Types of door lock, explained
Most people call all of them "the lock". They do quite different jobs.
A deadlatch locks when the door shuts and is what most Perth front doors have. A deadbolt throws a solid bolt that has to be turned and is much harder to force. Knob and lever sets are about how you open the door, not how secure it is. Mortice locks sit inside the door edge and are common on commercial doors. Digital locks replace the key with a code, a fingerprint, a tag or a phone.
- Most common here
- Deadlatch on the front door
- Strongest addition
- A deadbolt
- No key at all
- Digital or keypad
What each lock actually does
Deadlatch
The standard Australian front door lock. The bolt is spring-loaded and locks automatically when the door closes, which is why you can pull the door shut behind you. Convenient, and the reason so many lockouts happen. On its own it is not the strongest option, because the bolt is short.
Deadbolt
A solid bolt thrown by turning the key or a thumbturn, with no spring. It cannot be pushed back, and it goes deeper into the frame. Adding a deadbolt to a door that only has a deadlatch is one of the most worthwhile upgrades on a house, particularly on a back or laundry door.
Knob sets and lever sets
These are about how you operate the door rather than how secure it is. A lever set is easier for anyone with weak hands or arthritis, which is why they are often the right choice for an older person living alone. Both come in locking and non-locking versions.
Mortice locks
Fitted into a pocket cut in the edge of the door rather than through a hole in the face. Heavier, longer-lasting and common on commercial doors, glass shopfront doors and older homes. When one fails on a commercial door it is usually worth repairing rather than replacing the whole door furniture.
Screen door locks
A category of their own, because the door is thin and aluminium. What matters is whether the lock bolts at one point or three. We fit Lockwood, Whitco, Austral and Doric.
Sliding door locks
Sliding patio and screen doors need locks designed for them. The failure mode is the door being lifted out of its track rather than the lock being picked, so the fix is about the track as much as the lock.
Digital and keypad locks
These replace the key with a code, a fingerprint, a tag or a phone. We fit McGrath, Lion Head, Lockton, Carbine, Lockwood and Yale, in that order of how often we fit them, and every one of them keeps a second way in so a flat battery never leaves you outside.
Padlocks, window and letterbox locks
Small and constantly overlooked. A gate, a shed, a window that opens onto the back garden and a letterbox holding mail with your name and address on it are all worth a lock, and all cheap to do while we are there for something else.
What customers say
Tap any review to read it on Google.
“I highly recommend Magnus from Amco Locksmiths. He was very quick to respond to my enquiry and was able to see me the next day. He showed up on time, had great communication and was very professional and friendly throughout the process.”
Read on Google →“I recently moved to a new house and wanted to change the locks for security. Magnus arrived on time and worked efficiently to do just that, also cutting more windows keys and rekeying the garage remote. He even oiled the squeaky garage door at no cost! I would use Amco again in a heartbeat.”
Read on Google →“Great communication advising when he would arrive. Quick, friendly service and very knowledgeable. Highly recommended.”
Read on Google →“Very friendly and replies fast! Definitely recommend!!”
Read on Google →“I needed an emergency locksmith today (Friday) and Magnus from Amco came to the rescue. Absolutely pleasant man very friendly and curteous. Explained everything including cost upfront. Completed the job professionally. Will definitely recommend Amco Locksmiths and Magnus anytime.”
Read on Google →Straight answers
What is the difference between a deadlatch and a deadbolt?
A deadlatch locks itself when the door shuts and has a short spring-loaded bolt. A deadbolt has to be turned and throws a solid bolt deeper into the frame, so it is much harder to force.
Should I add a deadbolt to my front door?
If the door only has a deadlatch, it is one of the better upgrades you can make — and it is worth doing on the back and laundry doors too, since they are usually weaker.
What is a mortice lock?
One fitted into a pocket cut in the edge of the door rather than through the face. They are heavier and longer-lasting, and common on commercial and glass shopfront doors.
Which lock is best for elderly hands?
A lever set rather than a knob. Levers need far less grip and are much easier with arthritis.
Can I have a digital lock on any door?
Most solid timber doors take one easily. Thin, glass and aluminium doors need particular models. Send us a photo of the door edge and the front of the current lock and we will tell you.
Can all my locks use one key?
Usually yes, including the screens. Different key profiles between doors and screens can get in the way and we will tell you before we start.