Door Lock Buying Guide
Door locks are the first line of defence for buildings, but buying the wrong type could put you at risk of burglaries.
Using a British Standard approved lock for your home may be required by insurance companies and, if not, could still save you a lot of money insuring your property.
There are a number of locks to choose from – some used on their own, some to supplement other defences – including mortice locks, euro locks and surface locks.
Choosing a lock? Consider the level of security you need, the material of the door, insurance policies and budgets to find the right one for your needs.
Types Of Mortice Door Lock
Mortice locks fit into a pocket in the edge of the door – called a mortice – and have a locking bolt which moves back and forth into the door frame.
Mortice locks range from 2 to 7 levers, with higher security with every lever added. Here at Toolstation, you’ll find 3 lever and 5 lever varieties. 5 lever locks are commonly used on external doors, sometimes alongside nightlatches to add extra security.
The two main types of mortice lock are sash locks and deadlocks.
5-Lever Deadlocks
Looking for the best lock for external timber doors? 5-lever deadlocks are ideal because they’re very difficult to break into – if they’re British Standard BS361 approved, they’ve been rigorously tested against all the common methods used by burglars.
With the British Standard approval, they could bring down the cost of insuring your property because they offer a high level of protection – they’re also recommended by the police.
5-lever deadlocks are more expensive than their 3-lever counterparts to reflect the higher security offered by these models.
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Advantages
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High protection for external residential doors
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Can reduce home insurance premium
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Can be ‘keyed alike’ – use one key for multiple locks
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Things To Consider
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Not all 5-lever deadlocks are British Standard BS361 approved
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May be worth considering a surface lock in addition for extra security
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Higher cost than 3-lever deadlocks because of greater security
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3-Lever Deadlocks
If you’re looking to secure internal wooden doors or add privacy for bedrooms or bathrooms, 3-lever deadlocks are a common choice because they’re less expensive yet still difficult to force open.
They’re also aesthetically pleasing – just the keyhole and faceplate of the locking mechanism are seen when the door is closed. 3-lever deadlocks can also be keyed alike, meaning you’ll need just one key for multiple locks – making them safer in emergency situations.
3-lever mortice deadlocks don’t meet the BS361 British Standard for external doors, so are only suitable for internal doors.
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Advantages
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Lock internal doors for privacy at a lower cost than 5-lever locks
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Difficult to force open
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Aesthetically pleasing – less of the locking mechanism visible
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Things To Consider
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Should only be used for internal doors
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Advisable to keep a key accessible in case of an emergency
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Sash Locks
3 and 5 lever sash locks – used for timber doors – are a reliable and versatile lock with a bolt that slides into the door frame and a latch to operate it. This means you don’t need to worry about it locking behind you if you forget your key on busy mornings!
Because, like deadlocks, they’re fitted inside the door, they’re very difficult to force open. As well as this, most of the lock being stored inside means you have lots of choice to customise what you can see, such as the door handle, to fit your style.
It’s important to remember that, like deadlocks, only 5-lever sash locks can be British Standard BS3621 approved, so you should ensure they’ve passed these checks before relying on them to secure your property.
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Advantages
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Versatile, unobtrusive and very secure lock for external and internal doors
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Doesn’t lock behind you if you forget your key
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Things To Consider
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Only 5-lever locks should be used for external doors
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Need to remember to manually lock
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Professional locksmith recommended for installation
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Types Of Euro Cylinder
Euro cases look similar to sash locks and deadlocks, but are mainly used for PVCu doors instead of timber doors. They have space for an inexpensive, replaceable euro cylinder lock – ideal for landlords who need to change the locks when a new tenant moves in.
Cylinders come as single, double and thumbturn varieties. Single cylinders only lock from one side, double cylinders lock from both sides, and thumb turn cylinders unlock by rotating a solid metal thumb turn instead of a key.
Different standards of cylinder are available, including standard 6-pin, 1 star kitemarked, and 3 star kitemarked – the latter being the only security recommended for external doors, unless 1 star cylinders are used with 2 star door hardware.
Euro Sash Cases
Euro sash cases – like classic sash locks – are often used for external doors and have a deadbolt that slides into the door frame and a spring-loaded latch. They are operated with a replaceable cylinder to make it easy and inexpensive to change the locks.
With a thumbturn cylinder, door can be unlocked from the inside by turning the thumbturn on the cylinder, ideal for opening the door in emergency situations – but need a key when used from the outside.
It’s important to check that the euro cylinder is 3 star kitemarked to ensure it’s anti-pick, anti-drill, anti-bump and anti-snap. We always recommend to use a 3 star rated cylinder as it provides the best protection to your door.
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Advantages
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Inexpensive and easy to change the locks
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Thumbturn cylinders are ideal for building with one entry point for quick exit
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Known for high security – deterring burglars
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Things To Consider
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Needs to be 3 star kitemarked for external doors
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Cheaper cylinders can sometimes get stuck or jammed
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Euro Dead Cases
Euro dead cases, like mortice deadlocks, secure a door with a bolt that slides into the door frame – but with a replaceable cylinder locking mechanism that makes it inexpensive and easy to change the locks.
Dead cases are versatile and customisable; you can choose from a wide range of escutcheons – protective and decorative keyhole covers – to find the right style for your doors.
Unlike sash cases, if the door is locked, you need to unlock it with a key – meaning you’ll want to keep a spare close by for emergency situations.
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Advantages
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Inexpensive and easy to replace locks
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Versatile and customisable to your needs
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Things To Consider
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Keep a spare key close-by in case of emergencies
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For external doors, cylinders need a 3* kitemark
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Other Door Lock Types
Night Latches
Night latches are often used on front doors alongside a mortice lock. A metal bolt slides into a case attached to the door frame. They are unlocked from the outside using a key, and a thumb turn from the inside of the home.
They automatically lock the door behind you so you don’t need to remember to lock it if you’re leaving in a rush – but you can put night latches ‘on the latch’ to avoid this when needed.
Standard night latches shouldn’t be relied on to secure a property on their own unless they’re British Standard approved – pair with a BS3621 5-lever mortice lock to meet insurance regulations and police recommendations.
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Advantages
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Simple security, ergonomic and easy-to-use
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Easy to install
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Proven high-security
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Things To Consider
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Standard model should be paired with a 5-lever mortice lock
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May be worth considering a surface lock in addition for extra security
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The lock is fully visible compared to mortice types
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Rim Locks
Rim locks are the oldest type of lock used in the UK and Ireland. They’re easily attached to the surface of a door and feature a sliding bolt which slides into a case on the door frame. They’re used alongside mortice locks on front doors, or to keep garden sheds secure.
Because they’re mounted on the surface of the door, there’s less damage to the door or door frame compared to mortice locks – which cut large holes into the woodwork. This also means the locks can have stylish decorations to suit your taste.
Rim locks aren’t secure enough for external doors because they’re only attached to the surface meaning they’re easier to overcome; you’ll need to use them with a BS3621 approved lock if you want to use them for anything other than internal doors.
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Advantages
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Traditional and stylish designs available
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Easy to install and replace when needed
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Reduced damage to the door
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Things To Consider
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Can be snapped with brute force
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Can be opened from the outside with skeleton keys
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Push Button Locks
Push button locks offer high security for internal and external doors, and are operated using a keypad with a code set by the user – you won’t need to give keys to everyone who needs access. When the correct code is entered, a bolt slides out of the door frame to unlock the door.
The code can be changed at any time – making it easy to control who’s allowed in and out without having to change the entire lock.
It’s important to consider who the code is being shared with – it’s much easier to pass around than a key! And in the case of battery-operated locks – the battery could run out.
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Advantages
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Convenient, controlled access to offices and cupboards
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Change the code whenever needed & save money on key copies
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Burglars already know lots of tricks for traditional locks
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Things To Consider
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Anyone could share the code at any time
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Code may need to be changed regularly
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Technology could malfunction or power supply may need replacing
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Door Lock Finishes and Materials
Satin Finish Door Locks
Satin finish locks have a slightly matte look, giving them a sleek and modern appearance. They’re also better at hiding fingerprints because of the slight milky appearance.
Polished Finish Door Locks
Locks with a polished finish are slightly glossier, for a traditional, more luxurious look. They’re highly corrosion resistant too – great for withstanding the elements!
Brass Door Locks
Brass locks are made of a metallic alloy of copper and zinc. It’s a strong material that doesn’t rust – meaning it’s ideal for locks where moisture could be a problem.
Chrome Door Locks
Chrome locks are coated in the chemical element Chromium and are a steely grey colour. They’re a popular choice to give a modern appearance and increase the durability of locks.
Electro Brass Door Locks
Electro brass is a popular coating, made by using an electrical current to apply a thin layer of brass to the surface to the lock. It’s a cost effective and stronger alternative to solid brass.
Nickel Brass Door Locks
Nickel has a slightly glossy, yellow hue compared to chrome coated locks and offers corrosion resistance, as well as adding brightness and lustre to the surface.
Door Lock Accessories
Pulls
Pulls are added by the lock to the door, and allow you to pull the door open when a handle isn’t needed – such as deadlocks and euro dead cases.
Escutcheons
Escutcheons are flat pieces of metal to protect the keyhole and add style to a door. There are also thumbturn escutcheons which function with the lock to turn it and slide the bolt.
Bathroom Indicator Bolts
Bathroom indicator bolts have signs on the bolt to indicate whether the bathroom is engaged or vacant, making them ideal for offices, schools and within the hospitality industry.
Handles
Door handles are necessary for some locks to operate a latch, or you can use them as a door pull. You’ll find these in a number of styles to suit your taste and decor.
Door Viewers
Door viewers – commonly used for apartment front doors – are installed into a drilled hole in the door and can add extra security by allowing you to see who’s knocking before opening the door.
Door Chains, Bolts and Hooks
Door chains, bolts and hooks can be used to add extra protection to a door in addition to a lock. Bolts and hooks are also ideal, inexpensive and easy-to-install bathroom locks. Door chains allow the door to be slightly opened for extra security.
Our Top Door Lock Brands
Frequently Asked Questions
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The most secure type of lock depends on the type of door. For uPVC doors, opt for a euro sash case or euro dead case alongside a 3 star kitemark cylinder. For timber doors, use a British Standard BS3621 approved 5-lever mortice model such as a sashlock or deadlock.
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The only locks that should be used on exterior doors are , push button locks, or 3 star kitemarked euro sash cases and dead cases.
For added security, you can use surface locks – but these should never be relied on alone.
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A deadbolt lock is a type of deadlock with a bolt that extends into the door frame or floor, automatically locking when the door is closed.
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Front doors sometimes have two locks for extra security. Sometimes one lock is for security, and the other is for style – particularly if you’re looking for a traditional Victorian aesthetic.
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A normal door lock is likely to be a mortice lock – either a deadlock, sashlock, euro sash case or euro deadcase style. These offer high security for external doors and also act as a visible deterrent because burglars know they’re difficult to overcome.
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A latch is a commonly used spring-loaded bolt with a locking mechanism located inside the door which retracts when a door handle or doorknob is operated.
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To make your front door more secure, it’s important to get a lock that meets the required standards – a 5-lever mortice lock with BS3621 British Standard approval, or 3 star kitemarked in the case of a euro lock and cylinder.
You can also add an extra surface lock or door chain, as well as a spy viewer so you can see who’s knocking before opening the door.
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If you want to stop a door from being kicked in it’s important to choose a British Standard BS3621 approved or 3 star kitemarked mortice lock – such as a sashlock or deadlock.
These types of lock are anti-pick, anti-bump, anti-drill and anti-snap.
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Euro cylinders are given ratings – from standard to 3 star – which tell you how secure the lock is. Standard cylinders offer medium levels of security and can be relied on for internal doors.
Cylinders with a 1 star kitemark are anti-pick, anti-bump and anti-drill, making them a high security option for external doors. By combining a 1 star cylinder with 2 star door hardware such as handles, the lock is upgraded to a 3 star cylinder.
Cylinders with a 3 star kitemark offer the maximum level of security and are anti-snap alongside all the benefits of 1 star cylinders.
