PICK OF THE LOCKS

Lock Number Four

Here we have a five lever mortice lock, which is the second lock on the same door with lock number three. This gives additional security but again has no British Standard kitemark. This means that neither lock on this door would be insurance approved.

Lock Number Five

Here we have a UPVC multipoint door lock.  It is probably worth just checking the cylinder to see if it has a kitemark. It is also worth checking if it works on rollers or hooks and asking your insurance company if it meets their standards. We also can’t tell from the photo how many points it locks on, but the more points the better. 

Lock Number Six

So here we have a lock that we call a sash lock. The additional key in the photo we assume belongs to the same door. This lock again may not have the BS3621 kitemark, although may also be acceptable to an insurance company, but we’d definitely recommend checking this. The additional key would be for a rack bolt, which would probably be used at the top and bottom of the door for extra security.

Lock Number Seven

This is an older lock on a UPVC door, which we estimate is about 10 to 15 years old. At the centre of the lock are two rollers and there are extensions at the top and bottom of the door for added security. As there have been a lot of improvements in the quality of locks in recent years, we would recommend upgradng this lock for insurance purposes. Also, because of its age, it is unlikely to be as effective as newer locks of a similar standard.

Lock Number Eight

Here we have a lock with all the hallmarks of good quality. It looks very new and has the ‘Secure by Design’ logo which is MLA approved. It has a 6 pin cylinder, high quality handles and a hook mechanism when it locks. This is what we would consider to be a very effective lock. 

Lock Number Nine 

This is not a bad night latch. The black bit on the bolt acts as an anti thrust bolt, which means it automatically deadlocks when the door is closed. so cannot be easily opened with a plastic card. It is a good lock  for privacy but it needs the additional support of a security British Standard deadlock.

Lock Numbers Ten and Eleven

These two lock photos from the same door are of the cylinders only and we cannot see what type of locks they operate in conjunction with. However, they are fairly standard lock cylinders that are not insurance rated.

Lock Number Twelve

This lock is very similar to lock number Nine and is not a bad night latch.  It also has the black bit on the bolt which acts as an anti thrust bolt, which means it automatically deadlocks when the door is closed. Although it is a good lock to have for privacy, it does need the additional support of a security British Standard deadlock.

Lock Number Thirteen

This is a deadlock with a cylinder and turn. This is not insurance approved but we are under the impression that the latch lock in number twelve above and this deadlock are on a communal door. This means they have to be in line with fire standards. Fire standards mean they have to be quick release. We would recommend that if this is the case, that the doors to any individual flats have good insurance rated locks installed.

Thanks to everyone who sent us photos and information about their locks. We hope you’ve found it useful. It’s not too late if you want to send us a photo now or in the future. We are always happy to give free advice.