Locksmith Glossary

Look here for information on security product terms used on our website.

AUTOMATIC DEADLOCKING
A device fitted to a lock where closing the door or gate reverts the bolt into a deadlocked state.

ACCESS CONTROL
Access control enables the optimum management of personnel movement within a building or locations.

BOLT
A device usually made from brass or steel used to secure a door or gate to its frame.

BATHROOM DOOR LOCK
A type of Mortice lock featuring a thumbturn facility which is used to lock the door from inside.

BRITISH STANDARD 3621
This is the level of security strongly recommended by the Police and Insurance Companies. The standard includes many security features, ensuring that the lock is resistant to attack by drill, saw or force.

CLAW BOLT
A type of deadbolt having claws which swing out side ways when the bolt is shot. Such locks are usually fixed to sliding doors.

DEADBOLT
A bolt which is put into the locked and unlocked position by the key only. The exception to this is a fire escape lock which can be unlocked from the inside, usually using a handle.

DEADLOCK
A lock which is locked and unlocked by the key only. The exception to this is a fire escape lock which can be unlocked from the inside, usually using a handle.

DEADLATCH
A nightlatch or latch, the springbolt of which can be locked (or deadlocked) by key or other means.

DETAINER
A unique, alternative to a lever which offers a greater number of key variations, particularly when the key is master keyed.

DIFFERS
The number of different key combinations that are possible with a particular locking mechanism.

DOUBLE LOCKING NIGHTLATCH
Offers additional security than a standard Nightlatch as the main lock to it automatically deadlocks. Provides high security, particularly for doors with glass panels.

ESCUTCHEON
A protective plate around a key hole. Larger escutcheons support the key as it enters the lock ensuring correct alignment with the mechanism.

FACE PLATE
Face plate or outer forend which is the only part of a fitted mortice lock that is visible.

FINISHES & ABBREVIATIONS
BLUX - Brasslux, BLK - Black, CG - Champagne Gold, CP - Chrome Plated, DMG - Dark Metallic Grey, EB - Electro Brass, NP - Nickel Plated, PB - Polised Brass, PC - Polished Chrome, PL - Polished & Lacquered, PSS - Polished Stainless Steel, SAA - Satin Anodised Aluminium, SC - Satin Chrome, SCP - Satin Chrome Plated, SNP - Satin Nickel Plated, SS - Stainless Steel, SSS - Satin Stainless Steel, SV- Silver, SE - Satin Enamelled, WE - White Enamelled, WH - White.

HOOK BOLT
A lock with a hook shaped bolt used for securing sliding doors.

HORIZONTAL LOCK
Lock which has its key hole and handle on the same horizontal line.

KEYED ALIKE
More than one lock or latch which can be operated by the same key.

LATCH BOLT
A bolt which is with drawn by the handle, not the key.

LEVER
A moving obstruction in a lock activated by the key. Use of the wrong key will either over-lift or under-lift the lever rendering the lock inoperable. The more levers there are the greater number of key combinations.

LOCKING LATCH
A latch which can be locked and withdrawn by the key as well as being withdraw by the handle when in the unlocked condition.

MASTER KEYING
An arrangement which allows one key to operate a number of differing locks.

MORTICE LOCK
Fixed into the edge rather than onto the face of the door.

REVERSIBLE LATCH
A latch which can be reversed to suit opening in or opening out situation.

RIMLOCK
Rimlocks are fitted to the surface of a door - often used on shed and garage doors and older/cottage style doors.

SASHLOCK
A "deadlock" with the addition of a latch mechanism, used with a handle.

SNAPLOCK
Another good security option for wooden casement, transom and pivot windows. It automatically "snaps" locked when the window is closed.

SINGLE SIDED
A lock operable from one side only. (Such locks are handed)

THROW
The distance a bolt travels from the unlocked to the locked position. Some locks may have the bolt 'Double Thrown' by an extra turn of the key or a second key called the 'Doubles Key'.

VERTICAL LOCK
Lock which has its key hole and handle on the same vertical line.