Choosing the Right Door Lock
The correct door lock depends on the type of door, the level of security required and how you want the door to operate.
Internal doors may only require a simple latch or privacy lock, while entrance doors normally require a more secure locking system. Traditional timber doors, modern entrance doors and French doors can also require very different types of locking hardware.
Understanding the main types of door lock will make it much easier to select the correct product.
Mortice Locks
A mortice lock is installed into a recess cut into the edge of the door, leaving most of the mechanism concealed.
Mortice locks are commonly used on timber doors and are available as sash locks, deadlocks, bathroom locks and Euro-profile versions.
A mortice sash lock combines a spring latch with a locking deadbolt, allowing the door to be operated with a lever handle or suitable door knob and locked when required.
A mortice deadlock contains a locking bolt without the spring-operated latch and is often used where a separate latch is not required or as an additional locking point.
5 Lever Door Locks
Traditional 5 lever mortice locks use a series of internal levers that must be correctly positioned by the key before the bolt can operate.
They remain a popular choice for timber entrance doors and other applications where a traditional key-operated mortice lock is preferred.
Not all 5 lever locks have the same security performance, so where security standards or insurance requirements apply, always check the testing and certification of the individual product.
Euro Profile Door Locks
A Euro profile mortice lock is designed to operate with a separate Euro profile cylinder rather than having the key mechanism built permanently into the lock case.
This provides considerable flexibility because the lock case and cylinder can be selected separately.
Depending on the cylinder chosen, Euro systems can provide key-to-key, key-and-thumbturn and keyed-alike configurations. They are widely used on both residential and commercial doors.
Multipoint Door Locks
A multipoint door lock secures the door at several points along its height rather than relying on a single locking point.
Depending on the system, additional locking points may include hooks, bolts, rollers or shoot bolts.
Multipoint locking systems are commonly found on modern entrance doors and French doors, where the lock mechanism operates several locking points from a central handle or cylinder position.
When replacing a multipoint lock, dimensions such as the backset, centres, overall length and position of each locking point are particularly important.
Rim Locks
Unlike a mortice lock, a rim lock is surface mounted onto the face of the door.
Traditional rim locks are particularly popular for period properties, cottages and restoration projects where the lock itself forms part of the decorative architectural ironmongery.
They can be paired with traditional rim knobs or other compatible door furniture to create an authentic period appearance.
Bathroom Door Locks
A bathroom lock normally combines a spring-operated latch with a separate privacy deadbolt.
The latch is operated by the door handle, while the privacy bolt is generally operated using a thumbturn on the inside of the room.
Bathroom locks are suitable for bathrooms, WCs and en-suites where privacy is required but a conventional keyed security lock is unnecessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of door lock do I need?
The correct lock depends on the door and how it will be used. Entrance doors generally require a higher level of security, while internal doors may require only a latch, bathroom lock or simpler locking arrangement.
The door construction and the type of handles, knobs or cylinders being fitted should also be considered.
What is the difference between a sash lock and a deadlock?
A sash lock has both a latch and a deadbolt. The latch allows the door to operate normally with a handle, while the deadbolt locks the door.
A deadlock contains a locking bolt but no spring latch.
What is the difference between a mortice lock and a rim lock?
A mortice lock is recessed into the edge of the door so that most of the mechanism is concealed.
A rim lock is mounted onto the face of the door and remains visible. Rim locks are particularly popular for traditional and period-style doors.
What does 5 lever mean on a door lock?
A 5 lever lock contains five internal levers that must be correctly aligned by the key before the bolt can move.
For security-sensitive applications, check the actual standard and certification of the individual lock rather than relying on the number of levers alone.
What is a Euro profile door lock?
A Euro profile lock case is designed to accept a removable Euro profile cylinder.
The cylinder contains the key mechanism, allowing different cylinder configurations and security levels to be used with a compatible lock case.
What is a multipoint door lock?
A multipoint lock secures a door at several positions along its height.
Instead of relying on only one deadbolt, the mechanism can engage several hooks, bolts or other locking points when the door is locked.
Can I replace an existing door lock myself?
In many cases an existing lock can be replaced with a matching model, but accurate measurements are essential.
Check the lock case dimensions, backset, centres, faceplate dimensions and locking configuration before ordering. Multipoint locking systems require particularly careful identification because several measurements must correspond with the existing door.
Need Help Choosing a Door Lock?
With mortice locks, rim locks, Euro profile systems, multipoint locks and different case sizes available, identifying the correct lock is not always straightforward.
Roundtower Hardware supplies a wide selection of door locks and architectural ironmongery throughout Ireland for residential, commercial and traditional properties.
Browse our door lock collection online, or contact our team with your door details or existing lock measurements and we can help you identify a suitable option.
