Common Lock Types in Harlow, Essex

If you've ever looked at your front or back door and wondered exactly what type of lock is fitted, you're certainly not alone.

I'm Andy from Emergency Local Locksmith in Harlow. After more than 20 years working with locks and doors, I've dealt with everything from traditional mortice locks on older timber doors to modern multipoint mechanisms fitted to uPVC and composite doors.

Knowing what type of lock you have can be useful if you're locked out, something has broken, you've lost your keys or you're considering improving your home security.

Here are some of the lock types I commonly come across while working around Harlow.

1. Mortice Deadlocks

Mortice deadlocks are commonly found on timber entrance doors, particularly on older properties.

The lock body sits inside a pocket cut into the edge of the door rather than being mounted on the surface. Turning the key operates the bolt into the keep fitted to the frame.

There are different standards and security levels available, so two mortice locks that look similar from the outside aren't necessarily equivalent.

If security or insurance requirements are important, check the markings and specification of the actual lock rather than assuming that any mortice lock will be suitable.

2. Mortice Sashlocks

A mortice sashlock combines a latch and a locking bolt in the same lock case.

The handle operates the latch for everyday opening and closing, while the key operates the deadbolt when you want to secure the door.

They're commonly found on timber doors and some commercial doors.

Like mortice deadlocks, they come in different sizes, specifications and security standards. If an existing sashlock needs replacing, matching the correct dimensions can also reduce unnecessary alterations to the door.

3. Euro Profile Cylinders

Euro cylinders are extremely common on uPVC and composite doors around Harlow.

The cylinder is the part you insert the key into, but it's important to understand that the cylinder isn't normally the complete locking mechanism.

On a uPVC or composite door, it usually operates a separate multipoint mechanism running along the edge of the door.

One advantage is that the cylinder can often be replaced or upgraded without replacing the complete multipoint system.

There are also higher-security cylinders available with additional protection against common methods of attack such as snapping, drilling and picking.

The correct cylinder size matters too. A cylinder that protrudes excessively beyond the door furniture may create an unnecessary weakness.

4. Multipoint Locking Mechanisms

Multipoint locks are fitted to a huge number of uPVC and composite doors.

When you lift the handle, several locking points along the door engage with keeps in the frame. Depending on the mechanism, these can include hooks, rollers, bolts and other locking points.

Turning the key then secures the system.

One of the problems I regularly see isn't actually caused by the lock itself.

If a door drops or moves out of alignment, the locking points can start catching against the frame. The customer may then have to pull, push or lift the handle harder to get the door locked.

Continuing to force it can eventually damage the gearbox or another part of the mechanism.

If your uPVC door has suddenly become difficult to lock, it's worth finding out why before replacing parts unnecessarily.

5. Night Latches and Rim Locks

A night latch is fitted to the inside surface of a timber door, with a cylinder on the outside for key access.

Many people simply refer to these as “Yale locks”, although Yale is a manufacturer rather than the name for every lock of this type.

Night latches are convenient because the door can latch automatically when it closes.

There are basic models as well as higher-security versions, and the right arrangement depends on the door and the level of security required.

On some timber entrance doors you'll find a night latch being used alongside a separate mortice deadlock.

6. Rim Cylinders

The cylinder on the outside of many traditional night-latch installations is known as a rim cylinder.

It's a relatively simple component and can often be changed without replacing the complete night latch.

That can be useful when keys have been lost, you've moved into a property, or you simply want to prevent an old key from continuing to operate the door.

Again, replacing only the component that actually needs replacing can be considerably more sensible than automatically changing the whole locking arrangement.

7. Padlocks

Padlocks are commonly used around homes and businesses for sheds, gates, garages, storage areas and tool containers.

There's a huge difference between a lightweight padlock and one designed for more demanding security applications.

But the padlock itself is only part of the equation.

There's little benefit in fitting a substantial padlock to a weak hasp, staple, chain or fixing that can easily be attacked.

When securing an outbuilding, I look at the complete arrangement rather than concentrating solely on the padlock.

8. Garage Door Locks

Garage security is sometimes overlooked even though garages can contain expensive tools, bicycles and equipment.

The locking arrangement varies considerably depending on the type and age of the garage door.

In some circumstances additional physical security, such as an appropriate garage door defender, may be worth considering.

The important point is that any additional security needs to suit the actual door and be installed correctly.

9. High-Security Cylinders

Not every Euro cylinder offers the same level of protection.

Higher-security cylinders can incorporate features intended to resist techniques such as snapping, drilling, picking and manipulation.

If you're considering an upgrade, I wouldn't recommend choosing a cylinder purely because the packaging contains the words “high security”.

Look at the actual certification and specification, and make sure the cylinder is correctly sized for your door.

The rest of the door matters too. A quality cylinder can't compensate for badly damaged handles, a failing mechanism or a weak door installation.

Which Lock Do I Have?

If you're unsure, the easiest option is often to send me a clear photograph.

For a uPVC or composite door, photographs of the handles, cylinder and edge of the door can often give me a good idea of the system fitted.

For a timber door, photographs of the edge of the door and both sides of the lock are useful.

You can send them to me on WhatsApp before I attend.

That can help identify the likely lock type and, in some cases, the parts that may be required.

Does My Lock Need Replacing?

Not necessarily.

A lock problem doesn't automatically mean the entire lock or door mechanism has failed.

Sometimes the problem is adjustment, alignment, a worn component or one particular part of the locking system.

That's particularly common with uPVC and composite doors.

My approach is to repair before replace wherever practical.

If a repair is sensible, I'll explain it. If replacement is the better option, I'll explain why and what needs changing.

What Lock Should I Choose for My Door?

That depends on the door.

A timber front door, composite door, uPVC door, garage and commercial aluminium door can all require completely different locking solutions.

Security requirements, how the door is used, existing hardware and the condition of the door also need to be considered.

That's why I don't think there's one universal “best lock”.

The right lock is one that's suitable for the particular door, correctly fitted and appropriate for the level of security required.

Local Lock Advice in Harlow

I'm Andy, owner and locksmith at Emergency Local Locksmith.

I'm based in Harlow and work throughout CM17, CM18, CM19 and CM20 as well as surrounding parts of West Essex and East Hertfordshire.

I repair, replace and upgrade many types of domestic and commercial locks, including mortice locks, cylinders, night latches and uPVC and composite door locking mechanisms.

If you're having trouble with a lock or you're unsure what type you have, call me directly or send me a photograph on WhatsApp.

Emergency Local Locksmith
Andy — Owner & Locksmith
Harlow, Essex
24/7 Mobile Locksmith
07939 030543