How to choose a door lock
Choosing a door lock can be confusing if you're unsure what to look for.
With so many options on the market, whether you're looking for a lock for an internal or external door, it can be difficult to know where to start.
At Leader Online, we're experts on choosing door locks, so we've put together this helpful guide to help you choose the right one for your door.
Including which locks to consider for your external doors to help lower the cost of your home insurance to the best, safest privacy options for your internal doors; it's never been easier to change, upgrade or install new door locks in your home!
When choosing a door lock, there are many things to consider.
For an external door, you must consider security, how the lock you choose could potentially impact your home insurance and whether or not it's compatible with your door.
Internal doors require different considerations. In this case, you'll probably be choosing a lock for privacy rather than security, so you may be looking for aesthetically pleasing options that pair perfectly with your decor or are easy to open in case of an emergency rather than one that will deter a break-in.
With all of these considerations in mind, this next section will look more closely at lock types to help you decide to choose the correct options for your doors.
What is a mortice lock?
A mortice is the name of a pocket or recess that's cut into the edge of a timber or metal door. A mortice lock is the name for a lock that is fitted into this pocket instead of being surface mounted.
Mortice locks are commonly used on metal and timber external doors. They have a locking bolt which moves back and forth into the door frame and generally range from 2 to 5 levers; the higher the lever count, the higher the security. Typically, 5 lever mortice locks are used on external doors.
There are two main types of mortice locks: deadlocks and sash locks.
What is a deadlock?
A deadlock is a highly secure lock with a single bolt extending further into the doorframe than any other lock. It offers strength and resistance to forceful entry, making it difficult for intruders to penetrate.
A deadlock doesn't have a latch, so it can be used on a door without a handle, but handles are usually still added for ease of opening. With this in mind, as deadlocks don't operate with a latch, they must be locked for the door to stay closed.
5-lever deadlocks
A 5-lever deadlock is the most secure option for an external timber door.
When choosing a 5-lever mortice deadlock, look for an option which is British Standard BS3621 approved, as this means it has been rigorously tested against all common break-in methods used by intruders, is recommended by the police and, due to its high-security level, could even bring down the cost of your home insurance premium.
However, not all 5-lever mortice deadlocks are BS3261 compliant. If your chosen lock meets the standard, the faceplate of its locking mechanism will be stamped with a British Standard Kitemark and the code BS3621. If your current deadlock doesn't have this stamp, we recommend upgrading your lock or fitting a secondary night latch for extra security.
- 5-lever deadlock: Key Takeaways
The advantages of a 5-lever deadlock are that they offer high protection and can lower your home insurance premium. However, not all 5-lever deadlocks are British Standard BS3621 approved, so if yours isn't, you may need to install a night latch for extra security.
The high security provided by these locks often means a higher price point, but they provide ultimate protection and peace of mind when securing your belongings.
3-lever deadlocks
3-lever mortice deadlocks operate like 5-lever deadlocks but only have 3-levers instead of 5!
They are still relatively secure and difficult to force open but aren't considered secure enough for an external door and, as such, aren't BS3261-approved. Still, these locks are a popular choice for internal wooden doors, such as securing a bedroom in a shared apartment or adding extra privacy to a bathroom.
3-lever deadlocks are often chosen for their aesthetics. Only the keyhole and faceplate are visible when the door is open, making them a tidy choice for use in the home.
- 3-lever deadlock: Key Takeaways
3-lever deadlocks are aesthetically pleasing, so they are a great addition to maintaining a chic appearance in the home. They provide privacy and can be keyed-alike, only requiring one key for multiple locks, a great option for emergency entry.
However, they don't meet the British Standard BS3261, so they are best used for internal wooden doors only.
What is a sash lock?
Atlantic UK 63mm (2.5'') BS 5-Lever Key Sashlock - Satin Chrome (218769)
Mortice sash locks are another great, secure option for wooden exterior doors.
Sash locks operate with a latch and a bolt which slides into the door frame; the latch means the door would close behind you on a busy morning, but you won't be locked out if you forget to pick up your keys!
Like a deadlock, sash locks are fitted inside the door and are incredibly secure and difficult to force open, preventing intruders from breaking in.
Only 5-lever sash locks carrying the BS3261 mark are British Standard approved; so, therefore are the only options that should be used on your external doors, but lower lever sash locks are also a great option for adding extra privacy to your internal doors.
- Sash Locks: Key Takeaways
A secure lock for external (5-lever only) and internal doors, sash locks provide a clean finish and, although operated with a latch, don't lock behind you if you forget your key.
What is a 5-lever mortice lock?
As previously mentioned, a 5-lever mortice lock, whether a sash lock or a deadlock, is considered extremely secure and if BS3261 British Standard Approved, has been thoroughly tested against common intruder methods.
Often needed to validate home insurance, you should opt for a 5-lever mortice lock for your external doors that is BS-approved for optimum security.
What is a euro cylinder?
Commonly found on uPVC and composite doors, a euro cylinder lock is barrel-shaped and is one of the most popular door lock types found in the UK. Euro cylinder locks can also be fitted to mortice locks, usually on timber and aluminium doors.
Most modern euro cylinders have features to deter intruders, including anti-snap, anti-pick and anti-drill features, making them an ideal choice for residential homes and business properties.
Euro cylinders are available in two shapes, euro and oval and come in three different types: single cylinders, double cylinders and thumb turn cylinders;
- Single cylinders offer key access from one side only.
- Double cylinders offer key access from both sides of the door.
- Thumb-turn cylinders offer key access from one side and a thumb-turn on the other.
Because of this, euro cylinders are easily replaced and are one of the most popular types of locks. The type you choose should reflect the level of security you require, with double cylinders being a more popular choice for external doors and single and thumb turns more commonly used for internal doors.
What is a door latch?
Put simply, a door latch is the mechanism that connects a door to its frame. Latches usually fit into a pre-cut hole in a door frame and ensure that any door remains in place when it is closed.
Door latches can be used on most doors and with most types of locks to ensure the door stays in place.
Tubular latches are an excellent choice for your internal doors and work perfectly on cupboards and cabinets; they are ideal for keeping all your internal doors closed.
Atlantic UK 63mm (2.5'') Bolt Through Tubular Latch - Matt Black (195530)
Other locks to consider
We've focused primarily on locks to protect your external doors from intruders. Now, we'll look closer at some options that are perfect for your internal and external doors, that don't require the same level of security as your home's front and back doors, and some other accessories to accompany your new locks.
Escutcheons
Escutcheons are keyhole covers which provide an elegant finish to your door’s locks. They pair perfectly with deadlocks and sash locks and can be easily installed within minutes.
Alongside their aesthetic benefits, escutcheons can also help to extend the lifespan of your door locks, preventing water, dirt and dust from getting into their mechanism.
Atlantic UK Status Round Key Escutcheon Pair - Satin Nickel (S2ESCKRSN)
Bathroom locks
Bathroom locks do exactly what you’d expect!
Intelligent Hardware Zeta 75mm (3") Mortice Bathroom Lock, Polished Nickel (192704)
Created for privacy, they help secure rooms such as bathrooms, wet rooms and en suites. Bathroom locks are easy to install on your internal doors and usually include a thumb-turn lock to be used on the inside of the door. Most bathroom locks can be paired with turn and releases, so internal doors can be opened easily from the outside with a coin in an emergency.
Lever action flush bolts
Atlantic UK 150mm (6'') Lever Action Flush Bolt - Matt Black (195981)
Lever action flush bolts are typically used with pairs of doors, such as patio doors, to secure one of the doors in place. It's mortised into the edge of a door using a lever and slides a bolt into the jamb to keep it closed.
How to install a lock
Now you know which lock is best suited to your door, you may be interested to learn how to install it.
Depending on the lock you've chosen, each will require different installation methods based on their functionality. Discover installation instructions for many types of locks in our dedicated How To Change A Lock guide.
Shop for door locks for your internal and external doors at Leader Online
Explore our extensive range of locks at Leader Online to find the perfect solution for your internal and external doors. From deadlocks and sash locks to secure your front door to bolts and latches, it's never been easier to find everything you need to secure your doors.
