At BPF Online, we sell a selection of door locks for homes, offices, sheds, containers and storage units that are perfect for landlords and office space owners. However, choosing a door lock can be confusing so we’ve put together a short rundown of the types of door locks available and when each would be used.

We’ll look at:

• 5-level mortice deadlocks
• Multi-Point Locking System locks
• Rim Automatic Deadlatch locks
• Rotary Push Locks
• Electronic door locks

5-lever Mortice Deadlock

These are usually used on wooden doors that can be locked from both the inside and outside. They are fitted into the edge of the door rather than the surface and a mortice deadlock typically has the number of levers stamped on the faceplate of the lock – so it could be a 5-lever mortice deadlock or a 4-lever mortice deadlock.

A standard 5-lever mortice lock won’t be as secure as a 5-lever mortice deadlock which has special plates to protect against drilling to gain access, and it won’t be found on a uPVC or composite door.

When buying a secure mortice lock check for the kitemarked standard BR-3621 which proves the lock has been tested against burglary techniques.

Multi-Point Locking System

These are typically found on uPVC and composite entrance doors but can also be found on French windows and patio doors too. With a multi-point locking system, engaging the lock with a euro cylinder will trigger 4 or 5 points along the edge of the door to lock into the frame.

When buying a multi-point locking system, ensure the cylinder is tested to SS312 Diamond Approved Standard or TS 007 3 Kitemark standard which demonstrates that the locking mechanism has been tested against picking, drilling, bumping and snapping.

Rim Automatic Deadlatch

These are usually used on front and back access doors to a property. Rim Automatic Deadlatch Locks are sometimes referred to as Yale locks or Nightlatches. They can be locked or unlocked from either side of the door. Often, these kinds of locks are accompanied by a mortice lock for additional security. These kinds of locks are easy to use and lock automatically when they shut – of course, that can have a downside too.

The most secure night latches will be British Standard Approved, but it’s always best to fit these kinds of latches alongside a mortice lock.

Rotary Push Lock

A Rotary Push Lock is secured using a padlock but is convenient to fit, and with the right padlock, can be very secure. With the push button lock mechanism, the insertion of a padlock means that the front part of the lock is disconnected from the back part of the lock, making it impossible to force the lock open.

Electronic Door Lock

An Electronic Door Lock is particularly useful where there are multiple users and having keys cut or sharing keys could introduce risk. However, this electronic door lock is used for internal doors only such as lockers, containers and storerooms as they don’t offer the appropriate level of security for external doors. It’s powered by a standard CR2032 battery and can be set to a 6-digit code of your choice.

Hopefully, this gives you a clearer idea about the types of door locks available and the locks that we have at BPF Online. For more advice on any of these products or to find out the savings you could make when buying from BPF Online, contact our helpful advisors on our chat at www.bpfonline.co.uk.