and explain the difference in the two main types of lever lock, the Sash and the Dead.
Ok so starting off with the Sash lock, probably the most common type of lever lock used in interior and exterior wooden doors. The Sash lock has a ‘deadbolt’ that locks the door by turning the key but it also has a built in latch so that the door will stay closed in the frame unlocked. For the uninitiated the latch is the sprung triangular piece of metal above the deadbolt that is operated by the door handle or knobs.
The Dead lock is basically a sash lock but without the latch! It just has the key operate deadbolt so will lock the door when shut but will not hold closed when unlocked. An easy way to remember this is that the sash has a latch AND a bolt but the dead doesn’t have anything, because it’s dead!
“What’s the point of a dead lock then”, I hear you say? Well dead locks are great at providing a significantly higher level of security when used as extra locks for a door. You can install a Dead lock into the top and bottom of the door along with the existing sash lock or latch so you have multiple dead locking bolts on a single door. Ideal for when high security is the utmost agenda.
“Would that mean carrying loads of keys though?”. No not at all, you can have all the locks you purchase from us ‘Keyed Alike’ meaning that all locks can be operated by just one key, so having this setup on your door doesn’t mean you have to walk round like a jailer all the time!
Know you know the difference between the two main types it’s now time to understand what size lock you’re gonna need. The two main lock case sizes are 64mm and 76mm (that’s 2.5” and 3” to those of us who like to use imperial) and, this is the case depth, the distances the lock goes into the door, or the width if you are looking side on. Now generally the easiest way of selecting the right lock the first time is to pull the original lock case and give it a quick measure, this measurement along with the type of lock you require will help you get the right lock for the job.
Most insurance companies specify the use of a British Standard lock (BS3621 to precise!) on front and back doors, like the Era Fortress for example, a well built, quality lock that are as secure as they are cost effective, you can replace that lock today for under £20. Can you afford not to?
All the best,
Sam
Trust Security - Trust Locks Online
