The type of lock you already have
A good indication of what lock the door has is by looking at the door handle. You can usually tell easier if the handle has a backplate. If there is:

• No key hole, this generally means you just have a latch
• A traditional key hole shape, chances are you will have a sash lock
• A large oval or larger key hole shape, you’ll probably have a cylinder lock fitted
• A single lock and no latch, this is what is called a dead bolt.

Will any type of lock and latch fit my door handles?
Most latches and mortice locks will fit any handles. Sash locks will only fit if the distance between the key lock and handle centres are the correct distance apart.

Security
The most secure locks that we sell are the British approved BS3621 locks. These are offered in a 5-lever sash lock, and others. Home insurance companies will look for these on your final exit doors. When getting cover,  additional dead bolts are also good idea.

How do I know if I want a heavy sprung latch or a standard?

Only heavy door handles that are stiff will require a heavy  sprung latch.If your handles do not have a return spring built into them a good standard latch is required.

The difference between sprung, unsprung handles and standard

Most handles will be sprung, meaning they will return on there own when depressed. If you have a heavy sprung latch mechanism, you can have unsprung handles, but these are not very common.If you are sure that you want the handle to come back again, it’s best to go for the sprung option.

Latches and locks can be fitted on the same door

There are several ways to do this: a sash lock is essentially a latch and deadbolt (lock) combined in one case, or if needed the door handle could just work on a latch, with maybe two additional dead lock bolts fitted one above and one below the latch on the door, really as many as you want to put on the door!!

The need for a deadbolt
A dead bolt can be used for additional security on existing locks or just used as a lock for a latch. They can also be used on garden sheds, fences or anywhere that needs extra security.

You can have a sash lock with a rose and handle
To fit a rose lever on a sash lock, you will just need to put an escutcheon on the bottom where the key goes to the lock. You will have two round profiles, rather than the one traditional backplate.

Difference between an oval profile and a euro profile
The euro profile lock hole, has come over from Europe, where it was produced to meet EU Standards, which at the time were higher than in Britain, which is where the Oval lock came from. This was our version
of the cylinder lock but not toas high a standard as the europrofile, which is why both types are still available, and need accommodating, both are still on sale, but generally most new doors will be offered with the Euro lock.

Reason to buy a British standard approved lock?
Depending on where your lock is going, you don’t necessarily need one. Many home insurers however will specify that you will need to have a BS approved lock on your final exit doors.  You can also have peace of mind because all locks have been through a vigorous testing procedure.

The difference between a 3 lever and  5 lever lock?
The belly of the locks are cut at different depths. The lock bolt will sit through the holes and turn the levers up and down with the key turn. The moving levers operate the lock system. The 5 lever offers the most security.

How to remove an old lock
Most sash and latches will just pull out once the attaching parts are undone. When removing handles and spindles you will find that most locks  have a forend plate which screws into the side of the door. Once all these have been taken off the lock or latch should just pull out, perhaps with a little assistance from a screwdriver.

Definition of  "strike plate"
The strike plate is the part of the lock or latch system that fixes to the receiving part of the door frame. It is where the latch mechanism “strikes” the door frame.

Definition of " mortice lock"
Mortice is the name given by wood workers to a prepared hole, so with the mortice lock the case needs to be put a in hole prepared in the door. These holes are generally pre cut in  the factory. Hence the name mortice lock.