Types of Deadlocks for Doors
Hook bolt deadlocks are used on sliding narrow stile aluminum storefront doors to enhance lock strength and security. They are double-keyed to give greater flexibility in access control.
To measure accurately for the new lock, first determine the door's depth (or backset). This is the distance between the edge of the front door and the centre of latch hole.
Tubular Latch
The tubular latch is by far the most well-known door latch. It's simple and straightforward to install, which makes it a favorite of Joiners and DIY enthusiasts alike. It is available in various sizes shapes, styles, and levels that will fit any style door handle.
A tubular latch is a rectangular steel casing fitted with a latch bolt and an encased latch follower that is spring-loaded (also called a striker). When you open the door, the latch retracts to allow you to shut and lock it. When you close the doors the latch bolt swivels back and grabs the edge of the frame to keep the door closed.
You'll need to decide on the size of the door's latch before you put it in place. Many people believe that a latch and handle should be set at a height of a millimetre above the floor. This is not always the case. When door knobs are involved, the latch should be located on the mid-rail - this is where the bulk of the weight is placed when you open and close the door.
Once you've determined where the latch will be placed then mark the location of the hole in the door and on the strike plate with a pencil. Then drill pilot holes for the screws that will secure the plate to the door. After drilling the pilot holes, you can use countersinks to ensure that the plate's back will sit flush with the door once it's been screwed.
If you're looking for a stronger-duty alternative to the standard tubular latch, consider opting for a double-sprung model. The door will close more smoothly when you choose this latch, as it comes with a separate spring that moves the tongue. hook locks for doors has a heavy-action spring-loaded spindle tracker that ensures that doorknobs and levers are returned to their horizontal position after each use.
After you've secured the latch to the door, you'll have to attach a strike plate to the frame. The strike plate is a piece that can be fitted into the space left behind by the latch after it's closed. You should mark the area where you'd like to put the strike plate on the frame section surrounding it. Cut with your knife an appropriate square for the plate and then take it off.
Cylindrical Latch
Cylindrical locks are typically employed on doors for interior use. They can be located in offices and homes, and are very versatile in terms of their uses. They are like mortise locks but they are easier and quicker to install. They don't require an "mortise" or pocket be cut into the frame of the door like mortise locks do. The bore or hole is cut into the surface of the door and they are inserted into that. They are available in various types and are compatible with levers and knobs to shut and open the door.
The primary difference between cylinder and mortise locks is that only a specific key is needed to unlock these kinds of locks. The pins are fixed by springs and pins with different sizes. Once the correct key has been used and the pins align themselves, and allow the cylinder to turn. This allows the latch bolts to retract which allows the door to be opened.
When the wrong key is inserted in the wrong way, the pins don't align properly, and they prevent the piston from moving. This is the reason it's essential to use the correct key when you have to access your home or business.
The cylinder is situated within the door's body and is connected to the operating trim with an oval or half-round extension. The cylinder also has small notch on its sides that are designed to align with the key notches once the correct key is placed. When the cylinder is moved by the latch bolt, it will follow.
A strike plate is a metal plate that is attached to the door frame and catches the projected latch bolt of the lock. The strike plate is generally constructed from steel and is fixed to the door frame with screws. It also has a strike opening into which the latch bolt of the lock engages.
Make use of the appropriate tools to remove the handle or knob of the old lock and the latch bolt. Mark the location of the new strike bolt and latch bolt on the frame and door after removal of the old hardware. It's a great idea to test your lock's operation by pressing against the strike bolt or latch with your finger. If the strike plate or latch bolt is damaged or doesn't operate correctly, you should consider replacing the bolts and strike plates.
Key-Locked Latch
This type of lock is controlled by a key on the outside, and a lever or knob on the inside. It is used in situations where unauthorized use of the lock is not an issue, like office doors. This type of lock permits the lever on the outside to be locked or unlocked, while the inside knob/lever remains free to allow immediate exit. The key is only needed to retract the latchbolt when the door is shut.
The pins of a key-lock are pointed and lined up along a line that's called the shear line. When the key that is correct slides into a lock, the pins are aligned with the shear line and the plug can be turned to open the latchbolt. If you've ever encountered a key that fits perfectly into a lock but isn't able to open it could be due to one of the pins aren't aligned with the shear line.
Some locks also have faces plates, which is affixed to the door's edge and can be decorative as well as give protection and security to the locking mechanism. These plates are commonly found on mortice locks, rim locks, and locks with reversed springs.
A strike plate is also available. It is typically attached to both the door frame and the jamb, and is fitted with a hole through which the bolt is guided from the cylinder and into the lock. This is often used together with deadbolts to provide added security.

The cylinder is the final component, and it is a home for pins that are aligned with the key's tip to prevent it from rotating. It is difficult to pick a cylinder of good quality without the right tools and understanding. To lock the front door, you need to turn the key in the same direction the door opens. If the door opens with the right hand, for example the key needs to be turned clockwise in order to secure the door. To unlock the door, turn the key counterclockwise. This differs from other locks that require you to turn the key in the opposite direction to the direction the door opens as in a Chubb lock.
Keyless Latch
A keyless latch lets you to lock and unlock your door without using the traditional key. These locks can be operated via a smartphone app or an access code. Certain models have an invisible security camera. When choosing a keyless latch take into consideration your security requirements and compatibility with your existing doors and hardware. Certain keyless locks require special door preparation or modifications therefore, make sure to make sure to read the specifications of the manufacturer as well as installation instructions prior to installing.
Many companies are working on smart locks that replace traditional locks with keys and provide additional security features. They can be opened with the use of a code, fingerprint or facial recognition, and are typically more durable than traditional locks. Some smart locks have tamper-proof features and can detect the moment a door was opened using a key that is not authorized or force.
Latch is a company that has designed an elegant and high-tech lock that is similar to other smart locks. Its primary customers are real estate firms who manage apartment buildings. The lock can be opened by tenants with a passcode, a key or a mobile device. They are also able to let in cleaners, dog walkers or guests from out of town using temporary codes. The company claims that this will eliminate the need for tenants to lose their keys and also reduces maintenance costs since there is no need to change locks when the tenant leaves.
The Latch lock may not be accessible to the public at this point however it may be found in condos or large apartments. It's currently being tested in a handful of places and the company plans to roll out more units in the coming year. The cost is similar to a standard lock. The company also offers affordable costs for software and affordable pricing.
You can change the shortcuts at any point by using the Latch App. To do this, simply start the app and then select the menu in the top left-hand corner of the screen. Select 'Widgets,' and select the doors that you want to appear as shortcuts. You can view the access history of your doors in the Latch App after you've configured them.