Door Locks & Latches

To give homeowners the freedom to protect their home in a way that suits them, we stock a wide variation of locks and latches in a multitude of styles and sizes. Although this is great for those who know the exact lock they need, it may be a little confusing for someone who’s still trying to decide. To make things a little easier, we’ve compiled a handy list of all the standard lock fixings you’ll find on our site as well as some important information on each of them too. 

Mortice Locks 

A pretty heavy duty option, mortice locks utilise a specialist latch mechanism which fits into the interior of the door and creates a space for the bolt to lock into. This mechanism also features a series of levers to the rear of the bolt. The key matches these interior levers, so when the key is inserted, the levers align, and the mechanism can be rotated to extend the bolt out.  

Night Latches 

Night latches are easily installed to the inner surface of the door with no requirement for fitting within the door’s interior. Simple yet effective in design, as the door closes, the night latch automatically latches the door shut. The door can then be opened from the external side using a matching key.  

Surface Bolts/Slide Bolts 

As implied in the name, surface bolts are fixed to the surface of the door. They are used to hold two doors together or to provide additional security in coalition with a separate locking system.  
They are very easy to install and operate, although typically aren’t used as a standalone security lock for exterior doors. Surface or slide bolts are more commonly utilised to provide privacy within the home on a bathroom door for example. 

Cylinder Locks 

Cylinder locks are designed with a multitude of pins set at varying lengths within the lock. When the correct matching key is inserted and turned, the internal pins align and move an attached cam in or out of the recess to lock or unlock the door. Practical to use and easy to reconfigure if needed, cylinder locks are a highly popular choice for external door security.  

Rack Bolt Locks 

Recessed into the door, rack bolt locks are opened and closed using a key which moves the bolt in and out of the door frame. Rack bolts are commonly installed to provide extra protection for timber doors and can often be seen in pairs, with one lock at the bottom and another positioned towards the top.  

Barrell Bolt Locks 

Typically used for privacy purposes instead of security, barrel bolts incorporate a metal bolt with handle as well as catch plate. The catch plate is fixed to the door frame, from which the door can be locked by sliding the bolt into. They are very simple to operate and make a practical addition to bathroom doors and garden gates. 

Sash Locks 

Suitable for use on both interior and exterior doors, the sash lock utilises a lock, latch and handle to open. The deadbolt is locked by turning the key, however, a latch ensures your door remains closed even if you don’t want to lock it. Sash locks are popular as they provide a reliable sense of security and protection but won’t lock you out unexpectedly if you simply want to close the door behind you. 

Multi-point Locking Systems 

Designed to provide the optimum level of protection for your door, multi-point locking systems incorporate a variety of locks, keys, handles and keeps which bolt the door at various points. With numerous locks on one door, multi-point systems give you the highest sense of security but are all controlled by a single key for ease of operation. 

Effectively utilising locks is a great way of making your home feel as protected as possible. When picking out the perfect set of locks for your exterior doors, consider the different door types you have throughout your home. 

Front Door 
The front door is the first line of defence for your home, so consider how you can optimise security in a way that works with your door type and your budget. Multi-point locking systems are usually a number one choice for homeowners who want the highest level of security for their property. They are popularly utilised on modern residential buildings and operate well when paired with a solid timber or uPVC door model. Sash locks are another commonly spotted choice as they provide easy key operation and robust locking, plus help to avoid accidentally locking yourself out.  

Back Door 
As a secondary entrance point to your home, it's also important to ensure your back door is well-secured too. The cylinder lock is a brilliantly practical option for back door protection, offering easy installation, simplistic functionality and hassle-free resetting and reconfiguration if a key should ever be misplaced. 

Patio Door 
Patio doors are available in an abundance of different styles and not all locks may be suitable for your specific door type. Typically, standard French doors work well with key operated mortice locks or surface mounted bolts, dependant on the level of protection you want to create.  

Locks are more commonly used within the home to enhance privacy rather than provide robust security and protection. If you have valuable items stored in a particular room or perhaps have a cupboard space you would like to keep off-limits, then a more heavy duty lock may be a suitable choice internally too. 

Go through the doors within your home and consider where a lock may be appropriate. In most homes you will find locks on bathrooms, en-suites and shower rooms as standard. Specialist bathroom locks that turn with handles or knobs are a practical choice for this although surface bolts and slider bolts fitted onto the interior side of the door work well too. 

For home offices holding expensive equipment or a bedroom in a shared house for example, you may want a little extra security as well as privacy too. In these cases, a sash lock or mortice lock work well and involve the use of a key, so you can limit entry to the room to just yourself if needed.