As a core security component in all premises and facilities, we use door locks every day. You will find below the eight most common door lock types with their respective functions in detail.
Content:
- Which door lock is suitable for different types of door?
- Mortise lock
- Metal frame lock
- Profile cylinder lock
- Padlock
- Rim lock
- Curved bolt lock
- Warded lock
- WC lock/bathroom lock
- What makes SimonsVoss different?
Which door lock is suitable for different types of door?
Door locks form an important, integral part of security in all buildings, regardless of their use, and we use them virtually every day. There is a wide range of door lock types, varying significantly in both their design and function, as well as their ability to provide high level security.
Some of the most common types of door locks are padlocks, mortise locks and locks for metal frame doors. Mortise locks are the often-used locks for interior doors, while metal frame locks are mainly used for gates and portals, while padlocks are suitable for barriers, lockers or cabinet doors.
In the digital age, the role of digital identification media is expanding, offering numerous advantages over traditional manual locks. The variety of digital lock types is clearly as extensive as their appearance and modes of operation.
To gain a better understanding of the various door lock types, we have provided here detailed explanations of the eight most common models along with their specific advantages and applications.
Overview of the eight most common door lock types
Mortise lock
The mortise lock is a common lock type that is installed in flush, rebate or metal frame doors. It uses different locking systems depending on the design, including tumbler, warded and profile cylinder locking systems.
The locking device is embedded into the door leaf in a lock pocket and consists of several components, including the lock case, lock cover and the latch. In the case of this lock type, only the latch bolt (also known simply as the latch) and the bolt block are visible from the outside. These locks are screwed to the door using what is known as a faceplate, a vertical metal strip. The door is locked by pulling the door closed or turning the key in the lock case. The lock mechanism is often combined with door handles or levers. The locking device is recessed into the door leaf and requires a cut-out, which may weaken the material in the area surrounding the lock pocket.
Advantages:
Mortise locks are very often used as a simple locking device in house and apartment doors but are also used in outdoor areas in larger, commercial premises.
Besides being easy to fit, they also offer the advantage of relatively strong burglary resistance since they cannot be unscrewed easily. On some models, a multi-point locking system is also possible in which several dead bolts engage in the strike plate, making it difficult to lever and drill the door open. It is also possible to include anti-picking or anti-drilling protection.
Disadvantages:
One drawback to the mortise lock is the inconvenience of losing keys since the lock then must be replaced completely in cases of need. Moreover, basic tools can be used to tamper with this lock and open the door.
Metal frame lock
With a similar design to the mortise lock described above, the metal frame lock offers a significantly more robust structure. It is mainly used in gates and metal frame doors but also in fire doors and doors that generally have high security requirements.
Basically, a metal frame lock is a mortise lock that is installed in the section tube in the frame and is designed specifically for fitting into metal frame doors. It also consists of a lock case, latch, dead bolt and strike plate, but has a much smaller installation depth than a mortise lock and fits into the metal frame.
Metal frame locks are widely used in UK & Europe and are generally used in offices and public buildings.
Advantages:
Their advantages comprise their space-saving design, also maximum protection against burglary and the flexibility of application options, including fire and sound insulation doors.
Disadvantages:
As with the mortise lock, the lock needs to be replaced completely if a key is lost. Fitting a metal frame lock is a time-consuming task, requiring specific tools and expertise.
Profile cylinder lock
A profile cylinder lock is the most widely used type of locking cylinder, generally used in front doors, apartment doors and office doors, but can also be used in other areas.
Besides the casing with a rotating cylinder core on the inside, a profile cylinder lock consists of a cam, core pins and pin springs. The rotating cylinder core features small metal pins, which are pushed upward into the locking path by springs from below, thus blocking it. The core can only be turned if a key with the corresponding profile is inserted. The cam, a lever on the cylinder core, rotates with it and engages in the lock mechanism so that the latch and dead bolt are retracted.
Profile cylinders come with a specific number of keys, all of which share the same locking configuration. They provide the functions of both a lock and a blocking mechanism. While the lock acts as the actual locking device, the locking cylinder serves to drive the dead bolt and secure the locking mechanism against unauthorised opening attempts or the use of other keys.
Advantages:
Profile cylinder feature a wide range of benefits that contribute to their success. Profile cylinder locks offer different security levels, ranging from conventional security cylinders to those with electronic security elements and armoured protection. This means they effortlessly assure stringent protection against attempted break-ins. They are also readily interchangeable and the cylinder can easily be replaced with a new one (e.g. if a key is lost) without needing to fit an entirely new lock.
Padlock
A padlock is a lock that is used to provide simple fastening and does not require installation. It is simply attached to a hasp with an U-shaped shackle, concealing its own fastening screw heads.
The lock generally consists of a shackle, the locking cylinder and the casing with the shackle serving as the movable part of the lock and which is inserted into the casing to lock. The locking cylinder is the part of the lock into which the key is inserted to unlock the shackle again. The casing encloses the locking mechanism and protects it from damage, manipulation and weather influences. As an alternative to the typical serrated key, there are also models that feature a combination lock or a digital padlock design.
Advantages:
Padlocks are available in different sizes and thicknesses and their design ensures optimum flexibility and easy handling. They are therefore used in a variety of locations, including chests, lockers, cellar doors, tool boxes, garden fences and many others.
Disadvantages:
However, their comparatively simple design suffers from a number of drawbacks, particularly with regard to security. Unlike a fixed lock, a padlock can be broken relatively easily using tools such as pliers or bolt cutters and therefore provides limited protection against burglary and theft.
Loss of keys can also become a significant problem since the profile cylinder cannot be replaced. Moreover, users should always prioritise good quality when purchasing a padlock as cheaper one tend to lack weather resistance, which can lead to rusting. A padlock can also be cumbersome, making it difficult to handle.
Rim lock
A rim lock is a type of lock that is screwed onto the back of a door or drawer instead of being fitted into a recess. It is often used for smaller doors, drawers, furniture and garden gates since it is easy to install and requires no special tools.
It comprises a strike plate, a dead bolt and a locking cylinder. The dead bolt is actuated by turning the appropriate key in the locking cylinder. It then engages in the strike plate to lock the door. A lock case encloses the lock mechanism. In contrast to the mortise lock described above, a rim lock does not require a cut-out in the door and is also significantly easier to install.
Advantages:
Usually made of galvanised metal, rim locks are suitable for doors and gates in outdoor areas since they are resistant to weather influences.
Disadvantages:
Nevertheless, they have some disadvantages which we shouldn’t forget. They provide less security than other lock types and are more susceptible to tampering and break-ins. Installation is also not suitable for all doors as they must be fitted on a strong material and also damage the door surface since holes are required for installation.
Curved bolt lock
A curved bolt lock is a special lock specifically for use on sliding doors and comprises three variants: the warded lock, the profile cylinder lock and WC curved bolt lock. A curved or hooked dead bolt is required since the straight dead bolt in a standard lock would not lock a sliding door properly. The curved bolt lock can also be equipped with a suitable snap handle, which is ideal for sliding doors that retract into the wall.
Advantages:
Sliding doors, accompanied by their locks, are especially advantageous in offices due to their space-saving design, user-friendly operation, and the visual enlargement of the available space. They offer numerous potential uses; the door can be concealed either along or within the wall, presenting visual elegance.
Disadvantages:
However, they only offer low burglary resistance and are completely unsuitable for building entrances. Sliding doors along a wall must close against a stop post if they need to be lockable. This may detract from the overall appearance.
Warded lock
A popular door lock with a simple design is the warded lock, mainly used in interior doors. The associated keys have a wide variety of key shapes with wards, or obstructions, which give this lock type its name. Both the key shape and the keyhole should visually resemble a wave-shaped ward.
A warded lock’s main component is the locking cylinder. This consists of various parts, such as the casing, the core and pin tumblers. To lock the door, there is also a dead bolt on the inside, which extends when the lock is operated and then engages in the strike plate. The pin tumblers on the inside are locked or unlocked when the right key is used.
The lock features a set of obstructions in the form of a plate in front of the keyway that only allows the key with the correct profile to pass through. For example, in Germany, there are a total of 64 different profiles for warded locks.
Caution is advised with regard to security since warded locks can be opened relatively easily with a pick and are therefore only suitable for interior doors without security requirements.
WC lock/bathroom lock
One of the most common locks that everyone has surely used is the simple WC or bathroom lock, easily identified with its red, green, free or occupied indicators. The WC lock is used to fasten the door to a public or private toilet cubicle from the inside, thus ensuring privacy for users. The lock is equipped with a toilet door fitting, i.e. a thumb turn on the inner side and a small thumb turn with a recess on the outer side. A turning or sliding bolt can be used, depending on the model.
Overall, the lock is quite simple in design: it is single-turn, i.e. it is rotated once to lock and does not require a corresponding key.
The dead bolt is locked by turning the handle and moving a spindle. The dead bolt finally engages in the designated cut-out or in the strike plate in the door frame. In an emergency, it can also be opened from the outside using a small indent and the appropriate tool.
The name may suggest that it is only intended for use in toilets. Due to their ease of operation and practical function, they are also used in places such as changing rooms as these do not require a high security standard.
What sets SimonsVoss apart from others?
All the aforementioned door locks have one thing in common: They either require a key for locking or unlocking, need to be encased in the door leaf with a great deal of material wasted and, in some cases, provide a very low standard of security.
As a pioneer in digital locking technology, SimonsVoss addresses the issues of traditional manual keys head-on and has introduced a product range that offers numerous advantages. But what distinguishes digital locking technology from conventional locks?
Digital locking cylinders do not require a serrated key, but instead lock or unlock automatically when a digital credential (e.g. transponder, smart card, smart tag) is activated. The credential transmits a signal to the locking device and thus does not come into direct contact with the lock. This not only enables simple, fast handling but also flexible and unproblematic action to be taken in the event that the credential is lost.
In conventional locks, a great deal of effort and expense must be invested in replacing the locking cylinder concerned if the key is lost. In companies with many employees, this can entail substantial costs and a great deal of extra work. In comparison, if a digital identification credential is lost, it can be easily deactivated at the click of a mouse without restricting the door’s functions. User rights can also be changed spontaneously at any time and a single credential can be used to gain access to all doors, depending on authorisations granted.
The digital locking cylinder is just as easy to install as it is to operate. Thanks to upgradable components, it can be adapted to any type of door and only needs space for the locking cylinder to be fastened. Unlike with a mortise lock, for example, there is no need to drill or hollow out the door leaf. Digital locking solutions are therefore eminently suitable for small and large companies and for public institutions that require high flexibility coupled with high security requirements.
Do you have any questions about our digital lock types?
Feel free to contact us and we will find a customised locking solution for your company too.