Lock Types

ALL ABOUT THE LOCKS
IN YOUR HOME

"Ewan originally came to replace a lock out of hours to my property after an attempted break in. He then returned a few days later to replace some other locks for anti snap  ones. He did an amazing job and is extremely knowledgeable. I would not hesitate in using his services again and recommending him to friends and family." Customer in Sutton Coldfield, February 2020

Euro Cylinder For UPVC

This type of lock is basically the key-operated part of a large, multi-point locking system that protects the length of the door with a number of bolts, hooks, rollers, and pins.
 
A good UPVC door is a great security item, but is often let down by the weakness of the euro cylinder. If a criminal can defeat the euro cylinder by picking, drilling, or snapping (the easiest method) then they can completely unlock your door, no matter how many bolts, pins and gadgets are holding it shut. 

The locks in the picture at the top are very basic ones and contain little - if any - protection against even the most basic attacks.  This would still however be a common style of lock to be found in UPVC doors around Sutton Coldfield.   Below these locks you will see a picture of a Sold-Secure Diamond Standard anti-snap lock installed in a door - this is the real elevel of protection that serious threats demand.

Tip: Make sure that your multi-point locking system is in good condition too. Some doors are in a poor state of repair or are not even locked properly by their owners, therefore there is no benefit at all provided by all the additional locking points.

"Excellent service and communication, was delighted with the work done. Wouldn’t hesitate to use again." Customer in Solihull, July 2022

Although in principle euro cylinders are very simple to fit, there can be many difficulties with fitting - that you may or may not notice – that impact on the performance of the lock.

A common and easy to see fault is where the cylinder is the wrong size and either protrudes excessively from the door or is recessed into the handle set. Some unexpected problems will also lead to a euro cylinder displaced from your door and impossible to replace and once again lock it.  If you buy for yourself an expensive anti-snap barrel and have trouble fitting it you could also break it by forcing it into place.

It is worth obtaining a professional fitting service to ensure you receive the expertise and workmanship necessary so that you can have many years of reliable security.
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Mortice Lock for Wooden Doors

These are the more traditional British lock, designed to fit into a 'mortice' cut in a wooden door.  There are so many sizes and variants of this lock style that professional fitting is essential - even for a direct replacement.
If your wooden door has a mortice lock to keep it secure, it must not be anything less than a British Standard 3621 mortice lock. This includes that door in your kitchen that connects to your garage! 

Often, people know this style of lock as a 'Chubb lock'. Chubb no longer exists as a lock company, but their high-quality designs still live on. 

You can call us today for a free security inspection to verify the safety of your doors. If you have a professionally fitted BS3621 mortice lock, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that this is one of the very best forms of protection available. 

The NightLatch

Another very traditional British security device, these types of locks are commonly referred to as 'Yale Locks', because Yale popularised them, but there are innumerable other manufacturers of the night latch.

There are actually numerous versions of the 'Yale Lock' with widely different applications.  Some styles look completely identical but have differences in function which make them totally in-appropriate when installed in the wrong setting.  If you are someone who is always annoyed at getting locked out by your nightlatch, then we can also advise on some brilliant alternative nightlatch lock models which will make your life a lot easier!

As an Approved Company Member of the Master Locksmiths Association we are qualified to help you if you are not sure and you can trust us to give you useful and appropriate options.  Send photographs of your lock for advice by email or get in touch for a free security survey and have the reassurance that a MLA locksmith has checked over your locks properly.

"Ewan is always able to come and do the work promptly, is very clear in his communication and always on time. This is the 3rd time I have used him and he hasn't disappointed."  Customer in Solihull, March 2022
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EURO MORTICE DEADLOCK

This style allows the ease-of-use and interchangeability of eurocylinders to be applied to wooden doors that use a single locking point and a relatively small cut-out of the door material to house the lock case.  This style of lock is extremely common in flats.  Owners can choose to upgrade their original lock case to a high security version with armoured escutcheons such as the ERA British Standard item shown in the picture.  It is also possible to add euro-mortice locks as an additional lock to double the number of locking points on the original door.  Adding an additional item to flats should be considered with caution as a specially made fire door should not normally be modified with cut-outs that have not been authorised in the design / testing process.  When these locks are chosen it is sometimes required to have additional fire-resistant materials installed around them.

Euro mortice deadlocks with armoured escutcheons are ideal platforms for high security eurocylinders incorporating key-copy protection.  This is a great solution for complete key accountability in property management.

Birmingham YARDLEY & Acocks green LOCAL LOCKSMITH

CraftLock Ltd is an Approved Company of the Master Locksmith Association, based in Yardley, Birmingham.  We have very rapid coverage of local East Birmingham wards including Yardley, Sheldon, Acocks Green and Olton in Solihull.
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