It’s not always easy to readily know which locks you have and it’s a common problem people have when calling me trying to explain which locks they have or are having a problem with.
So this page will help you to identify your type of locks which helps when speaking to us about any problems you may have. If after looking over the following locks you are still not sure, of your type of locks you have or it isn't shown, just give me a call and I’m sure I can help you. Remember all the advice I can give you is totally free. Call Lockline ask for Darran.
This is not a list of every type of lock there is because there are absolutely loads, these are just the most common locks that we see. This list will be added to as and when I can get more good images.
The first one above is a Euro cylinder lock probably the most common lock out there now and mainly fitted in Upvc and composite doors. The handle is a separate part and the Euro cylinder is sat in the handle just for the purposes of holding it there for a decent image and so you can recognise the lock better.
The next lock above is a Mortice Sash Lock. It has a lever or handle-operated latch and a key operated deadbolt. Mainly fitted in household wooden doors. The lock shown is a 5 lever British standard which means it conforms to certain standard and would be the lock your insurance would recommended if you asked them. (You can get non-British standard mortise locks but it is not something I would fit on a front door) the handle is a separate part and is shown just to make it a bit easier to recognise. Still plenty of these locks out there old and new.
The mortice deadlock lock as you can see is very similar to the sash lock it has a key operated bolt but as you can also see no handle operated latch so this lock is key operated only. A great 5-lever high security lock can be used on any wooden door as the main lock. Deadbolt locks are also often fitted as a secondary security measure maybe on a vulnerable back door, on the same door as night latch. Again the example shown is a British standard lock so again insurance approved.
The night latches often get called by different names; a lot of people just call it a Yale lock. These locks come in few different variations which all look similar but usually easy to identify because of the round cylinder door. This lock is not to be used as the main lock on an external door unless it is one of the high security British standard versions. And even then I would recommend an additional Mortice Deadlock fitted with the night latch on the same door. There are a few exceptions i.e. when fitted to a communal front door or internal doors in shared houses etc.