Some lock parts differ from type of lock to type of lock, but these are the most standard lock parts you’ll see most often:
- Door Frame – The doorframe is part of the lock and part of the door. ...
- Cylinder – This is the part of the lock where the key goes. ...
- Key – You can’t have a lock without a key or combination to turn the cylinder and open the bolt.
- Bolts – The bolt, or latch, moves in and out to lock or open the door. ...
How to attach a lock to a door?
Unframed Doors
- Screw a hasp lock to an unframed door to provide rudimentary security to a structure such as a shed. ...
- Set the hasp arm aside. Mark the screw holes in the locking eye’s now-exposed base plate. ...
- Center the hasp arm on the locking eye. Swing the arm open and mark the screw holes in its now-revealed base plate. Drill pilot holes and fasten the screws. ...
How to repair a door lock. the easy way?
You can tighten a simple interior mortise lockset like the one shown at left as follows:
- Loosen the setscrew on the knob’s shank.
- Hold the knob on the other side of the door, and turn the loose knob clockwise until it fits snugly. ...
- If this does not help, remove the knob and check the spindle; if the spindle is worn, it must be replaced. ...
How to unlock a locked door knob without a key?
Top 6 Ways How To Open a Lock Without a Key
- Lock-picking. The most popular and well-known method of opening a lock is via lock-picking. ...
- Drilling. Drilling a lock should only be done in a time crunch, and as a last resort. ...
- “Screw and Rod” Technique. This technique is specifically for opening car doors. ...
- Shoelace Technique. ...
- Using a Knife. ...
- Using a Credit Card. ...
What are the different types of door lock?
Types of Door Locks
- Doorknob Locks. Doorknob locks are, perhaps, the most common type of lock you’ll see on homes, especially on inner doors, like bathrooms and bedrooms.
- Handlesets. Handleset locks have a handle on the external side and either a keyed opening or twist knob on the internal side with which to lock it.
- Hand Levers. ...
- Deadbolts. ...
- Barrel Bolt. ...
- Chain Lock. ...
- Cam Locks. ...
What type of lock does a door lock use?
Generally, door locks will either use a traditional deadbolt – a piece of metal that extends and holds the door shut when the lock body is turned – or a spring latch, a bolt that uses a spring clip to automatically lock the door whenever it closes.
What is the anatomy of a door lock?
The Anatomy of a Door Lock. Every door lock has both internal and external components. Door handle or door knob parts – in addition to the keypad or scanner on an electronic lock – can be considered external, while the internal parts are composed of everything hidden inside the door and everything behind the key slot.
What is the difference between a door lock and a deadbolt?
Generally, door locks will either use a traditional deadbolt – a piece of metal that extends and holds the door shut when the lock body is turned – or a spring latch, a bolt that uses a spring clip to automatically lock the door whenever it closes. While these sound similar, there is a difference. A lock with a spring latch is locked by default, whereas a lock with a deadbolt is unlocked by default.
What is an electronic lock?
In an electronic lock, small motorized components controlled by the keypad, scanner or wireless signal reader control the bolt or latch – sometimes alongside a mechanical lock's pins and sometimes replacing the pin system entirely. When the appropriate code or key signal is read, an electronic signal engages the bolt or latch by way of a motor. This is more secure than a mechanical lock, but it is also more expensive to maintain.
What is a lock body?
The lock body, or lock cylinder, is the core of a door lock. The lock body turns to engage or disengage the lock's bolt or latch when the appropriate key is used. In a mechanical lock, the lock body uses a series of spring-loaded pins to allow or stop the turning. The combination of pins that need to be pushed to turn the lock is unique ...
What does it mean when a key is inserted?
When the key is inserted, it allows the lock body to turn. Advertisement. In an electronic lock, small motorized components controlled by the keypad, scanner or wireless signal reader control the bolt or latch – sometimes alongside a mechanical lock's pins and sometimes replacing the pin system entirely. When the appropriate code ...
What are the internal components of a door lock?
The internal components can be considered the lock itself. These are the parts of the lock assembly that secure the door and allow it to be opened by using the appropriate key, while the external components are used to operate the door or interact with the locking mechanisms. While the shape and style of the external components can vary depending ...
What is the part of a key that locks?
The Cylinder: Also called the body, this is the part where the key is inserted. When it is locked, a series of spring-loaded pins are engaged by the cylinder. This keeps the cylinder from turning.
What is a traditional door lock?
When you think of locks, traditional door locks are probably what comes to mind. These locks have a keyhole and a manual latch. This description makes door locks seem simple and plain, but they are actually much more complex than what meets the eye. A little research to better understand how each part works can help you fix lock problems on your own and reduce calls to your local emergency locksmith in Houston, TX. Below is an overview of the parts of a door lock and how they work.
What type of locks are used in residential homes?
Traditional and electronic locks. Many residential homes, apartments, schools, libraries, small commercial buildings and other similar spaces still use traditional key-and-doorknob locks for both interior and exterior doors. Traditional locks, also known as mechanical locks, while still popular today, are not the only type of lock available.
What is the thumb latch on a deadbolt?
The Thumb Latch: This is the part of the deadbolt that extends from the surface. This allows the user to rotate and unlock the deadbolt from the inside.
What is the plate behind a door?
The plate behind the door can refer to two separate pieces of metal. The first option is the strike plate, which is discussed above. The strike plate keeps the bolt in place when it is locked. When it closes, the latch strikes the plate and holds it closed. The other option could be the rosette.
What is the box on a bolt?
The Box: The bolt extends from the cylinder into a hole that is designed to fit the bolt perfectly. This is called the box. The box is meant to hold the bolt in place when it is locked. This prevents it from being pulled open.
What type of technology does a lock use?
Recently, lock manufacturers have taken to incorporating smart technology into their electronic locks. Smartphone use or voice control are more advanced ways of opening a door that omit the need for a key.
What type of lock is used on exterior doors?
Doorknobs and handles can contain a variety of different locking devices. The most common type of lock found on exterior doors is pin tumbler cylinders that use a traditional house key to lock and unlock.
What is the latch assembly on a doorknob?
The latch assembly is the heart of the doorknob and is basically a spring-loaded bolt.
What is a pin tumbler lock?
Most exterior doors, such as a front door, will feature a pin tumbler lock cylinder which allows you to lock/unlock the doorknob with a key.
What happens when a doorknob is twisted?
However, when the doorknob is twisted, the spindle rotates and compresses the clip spring, which retracts the bolt. Once the bolt is fully retracted from the doorframe, the door can be pushed open.
Why do exterior doors need a deadbolt?
As a result, these locks are vulnerable to slip and shimming attacks, such as bypassing a lock with a credit card. This is why exterior doors should at minimum use a deadbolt as a primary security measure.
How many components are in a pin tumbler lock?
The pin tumbler lock is composed of 6 primary components.
What is a strike plate?
The strike plate is a thin sheet of metal that is screwed into the doorframe at the same height as the bolt.
What is a door lock?
A door lock is more than just the few visible pieces you frequently come into contact with. The locking mechanism is an intricate series of springs, pins, cylinders and shafts that work together to secure the door.
What are the parts of a door lock that are not visible but that function to keep the lock working?
The parts of the door lock that are not visible but that function to keep the lock working are known as the door lock mechanism. Inside the lock cylinder–the housing containing both the key entry assembly and the deadbolt knob – are pins, springs, a cam, and the tang.
What does the reverse action do on a door lock?
The reverse action brings the pins partially back into the cylinder and pushes the tang into the door jam and the wall, locking the door once again.
How does a deadbolt lock work?
To lock the deadbolt, when the right key enters the lock, it allows the cylinder to turn, which turns the cam. This releases a spring which pushes the tang partially out of the cylinder and into the door jam. It is the opposite action which locks the door.
What is the difference between a key lock and a deadbolt?
The first type has the mechanism inside the handle, thus all that is visible is that. A deadbolt, on the other hand, has several outside parts.
How complicated is a door lock?
As you can see, a door lock mechanism is quite complicated, yet most of its working parts are concealed from sight. Learning how a door lock functions is helpful if you ever need to replace or change the door locks in your home.
What is a deadbolt knob?
Deadbolt knob: the small handle that is turned to activate the deadbolt. Inner and outer panels: depending on the door lock type, it could be a plate of various sizes to which the deadbolt handle attaches on the inside and the key inserts on the outside.
What is the hole in a door latch?
The latch bore, also known as the edge bore, is the hole drilled from the side of the door into the cross bore to allow the latch of the lock to be installed and to accommodate the sliding of the deadbolt. The diameter of the latch bore is generally 1” to accommodate bolts from either mechanical or electronic locksets.
What is the trim on a door knob called?
Trim: Sometimes called a rose , the trim is a decorative plate attached to the door under the knob or lever. Depending on the lock you choose, there are a number of available trim styles and finishes to meet your specific preferences and that fit the uniqueness of your home’s look and style.
What is a cross bore door?
The cross bore is the main hole drilled into the face of the door where the body of the lock (chassis) is installed . The latch bore, also known as the edge bore, is the hole drilled from the side of the door into the cross bore to allow the latch of the lock to be installed and to accommodate the sliding of the deadbolt. The diameter of the latch bore is generally 1” to accommodate bolts from either mechanical or electronic locksets.
What is Schlage backset?
The backset is the distance from the edge of the door to the center line of the prepared cross bore hole drilled to install most locks. With all installations, there are minimum and maximum measurements required for your lock to be compatible. Schlage locks are designed to fit all standard doors with a 2-3/8” or 2-3/4” backset.
What is a left handed lever?
A left-handed lever has the door hinges located on the left side as you look at the door’s exterior. A right-handed lever has the door hinges located on the right side of the door as you look at it from the outside.
What is a latch bolt?
Latch bolt: Sometimes abbreviated as latch, this is the type of lock that has a beveled, spring- operated bolt that engages when you close the door. If you’ve ever accidentally locked yourself out of your house or a hotel room, you know this type well.
What is a faceplate on a door?
Faceplate. A metal plate on the edge of the door, next to the latch or deadbolt, the faceplate protects the lock from wear and tear. It may have rounded corners or be a circular drive-in faceplate. The shape of the faceplate used during installation depends on your door’s preparation.
What is a door lock?
Door locks are an essential part of a home, keeping your family, house, and your belongings safe. When you make a trip to the hardware store, though, you’ll find several types of locks in various shapes, sizes, and designs. What one is the right one for your home?
Why are there so many different types of door locks?
There are so many different types of door locks because there are different levels of security and different types of doors for which you need to lock. Whether you’re locking a front door, pocket door or cabinet door, you want the best locking system for the job.
What is the part of the door that moves in and out?
When the key fits the cylinder, the pins inside the cylinder move, engaging the bolt – sometimes called a latch – within the door lock. This is the part of the lock that moves in and out and rests in the carved-out part of the door frame, known as the box, when the door is locked, keeping it in place.
What is a box door?
The box is the part of the door frame where the bolt latches. The box is usually a small, squarish hole designed to fit the bolt. Most bolts are similar in size, making the box a similar size that can fit most locks in the home.
What is a cylinder in a lock?
The cylinder is the part of the lock where the key goes. Your key must fit the cylinder correctly, which will permit you to open the lock. Even a slightly misshapen key will result in the cylinder keeping the lock from unlocking.
Why do parents use oven door locks?
Parents use oven door locks to keep young children from pulling themselves up on the oven door, or opening it out of curiosity when it’s in use to prevent severe burns and injuries.
What are the two types of bolts?
There are two main types of bolts you’ll see: the deadbolt and spring bolt.
What is a door latch?
The door latch is what secures the panel in place. It is a shaft that protrudes out from the edge of the door panel and inserts into the frame. When the handle, or knob, is turned, the latch retracts and allows you to open the door.
What is a Door Frame?
Put simply, a door frame is the entire framework that supports a door. It is an assembly that is comprised of both vertical and horizontal members, which are placed at the top, bottom, and sides of an opening. The frame forms an enclosure that provides the necessary support for a door.
What is door casing trim?
Casing: Door casing trim is intended to conceal the gaps between the door frame and the interior wall. These are also seen on windows.
What is a panel door?
The ‘panel,’ or ‘slab,’ is the term that is used to describe the door itself and is the piece that physically swings open and closed. Some other door related terms that you may come across include:
How many hinges does a door have?
Door hinges are the jointed mechanism that allows you to pivot a door panel open and closed. Standard doors will have three hinges, but larger ones may have four or more.
What is a threshold in a door?
Threshold: The threshold is a decorative element of the frame that serves as a transition between the floor of the room and the door sill. They can be simple or more elaborate, depending on your aesthetic.
Why replace front door?
Replacing your front door is a great way to make a huge impact on the curb appeal of your home. It’s a very simple task that can give your home the update it may need. If you’re knee-deep in door shopping and are overwhelmed by all of the technical terms, you’ve come to the right place.
