How do I tell what type of lock I 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 so no lock, if you have a traditional key hole shape, chances are you will have a sash lock, and if there is a large oval or larger key hole shape, you’ll more than likely have a cylinder lock fitted. Now if you have just a single lock and no latch, this is what we call the dead bolt.

Will any type of lock and latch fit my door handles?
Most latches and mortice locks will fit any handles, but sash locks on the other hand will only fit if the distance between the key lock and handle centres are the correct distance apart,

How do I know which lock is the most secure?
The most secure lock that we sell here, are the British approved BS3621 locks, these are offers in a 5-lever sash lock, and others, home insurance companies will look for these on your final exit doors when offering cover, in some occasions additional dead bolts are a good idea too.

How do I know if I want a heavy sprung latch or a normal one?
In most cases normal everyday light handles will not need a heavy sprung latch, but some handles that are on the market don’t have a return spring built in, so therefore a good sprung latch is needed to help with the return of the handle, or if a heavy ironmongery door handle is used because these can be a bit stiff, so again a heavy sprung latch is recommended.

How will I know if I need sprung or unsprung handles?
Most handles will be sprung, meaning they will return on there own when depressed,
If you have a heavy sprung latch mechanism, you could have the choice of having 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 a sprung option.

Can I fit a latch and a lock on the same door?
Yes you can, there are several ways of 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 bolt fitted one above an one below the latch on the door, really as many as you want to put on the door!!

Why would I need to use a deadbolt?
A dead bolt can be used for additional security on existing locks or just used as a lock for a latch, these can also be used for use on garden sheds, fences anything really that needs a lock fitted to it, very universal lock indeed.

I want a handle on a rose but have a sash lock, is this possible?
Yes this is very much possible to fit a rose lever on a sash lock, you will just need to put a escutcheon on the bottom where the key goes to the lock, so you will have two round profiles, rather than the one traditional backplate, in fact quite a modern look.

What's the difference between an oval profile and a euro profile?
The euro profile lock hole, has come over from Europe of all places,
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 to the higher standard as the euro, which is why both types are still about, and need accommodating, both are still on sale, but generally most new doors will be offered with the Euro lock.

Why should I buy a British standard approved lock?
Its up to you really, depending on where your lock is going, you don’t necessarily
need one, but a lot of home insurers will specify that you will need to have a BS approved lock on your final exit doors, and you can also have peace of mind that’s these locks have been through a vigorous testing procedure, so they are up to standard.

What's the difference between a 3 lever and a 5 lever lock?
Basically as is state, some locks have 3 levers others 5, the levers usually have their bellies cut away at different depths, the lock bolt will sit through these holes an turn the levers up and down like there on a camshaft with the turn of the key, its these levers moving that will operate the lock system., so it’s a judge for yourself, whether you want 3 levers or 5, but 5 will generally offer a more secure level.

How do I get my old lock out?
Most sash and latches, will just pull out from the door once all the attaching parts have been undone, for example, the handles and spindle have to come of the door, and usually most of the locks will 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.

Whats a strike plate?
The strike plate it the part of the lock or latch system that fixes to the receiving part of the door frame, which is where the latch part of the mechanism “strikes” the door frame.

Why is it a called a 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 in hole prepared in the door. These holes are generally pre cut in  the factory. Hence the name mortice lock.