It’s important that, when fabricators are choosing door locks, they are given a variety of options so they can select the solution which most effectively fits their requirements – this is especially important when it comes to the functionality of the door lock.
It’s important that, when fabricators are choosing door locks, they are given a variety of options so they can select the solution which most effectively fits their requirements – this is especially important when it comes to the functionality of the door lock.
What are the different types of door locks?
There are 5 key different types of door locking options that are commonly used:
- Lever Operated
- Split Spindle
- Slam Shut
- Electromechanical
- Key Operated
In this article we will talk about these 5 key types of door locks, all of which are available from Carl F Groupco.
Lever Operated Door Locks
Lever operated door locks are Carl F Groupco’s biggest selling multipoint door locks, and likely the most common multipoint door lock fitted today. Popular on new build developments and replacement doors alike including aluminium, composite, PVCu and timber doors.
The handle is simply lifted to engage the locking points and the key is turned to throw and secure the deadbolt. To unlock, the key can be turned, and the handle pushed down to disengage locking points and allow exit.
Split Spindle Door Locks
Split spindle door locks, or dual follower door locks, can work in one of two ways, but the functionality of the door lock is the same. Rather than the inner and outer handles working in tandem like the lever operated door locks, the inner and outer handles will instead work independently (hence the name split/dual spindle).
This increases security from the outside; the latch can only be disengaged from the outside with the key, not just the lever handle. Once the latch is retracted using the key, the handle can be depressed to disengage outboard locking points to gain entry. From the inside, once the cylinder is unlocked exit can be made by depressing the lever handle, in the same way as the lever operated door lock.
A split spindle lock can either be one spindle which is split in the middle, like in the case of the FUHR multisafe 859 range. Or, the lock can operate with two separate spindles, known as dual spindle or dual follower, such as the Yale Lockmaster range – this would require an offset door handle set to use the dual spindle mode. Both the FUHR multisafe 859 and Yale Lockmaster ranges can be found in our selection of standard residential door locks.
This independent functionality can be beneficial as it means that although not fully locked, no one can follow you in, or if you forget to lift the lever and turn the key on the way out, the door is locked on the latch. In this regard, the split spindle offers enhanced security compared to lever operated locks.
Slam Shut Door Locks
Slam shut door locks, also known as automatic door locks, automatically throw outbound locking points when the door is closed. Different brands use different methods of engaging these locking points, but a magnet is often the preferred solution. On closing the door, magnets trigger firing and engaging the locking points, securing the door. Lock the door fully by turning the key to engage the deadbolt.
It is also possible to add panic functionality to some slam shut door locks, for example the FUHR autotronic 834P, to allow unimpeded exit from a property. This is especially popular in commercial settings as well as schools and colleges.
An additional advantage other than the security benefits of the automatic locking feature, is that by engaging the outbound locking points, the integrity of the door is upheld. For composite and timber doors, for example, there is a risk of bowing. By engaging all locking points every time the door is closed, bowing is prevented extending the lifetime of the whole door.
Electromechanical Door Locks
Growing in popularity are electromechanical door locks – where the door lock mechanism is driven by a motor. There are options for single or dual motors which can either solely unlock, or lock and unlock the door with benefits to both depending upon the project. Access control can be integrated with these door devices providing more choice for end users, no matter where they are being fitted. Popular with commercial projects including schools and also social housing, electromechanical door locks are not just designed for ‘Grand Designs’ homes.
Key Operated Door Locks
Popular to fit alongside modern pull handles, key operated door locks utilise the key to fully engage and disengage locking points. Two turns are required to fully lock the door. A fixed handle or pull handle with escutcheon is required on the outside and the key is used to operate the latch. From the inside, the lever handle is used to operate the latch.
Browse our range today
You can browse Carl F Groupco’s multipoint door lock sets from our door hardware section. We offer a variety of different door locks including Standard Residential, Timber & Composite, Stable, French, and even Electronic door locks.
Get in touch with us today to discover how our door locking systems can provide an ideal solution for your doors.