What Is The Best Type Of High-Security Lock For You?

As a homeowner, you will probably be aware of the fact that lock systems are not one and the same. The lock options that you have on the market today can make it quite challenging to find the right type of lock. If you buy the wrong type of lock, you could leave your doors vulnerable to easy entry by criminals. So, what is the right kind of high-security lock for your home?

Unfortunately, thanks to that market variety, there is no guaranteed answer. What is ideal for one home might not be suitable for yours. This comes down to the kind of doors you have and various other factors. To help you understand what kind of locks you should keep an eye out for, we spoke with a seasoned locksmith Sheffield based in the UK.

Make it easier to find quality door locks by buying one of the following lock types. If you are ever uncertain about the right type of locks to buy, hire a local locksmith for advice you can trust.

What Type Of High-Security Locks Can I Buy?

In the ‘good old days, door locks were few and far between in terms of styles. Today, though, we can pick from everything from high-security locks to standard, easily broken into cheap locks. With the rise in value of smart locks, too, you can digitise your home security to make things feel safer. Generally, though, homeowners in the UK should be looking at one of the following door lock types:

Yale Locks

Yale locks, or dead latches, are no longer as common as they once were, but they have been a staple of the UK security industry for decades. These systems provide you with a locking system that is:

• Capable of being locked and unlocked from both the inside and outside of the door.
• Fitted with automated locking, meaning they lock as soon as the door is shut. 
• Paired with a secondary locking system, usually a Mortice lock (see below).
• British Standards approved; a locksmith can recommend suitable models.
• Easy to work with and use, making them suitable for senior citizens. 

Mortice Locks

Mentioned above, mortice locks are also some of the most popular locks in the UK. If you have wooden doors, then there is a high chance that you have a mortice lock. The major difference here is that mortice locks are fitted directly into the door as opposed to being an external fitting. They are:

• Highly secure lock types that are capable of providing 4 to 5 levers of security.
• Protected against many typical break-in methods, including lock drilling.
• Suitable for people who want a classic lock type that is highly secure.

Please note that even a kitemark-stamped 5-lever mortice lock is not as effective as a 5-lever mortice deadlock. These are extra-secure; even a 4-lever mortice deadlock is better than a standard 5-lever mortice lock. Most locksmiths recommend that if you have mortice locks, you get a mortice deadlock. They should also be British Standards 3621 approved for further peace of mind and security depth. 

However, mortice locks are not compatible with other door types, such as a composite or UPVC door. These tend to use other door lock types, including:

Multi-Point Lock Systems

For years, multi-point lock (MPL) systems were regarded as the best in the business. You will usually find MPL locks fitted into modern doors made from UPVC and/or composite materials. However, you will also find that most patio doors, which can be made from timber instead, use MPLs, too.

As the name suggests, these lock types contain more than one locking point. With a singular lock point, a criminal has just one part of the mechanism they need to outsmart or break. With multi-point locking systems, though, that is not the case. 

Any locksmith can fit an MPL for you, so long as your doors are compatible. They will also recommend that you buy a high-quality lock system. Make sure that your door locks are SS312 Diamond certified, or that they carry the TS 007 3-Star kitemark symbol on the lock itself. This means the lock is modern enough to be immune to typical break-in methods like lockpicking and lock snapping.

Push Locks

While rare, rotary push locks are found on doors in the UK. These are extremely convenient and easy-to-use lock types as they rely on a padlock for extra security. The push-button opening mechanism makes these doors easy to use, while the padlock means that the lock mechanisms within the door are not interconnected. Therefore, someone is unable to force the lock from the outside. Locksmiths do not often recommend push locks, but they can be a suitable alternative in certain circumstances. 

What About Smart Locks?

Yes, smart locks are an increasingly popular choice within the UK security industry. While once something only fitted by commercial locksmiths, now it is common to find smart locks fitted on homes as well. 

Smart door locks are extremely effective, especially if you are in a property where there are many users. Instead of having to rely on a key-sharing system or having duplicates, you get a system that is operated with keyless entry. That negates the worry of key loss, instead using solutions like PIN code entry or similar to operate the doors as required.

You also get electronic door locks, which locksmiths mostly recommend for internal door locking. For example, if you want to keep a certain cupboard or storage area closed, you could use an electronic lock instead. Smart locks and electronic locks are an extra step up from usual lock types and generally provide high-security protections that you might not get from traditional locks.

What Locks Are Right For Me?

So, the challenge with choosing a lock is that there is no perfect answer. What works for one home or business might not be suitable for you. You need to take into account:

• The budget you have for security, high-security locks will naturally cost more.
• The type of lock(s) that you feel most comfortable with: standard or digital?
• The number of users that you have for your doors; what do they prefer?
• The door type you have; certain doors are not compatible with certain locks.

The best thing you can do? Call a locksmith. Arrange a discussion with a local professional in your area. Let them carry out a comprehensive review of your lock requirements. They can offer you more ideas on what kind of locks would be ideal for your home or business. 

At the same time, a locksmith can supply the locks most suitable for your needs and carry out installation, saving you the risk of making a mistake or being left with a DIY installation that does not live up to expectations. If you have any questions about your locks, call a locksmith!