Catalog >Help >

Locksmith Glossary

Look here for information on security product terms used on our website.

AUTOMATIC DEADLOCKING
A device fitted to a lock where closing the door or gate reverts the bolt into a deadlocked state.

BACKSET
The horizontal distance from the outside face of the outer forend to the centre of the keyhole or follower hole (or both). Designated as the "keyhole backset" or "follower backset".

BOLT
A device usually made from brass or steel used to secure a door or gate to its frame.

BATHROOM DOOR LOCK
A type of Mortice lock featuring a thumbturn facility which is used to lock the door from inside.

CLAW BOLT
A type of deadbolt having claws which swing out side ways when the bolt is shot. Such locks are usually fixed to sliding doors.

DEADBOLT
A bolt which is put into the locked and unlocked position by the key only. The exception to this is a fire escape lock which can be unlocked from the inside, usually using a handle.

DEADLOCK
A mortice deadlock does not have a latch, but a bolt only which is operated by key.

Some nightlatches have a deadlocked function that adds extra security to the locking mechanism after the key has been rotated for a second time.

DEADLATCH
A nightlatch or latch, the springbolt of which can be locked (or deadlocked) by key or other means.

DIFFERS
The number of different key combinations that are possible with a particular locking mechanism.

DOUBLE LOCKING NIGHTLATCH
Offers additional security than a standard Nightlatch as the main lock to it automatically deadlocks. Provides high security, particularly for doors with glass panels.

DOOR CHAIN
Chain link device that can be used to restrict the opening of entrance doors to dwellings, for safety purposes.

ELECTRIC STRIKE
An electrical device that permits releasing of the lock in the door from a remote control or exit button.

ESCUTCHEON
A protective plate around a key hole. Larger escutcheons support the key as it enters the lock ensuring correct alignment with the mechanism.

FACE PLATE
Plate or outer forend which is the only part of a fitted mortice lock that is visible.

FINISHES & ABBREVIATIONS
BLUX - Brasslux, BLK - Black, CG - Champagne Gold, CP - Chrome Plated, DMG - Dark Metallic Grey, EB - Electro Brass, NP - Nickel Plated, PB - Polised Brass, PC - Polished Chrome, PL - Polished & Lacquered, PSS - Polished Stainless Steel, SAA - Satin Anodised Aluminium, SC - Satin Chrome, SCP - Satin Chrome Plated, SNP - Satin Nickel Plated, SS - Stainless Steel, SSS - Satin Stainless Steel, SV- Silver, SE - Satin Enamelled, WE - White Enamelled, WH - White.

FOLLOWER
Also called Rower. A square hole created in the backset of a mortice lock to allow the spindle to feed through to operate the handle.

FOREND
That part of the lock or latch through which the bolt(s) protrude, and by which the lock or latch is fixed to the door.

HANDING
The right- or left-handing of a door as usually determined by how the spring latch bevels (slopes) on a Mortice lock or Rim lock. How to determine door handing.

HOOK BOLT
A lock with a hook shaped bolt used for securing sliding doors.

HORIZONTAL LOCK
Lock which has its key hole and handle on the same horizontal line.

KEEP
Also know as a Receiver or Striker. A metal plate or box which is pierced or recessed to receive the bolt or latch when projected.

KEYED ALIKE
More than one lock or latch which can be operated by the same key.

LATCH BOLT
A bolt which is with drawn by the handle, not the key.

LEVER
A moving obstruction in a lock activated by the key. Use of the wrong key will either over-lift or under-lift the lever rendering the lock inoperable. The more levers there are the greater number of key combinations.

LOCKING LATCH
A latch which can be locked and withdrawn by the key as well as being withdraw by the handle when in the unlocked condition.

MASTER KEYING
An arrangement which allows one key to operate a number of differing locks.

MORTICE LOCK
Fixed into the edge rather than onto the face of the door.

REVERSIBLE LATCH
A latch which can be reversed to suit opening in or opening out situation.

RIMLOCK
This is fitted to the surface of a door - often used on shed and garage doors and older/cottage style doors.

SASHLOCK
A "deadlock" with the addition of a latch mechanism, used with a handle.

SNAPLOCK
Another good security option for wooden casement, transom and pivot windows. It automatically "snaps" locked when the window is closed.

SINGLE SIDED
A lock operable from one side only. (Such locks are handed)

SNIB
A button or slider on a nightlatch that enables the latch to be “held back”, preventing the door from accidentally slamming shut.

SPINDLE
The spindle is a square metal bar which connects the door handles on either side of your door together through the follower. When the levers of your door handles are pressed, the spindle rotates and operates the latch inside the door, allowing the door to open.

STRIKER LOCK
Refer Electric Strike.

THROW
The distance a bolt travels from the unlocked to the locked position. Some locks may have the bolt 'Double Thrown' by an extra turn of the key or a second key called the 'Doubles Key'.

THUMBTURN CYLINDER
A knob fitted to one end of a cylinder which allows the door to be unlocked without a key from one side only.

UPRIGHT LOCK
Refer Sashlock.

Catalog >Help >

Locksmith Glossary

Product Sections

Quick Links