Door lock: design features, how to choose and install correctly

Overhead locks are installed on all types of door leaves. Depending on the functional purpose, a specific device model is selected. Such structures are considered the main element ensuring the reliability and integrity of residential and administrative premises. Their product range is huge, overhead versions of locking mechanisms are in deserved demand among the population.

Read everything you need to know when purchasing and installing rim locks, what characteristics to pay attention to first.

How to install a rim lock yourself

To save on the services of a lock installation specialist and do all the work yourself, you will need a set of tools:

• screwdriver and set of attachments, drills;

• pencil, ruler;
• feather drill;

• chisel;

• crosshead screwdriver;

• hammer.

Step-by-step algorithm of actions:

• Make a mark on the canvas where the lock will be located. Standard height is 140-150 cm from the floor;
• using a paper template - it is included in the kit, transfer the points for the fasteners from the paper to the door. Use an awl or sharp object;
• drill corner holes. The depth is calculated based on the length of the fastening elements;
• make holes in the center - to drill a hole through, use a long drill, hold the screwdriver horizontally;
• work out the recess with a feather drill. Also hold it horizontally;
• make holes outside;
• install the mechanism and secure it with self-tapping screws;
• mark the locations for installing the strike plate;
• drill holes;
• secure the bar;
• install the rings. Tap them gently with a hammer;
• check how smoothly the lock operates.

Combination door lock device

Combination locks are an excellent solution for wooden, plastic and metal entrance doors. They are installed on gates and garages. They are placed on the doors of entrances and outbuildings.

Internal and external components of the locking mechanism:

• frame;
• latch;
• lid;
• overlay with button numbers;
• strike plate;
• lock buttons;
• launch head.

The principle of operation depends on the set of parts, but it is very simple: a code is entered and the lock opens. Such mechanisms are suitable for right and left door leaves, since the system is equipped with a latch that can be moved to the right or left.

Repair of rim locks

The most common breakdowns are:

• improper operation;
• wear of mechanism elements;
• mechanical damage;
• external influence;
• incorrect installation;
• blade displacement;
• manufacturing defect;
• the key breaks and gets stuck inside the product.

There are two options for troubleshooting - repair and replacement of the device.

If the design allows for the possibility of replacing the core, you only have to buy a new cylinder and install it yourself.

Step-by-step instruction:

• dismantle the outer cover - unscrew the fasteners;
• remove the screw that holds the mechanism - it is located at the end of the door;
• remove the cylinder and install a new one in its place;
• install all elements in reverse order.

Lock mechanism

So, what does an entrance door lock consist of? The main part is the larva, it is the very mechanism that ensures the blocking of the structure in the opening and prevents strangers from entering the room.

The following models are distinguished:

• cylinder;
• levelers;
• disk;
• crossbars;
• crusades.

Door lock options depending on the locking mechanism

Cylinder. These are the most common products, the secret part of which is located in a part similar to a cylinder. The structure of the so-called English lock is as follows: inside the cylinder there are pins that lock the mechanism in the closed position. The key has notches that move these pins according to the diagram and allow you to turn the mechanism.

Level ones. These products are very reliable. The design of a lever door lock involves the presence of levers inside the mechanism. The key has the shape of a so-called butterfly or soldier and, when turned, raises them to the level specified by the coding.

Disk. This is not the most reliable option, but it can still be used. The key looks like a rod cut in half with several notches. Inside the lock, this key turns the discs, forming a tunnel and releasing the mechanism.

Crossbars. The device of such a door lock is equipped with a latch on the reverse side. Today, such options are rarely used due to their unreliability. The essence of the device is the presence of two crossbars, which are pulled back with a special key or latch.

Crusaders . The weakest type, the key has a cross shape. The larva can be opened with a Phillips screwdriver or any other suitable object.

Tips for using rim locks

To make your home inaccessible to burglars, it is not enough to buy a good lock and install it. To ensure that the system lasts for more than one year, follow the recommendations of experts:

• do not slam the door too hard - hold it when closing;
• if the canvas is metal, install closers. The cost of its installation will be paid off by the durability of the door and locks;
• Do not insert foreign objects into the larva. Do not try to open the system with a non-native key;
• Carry out periodic maintenance of the product - lubricate the mechanism, clean the cylinder;
• operate the key correctly - first insert it all the way and only then turn it;
• If you have a latch, check to see if the mechanism is blocking the door before closing or opening it.

What is the difference between the overhead structure?

A door lock is the simplest design. During its installation, there is no need to cut out part of the door leaf, which is one of the undeniable advantages of this solution. It is installed directly on top of the sash - the main module is on the leaf, the counterpart is on the frame.

Important! It can be opened from the outside with a key, and from the inside using a special mechanism. Additionally, the kit can include a variety of latches and wedge latches that block access to the room, thereby increasing the level of security.

Reviews

According to those users who prefer overhead door lock models, the most reliable are electrical devices.

As for the manufacturer, Barrier and Mottura are in demand among domestic models.

Locks made in China are cheaper, but no less reliable. The main thing is that the price is not too low - this indicates poor quality of the metal.

Popular models are those whose body is made of cast iron. They are not afraid of mechanical damage, have increased strength, but the metal can burst from severe frosts.

Entry door mortise lock with latch and handle

When considering the design of a mortise lock with a latch and an entrance door handle, one must understand that the mortise mechanism has its own design features. Such systems look aesthetically pleasing. Due to their structure, they are ideal for interior doors. There are also options for entrance door blocks. Unlike those models that are designed for interior door leaves, they are subject to special requirements in terms of resistance to burglary and security. Mortise models with a handle and latch are not particularly effective. Therefore, they are usually installed on the front door as an addition to the main lock.

Structure

In general, the design of a mortise-type door lock with a handle and a latch is simple, but the locking device has a number of features. The components of the front door lock include the handle, latch, body, front and strike plates, drive lever, and main deadbolt.

Scheme

The figure below shows a diagram of a mortise-type door lock with a latch and handle for an entrance door. Using this diagram you can understand what a mortise lock is, what it consists of and how it works.

Video review

You can see how a mortise-type door lock with a latch and a handle for an entrance door works in the video below.

Breakdown and repair

Overhead locks, even the most reliable ones, can break from time to time. The reason for this is usually improper use of the products. If they are rarely used, they require regular lubrication. Incorrect installation can lead to damage to the mechanism. Cheap modifications made from low-quality materials quickly fail. They are not designed for constant loads.

The mechanism breaks down if there is an attempt to break in by intruders, as well as when the door leaf is skewed. If the key breaks inside the device or gets stuck in it, trying to pull it back can lead to similar consequences. Sometimes the owners of the premises ignore the noise that is heard when the door is opened. This indicates the presence of a defect that requires correction . If you do not pay attention to this unfavorable sign, the mechanism will wear out.

Repairing a rim lock is a specific problem, but this problem can be solved by following the necessary recommendations and using special tools. It all depends on the situation: sometimes you have to change the cylinder, while in other cases it is enough to adjust the mechanism, and the lock starts working properly.

If the locking mechanism jams and it is difficult to turn the key, do not rush to buy a new replacement device. You can set it up to work on your own. To do this, take a flashlight and inspect the keyhole carefully. Sometimes attackers deliberately push all sorts of garbage inside it: toothpicks, coins, match heads. To remove all this, you can take a needle or tweezers. If the foreign objects were pulled out without much difficulty, there is no need to resort to repairs. If there is too much debris, or glue is found inside, you will have to remove and disassemble the lock. Upon completion of all work, lubrication will be required.

If the door cannot be opened, this indicates that the lock tongue is jammed. More often, this situation arises in relation to standard door designs of domestic production. To carry out repairs, you will need any flat object . This can be a hard ruler or a knife. They are inserted between the mechanism and the door in the area where the latch is located.

Tilt the flat product towards the door handle and press it. Press away from yourself to force the latch to move away from the mechanism to the side. At the same time, press the door leaf. If the latch does not have a beveled area, a solid, flat-shaped object is inserted from above. If you do everything according to the instructions, after 10 minutes the closed door will open.

Classification and device

Overhead locking systems differ in a number of ways. They are classified according to their secrecy, purpose for certain door designs, the presence of a latch or its absence. There are fixed latches, as well as spring-type products.

In the first case, the mechanism can block the doors completely due to the presence of a triangular bolt. If the lock is equipped with a spring latch, you can open such a door from the inside using a handle. From the outside, opening is possible using a key.

A separate group consists of magnetic locks, which make sense to install in crowded places. They sometimes require an additional power source or an independent carrier of electricity.

Design characteristics are the most important parameter when choosing. The functionality of the lock directly depends on them.

Standard equipment includes:

• two strips - return and front;
• a housing that contains a mechanism for locking the door from the inside;
• drive lever.

In general, the overhead and mortise types of locks are similar in many ways. The differences relate to the privacy mechanism and the presence of a latch.

Standard models are suitable for any door. But there are also highly specialized modifications that are allowed only for right- or left-handed canvases. The corresponding mark is entered in the product data sheet in the form of the letters “L” or “P”.

Types of actuators

Cylinder type lock: 1 - cylinder mechanism body, 2 - cylinder (core) with a code mechanism, 3 - key hole, 4 - code pins (pins), 5 - locking pins (pins), 6 - driver/cam, 7 - mounting hole, 8 - spring, 9 - key, 10 - separation line between the body and the cylinder.

There are several systems that are used as an actuator. This:

• mechanical, when the closure is performed with a metal rod that fits into a special groove;
• electromechanical, there is a deadbolt with an electric drive;
• electromagnetic, the locking mechanism is a magnet.

The reliability of the locking system of a lever door lock depends on the number of plates. A larger number of them contributes to more reliable protection of the premises.

This type of lock system consists of the following elements:

• the bolt is the transverse mechanism of the bolt;
• lever - metal plate;
• specially designed hole for a key.

This system operates on the principle that all plates occupy the established positions; only in this case can the key be turned. The plates are placed under the influence of the teeth of the key in clearly designated positions. This allows the key and door lock mechanism to be turned. But if at least one of the plates is not in its intended groove, then the entire device will not work. That is, the key is the lock code.

Such door locks are quite difficult to open using force. Level door locks have a long service life and a high degree of reliability. The advantages include their high secrecy and simplicity of design. If all assembly rules and safety standards are observed, such a lock is difficult to crack.

Interior door locking system

Scheme of the lock design of an interior door with dimensions.

In some cases, it is necessary to close the door between rooms, and then they opt for a special original lock built into the door. It includes:

• turning plate;
• gate;
• spring;
• lever for holding;
• latch;
• case cover.

Over the years, people have developed the habit of locking it with special door locks when leaving home. They were once very simple. In our time, the use of computer technology has led to the emergence of invisible locks. They do an excellent job of protecting your home from burglary. If the door locks are simple and inexpensive, then it is not difficult to drill and knock them out. The lock structure hidden in the door operates exclusively from the radio frequencies of a special key fob.

From this we can conclude that the best solution would be to purchase one high-quality constipation device. You can also combine different types of door locks in one locking system, this will complicate the work of burglars. It must be remembered that when choosing, you must carefully examine such a design for all sorts of flaws so that it does not fail at the right time.

Visual installation instructions

First you need to choose a place and make markings. You can attach the locking element to the door leaf and mark all the details with a pencil. Mark the places where I will make the holes.

Now you can install the pins and drill through holes. We apply the device to the canvas and check that the lock bolts move freely and coincide with the block on the opposite side. If everything matches, then you can screw the structure. Install the cover on the front side. The process of installing overhead locks on wooden entrance and metal doors is no different.

Latch application

Most modern overhead locking devices have a latch. It can be spring or fixed. A spring deadbolt involves using a key on the outside and a handle on the inside. In this case, the latch can be returned to its original position in the lock body or secured with a locking button in the door leaf. This button is present on the surface of the lock itself.

When it comes to a fixed latch, the lock has a special feature. It allows you to install such a latch and fix it in one position or another. It turns out that with a key you can secure the handle from the outside in a certain position and hide the latch back into the body using a button. More expensive models have a button and a cylinder. Such a lock can be opened if voltage is applied to the mechanism . This system is complex, which is why locks with such a specific structure are available only in specialized stores.

When installing such a lock, its body is installed on the inner surface of the door leaf. The locking box is fixed to the frame.

Bolt lock

There are deadbolt and deadbolt-free overhead locks. In the first case, there is a different number of crossbars. There can be from 1 to 5. Crossbar-less systems operate due to a powerful electromagnet. It attracts a metal plate to itself, which helps close the door. Because of this operating mechanism, the system is called electromechanical.

Overhead locks are divided into:

• mechanical;
• electromechanical;
• electronic.

An overhead lock for a wooden door is the simplest solution.

It implements a mechanical type of equipment. Electronic locking systems can also be installed, but they are rarely used. To open a door with a mechanical lock, just turn a regular key. In the case of electrical devices, opening is achieved by transmitting special impulses. Without them they will not function.

Mortise models

This category of deadbolts is always popular, as it withstands mechanical stress well, is made of stainless steel, the body is very durable, and can be installed in any type of door.

The fundamental difference in the design is the need for complete preparation - you need to first drill a groove inside the sash into which the locking mechanism will be inserted.

After production, products undergo special quality control, which involves division into categories according to the degree of safety. This helps make more accurate choices.

Choosing the optimal design

Modern overhead locking systems are quite reliable and can resist the actions of intruders. If a person intends to hang a lock for show, to demonstrate that the premises are locked, it makes sense to opt for the simplest models. The design of these products is so primitive that you can install them yourself. But if we are talking about premises where valuable things that require protection are stored, you will have to resort to purchasing expensive options.

The so-called high security cylinders have proven themselves to be excellent . This is a good option for a metal door. Constipations of this type are not only distinguished by their complex design, but also have an impressive mass. Such constipation cannot be installed independently. This work must be entrusted to professionals.

Installation algorithm

After selecting and purchasing a rim lock, you can begin installing it. This kind of work can be entrusted to professionals. But if we are talking about a simple product, it is permissible to perform the necessary manipulations with your own hands. You should not take risks if the door structure is expensive or has an exclusive design. Without being a professional, you can easily damage the canvas.

The tools you will need are a screwdriver, drills, a hammer, a chisel, a tape measure and a square for marking. Professionals additionally have special milling cutters for quick installation. But they are of no use to a home handyman, since he is not going to regularly do such work. You will also have to prepare a hand or electric drill.

The algorithm of actions is as follows:

1. Marks are placed on the door for future holes. In order not to be mistaken with their location, a locking mechanism is applied to the canvas.
2. Drill holes for self-tapping screws using drills much thinner than nails. This will provide a more secure fit.
3. A channel for the core is made.
4. Install the lock in the door and move it towards the cylinder.
5. Attach the fixing bar to the door frame. After this, check whether the rim lock works. If the lock elements do not move relative to the door, you can secure the remaining elements.

The locking mechanism is installed on a standard door at 1/3 of the length from the top of the door leaf. Make markings with a square and holes using a drill. Trace the outlines of the castle on paper. The resulting fragment acts as a template for more convenient work.

Take a drill that has the same diameter as the cylinder and form a seat for it. It is better to do this on both sides so that no defects form on the front surface. The cylinder is inserted into the prepared holes and the body is secured with self-tapping screws. An overlay is mounted on the outside. It is intended for the key hole.

Open the lock and press it to the surface of the box. At the same time, mark the area where constipation will be located. Make markings on the crossbar strips at the top and bottom. The lock body is inserted into this area and its contours are traced with a pencil. Use a chisel to create indentations so that the holder plate is flush with the door frame. Next comes the finishing stage, when the correctness of all manipulations is checked.

Locking system

The lock can hold the door closed using a bolt or bolts. Deadbolt locks are more reliable. When choosing a lock with bolts, pay attention to:

• their number (the more, the better);
• the quality of the metal from which they are made.

Electrical door protection

Separately, it is necessary to highlight a group of locks, the design of which is more complex, and adds electrics to the mechanics.

• Boltless electromagnetic locks hold the door in the closed position using a powerful electromagnet located in the strike plate.
• Electronic locks powered by electrical power or a built-in battery. When an electrical impulse is given, the lock mechanism comes into action, opening or locking the door.