Door Locks: Types and Tips for Choosing

In whatever peaceful and peaceful area people live, they definitely need to equip their doors with locks, of which there are many varieties today. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the choice of a suitable construction in each specific case.

In Russia and other countries of the post-Soviet space, the most widespread type of door lock is the English type. Even in the twentieth century, this device was used very widely. The name of the English castle was due to the fact that it was developed in the XVIII century by British inventors. The lock includes a cylinder with pins, which are rebuilt in height when the key is inserted. However, the problem is that not all devices have enough pins.

Experts believe that the British locks, even the most advanced, do not allow to guarantee the necessary degree of protection. The English key does not look too adorable, this is a plate with specially arranged recesses and protrusions. The reasons for the popularity of English castles are:

• affordability;
• ease of obtaining duplicates in a short time;
• the possibility of increasing the stability of the structure due to the use of keys with zigzag profiles.

Hacking a door with a biometric lock is much more difficult than using an English lock. Such designs are widespread relatively recently. A few decades ago, these devices were used only on critical facilities, where safety justified the high cost. The structure of a typical fingerprint lock includes:

• housing;
• reading device;
• control elements;
• microchips;
• mechanical constipation obeying the electronic system;
• battery compartment.

Initially, the fingers of those people who are allowed to enter the house or in a separate room are scanned.Mortise type biometric lock works by putting fingers on the scanner. You can open the door while inside the room by turning the handle. Indoor unit slam into the door. Overhead structures differ in the location of indoor and outdoor units in a single package.

There are biometric locks made in the format of the door handle. Such a device can complement the already established mechanical locks. But it is important to understand that regardless of the specific execution of the fingerprint-recognizing lock, its functioning may be impaired. Therefore, it is required to use additional elements that will allow to open even a damaged device. For duplication apply:

• means of remote control;
• access codes;
• mechanical locks;
• magnetic keys.

Differences may be associated with the types of scanners. Capacitive scanning device contains a matrix of semiconductors. When a finger touches the reader, the capacitance of the elements changes. Comparison of actual data and information from the memory of the device allows you to open access or block it, if necessary.Optical systems use digital video cameras that capture the refraction of light when the plate is touched.

The reliability of such scanners is quite high. But they can still be circumvented by using a model of the required fingerprints. Also a big problem is high sensitivity to pollution. If the fingers are wet or frozen, recognition errors may occur. As for scanners with temperature-sensitive elements, they are deprived of this disadvantage, but they have limitations on the working temperature of the air.

On the sliding and sliding doors to put biometric locks is almost impossible. There it is better to use a simple mechanism or an electromechanical product. The most simplified option is deservedly considered a device in which, instead of a crossbar, there is a special hook. He, leaving the case, should get into the hole on the other part of the lock. It is already placed either on the box, or on the second sash.

The hitch of the bolt and the reciprocal part of the lock is very tough, so it will not work to open the door without a special key. There are two types of keys: one looks like a pin, and the other resembles a cylinder with jagged ends.If the door is not locked, opening it is very easy. In addition, even the simplest mechanism must be complemented by a secret, including a hook and keyhole. The possibilities of choosing the product with suitable design characteristics are quite large.

The electromechanical device works thanks to a powerful electromagnet. When the button is pressed, the voltage is turned off, as a result the bolt is released. The quality of work of electromechanical locks is quite high, but they cost a lot of money and cannot work without power supply. Because such devices in residential apartments and private homes are used quite rarely. The main area of ​​use is warehouse and office space.

But the electric lock can be digital with an access code. It is a similar device that is becoming increasingly popular in our troubled times. A special feature of electronic locks is the possibility of placing them in an arbitrary part of the door with a reliable cover from the views of intruders. What is important, there is no issuing arrangement of conventional locks a sign - a well for a key. Depending on the designers' intent, access to the premises is provided using:

• trinkets;
• plastic cards;
• secret codes.

Experts recommend that if you choose an electronic type of lock, put a reliable steel door. Separated from each other, these components do not provide sufficient protection. Constipation using electronics, can also be applied in warehouses and office buildings. It is possible to choose a mortise and invoice type of device. The highest security (the door will not open, even when the lock is completely or partially destroyed) means, however, that in case of breakage, the owners will be able to go inside or exit only with the help of professionals.

A part of electronic locks is equipped with elements of artificial intelligence. We are talking about time meters, recording the moments of visiting a room. Allowed programming devices for performing auxiliary tasks. It should be noted that the electronics may not work properly if the atmospheric pressure changes dramatically. In addition, chips are subject to mechanical destruction and damage them very easily.

These shortcomings are absent in mechanical locks of the classical type. An important kind of it is cylinder lock. The working part (cylinder) rotates inside the case only when a suitable key is inserted. But cylinders are found not only in mechanical (disk, pin, frame), but also in magnetic locks. Now, unlike the first half of the twentieth century, the cylinders are interchangeable. However, this property greatly facilitates hacking design. Vandals easily penetrate inside.

Cylinder locks are most often pin. The device includes:

• core with a through groove;
• round (sometimes shaped) case;
• coil springs (there are as many as pins inside);
• pins-levers located inside and outside;
• one or more stubs.

But whether simple mechanics, or electricians, or biometric systems are used is not so important. If you look inside any lock and see what it is made of, or look at the cut in the technical documentation, you can see about the same parts:

• a secret (bot);
• falove tongue;
• retractable bolts;
• panels (overlays);
• pen.

Easier device constipation for interior doors. They lack a secret mechanism. But nevertheless absolutely it is impossible to refuse special accessories. The number of combinations that the larva has is directly proportional to the degree of security of the entrance. In the most important premises, locks are often installed with increased resistance to burglary, you can only open them with “your” key, made specifically for this particular device.

The lock type lock is initially safer than a cylinder lock of similar complexity. The key is also different: it received the name "soldier" or "butterfly". When the key in the lock turns, the levers rise to the required level. The alternative is a disk unit, but we must bear in mind that its reliability is low. The key for such a lock looks like a rod cut in two, the surface of which is made with several notches.

When the key is inserted into the well, the disks begin to turn. There is a kind of "tunnel", and the mechanism is released. As for the transom systems, everything is simple - the reverse (with respect to the front surface of the door) side of the lock is equipped with a latch. The reliability of this constipation does not hold water. But the weakest version of the castle is the cross type; the larva can be opened with a screwdriver or any other object of the corresponding shape.

Trying to compensate for the weakness of mechanical locks, many developers and builders have resorted to a secret installation. For her, only special types of constipation that do not have a keyhole are suitable. In this case, even trained and motivated criminals have practically no chance to get into the house. It is often practiced to equip doors with radio locks. Yes, you can open them by scanning, but then you have to be in the stairwell with special equipment for a long time, in addition, having precisely determined the location of the electronic part.

An electric motor is used to move the valve. It is placed in the case, while the designers take care of its reliable fixation in extreme positions.Move it will only those who are inside. The design is thought out in such a way that in the event of a fire or other extreme situation, the passage automatically opens. The electronic block of the radio lock allows you to reconfigure access (so that if one of the keys is lost, it cannot be used).

This question is extremely important for owners of both private houses and apartments. It is impossible to draw conclusions only on the properties of a specific variety of constipation. Additionally take into account:

• the material of the lock itself and the door;
• lock profile;
• number of combinations (in the case of mechanical locks).

In Russia, it is customary to mark the category of resistance to cracking with numbers from 1 to 4; The first class is the least reliable among all. In the European tradition, instead of numbers, letters are used - A, B, C, D.The minimum reliability (1st group, or A) almost does not allow to protect against hacking. Even unprofessional criminals and random people will be able to overcome the defense in a maximum of 2 minutes. It is unlikely that these products at all can be considered seriously.

The 2nd class lock (indicated by the European manufacturers by the letter B) is considered suitable for installation in plastic cloth, various types of wood, as well as glass. The maximum duration of hacking is up to 5 minutes. Such devices can be used for entrance doors and on gates of garages, but only as auxiliary elements. 3rd category, it is C, according to official requirements, should deter the invasion of criminals for at least a quarter of an hour. A prerequisite for assigning a lock to this discharge is high mechanical strength, otherwise you could simply crush and destroy the case.

The 4th grade of the lock, aka D, is excellent for a metal door. You can put such designs in the canvas of any other materials. Products are able to withstand both rough and sophisticated instrumental hacking for at least 30 minutes. High class locks are recommended to be used in rooms where there are high material values, weapons and other items of special importance.

The newest solution, designed to ensure the highest reliability of protection, are the so-called double-system locks. They usually combine lever and cylinder mechanisms. But still such a decision is difficult to consider a good choice. As for electromechanical and electromagnetic locks, they have significantly greater capabilities than simple mechanical systems. However, we must remember that the auxiliary units do not increase the mechanical strength of the device.

Having dealt with the requirements for the protection of the entrance, we must also find out what are the methods of installation of locks. The mortise version implies that the device case and its secret part are placed inside the canvas. Because constipation can not be seen from the outside. The increased reliability of such a scheme is somewhat overshadowed by its disadvantage - it is much more difficult to put a lock on a steel door than on a wooden sheet. It is recommended even to choose doors that are already equipped with such locks.

The choice of types of the secret mechanism in the mortise lock is almost unlimited. Invoice locking mechanism is placed, as follows from its name, on the surface of the door leaf from the inside. On the other hand, there is only a hole where the key is inserted.The security category of the overhead device can be any, but it must be understood that from the inside it will open freely. As for the padlocks, there are no secret parts in them, and therefore installation is permissible only in utility rooms.

A wide variety of types of door locks is not only an advantage, but also creates an additional problem. Finding the best solutions for each specific case is rather difficult if you don’t know the basic principles and basic requirements. There are nuances when choosing constipation for fire doors. Be sure to check the availability of labels with the necessary markings. On fake designs nameplates are missing or contain incorrect information.

Fire doors should be equipped only with the locks that are included in the kit. According to the standards of GOST, these constipations must have a special latch. She allows to guarantee reliable closing. You should also check if the delivery kit contains 3 mandatory keys. In most cases, mortise cylinder locks are mounted on the fire-resistant door, all parts of which are connected very firmly.

It is recommended to give preference to fire locks, the resistance of which is the same as that of the canvas. It is also useful to evaluate the resistance to cracking. In rooms where many people gather, it is advisable to use anti-panic fire locks. They open very easily and quickly, just push the door or press the handle. As a result, get out when an emergency situation occurs without any problems.

Has its own features and selection of locks on the door of PVC. Inset there mechanism, which is suitable for a metal or wooden door, is impossible, it will inevitably end in the destruction of the canvas. It is easy to recognize a suitable construction, it always has a size corresponding to the width of standard profiles. Because the mechanism will not rest against the glass or door filler. If the protection of the plastic door mortise locks is insufficient, it will be necessary to supplement them with overhead devices.

One or more locking points can be used. In the first case, it is impossible to guarantee full protection and tight pressing of the door to the frame.The fact is that the pressing occurs only in the place where the lock is embedded. If there are two or more locking points, each block is made autonomous; You can set them in motion by a special movable tire. The advantage of this solution is also excellent retention of heat and noise.

Despite the widespread use of plastic and metal structures, it is still quite often necessary to install locks in a wooden door. The best choice in this case is suvaldny type of constipation with increased secrecy. Good results are also obtained when using cylinder and code devices. If you need to put the lock on the balcony door, you will have to limit the cylinder options. They are smaller in size than suvaldnye products, and therefore their installation is greatly facilitated.

The constipation placed on the balcony door will not perform its task without a latch-type lock. That it provides a tight pressing of the canvas to the frame. The effectiveness of protection against intruders is zero, but it supports the optimal climate regime in the room. The best options are spring and magnetic latches.It is worth remembering that even the best cylinder locks without installing a good security alarm system and other systems will not cope with their task.

For Finnish doors can be used a variety of types of locks. The use of systems without secret mechanisms is allowed. Differences may be related to:

• bolt shape;
• the largest departure;
• latch size;
• removing the key hole.

Just to buy even the best lock and properly install it is not enough. He necessarily requires adjustment from time to time. Whatever the mechanism, the gradual sitting of the door and the wear of parts make themselves felt. Adjustment begins with the removal of steel plates, then unscrew the knobs and get to the internal parts. At this point, it is necessary to unlock and lock the lock several times. So it turns out to find out what exactly is the problem. If the cause is rubbing parts, they are lubricated. After that, the mechanism is turned again several times. Only when it begins to work smoothly, and failures stop, everything returns to its original place.

When the tongue length becomes insufficient:

• remove the mechanism;
• insert a gasket;
• put the lock in place, pushing it to the side lining.

How to install the lock on the front door, see the next video.