Choosing the right locks for your doors is an important decision. This choice will depend on the application you’re installing the lock for. Whether it’s for your residential home or your business will also have an impact. There are two main types of locks used – those for entrance doors (security) and those for internal doors (passage or privacy). But which are the right locks for your door?
Entrance and external doors
Security is the priority.
Not all locks are created equal. So when choosing hardware, make sure the locks you install comply with industry standards. The requirements of the Australian door lock standard AS4145 are the best measure to compare to.
For locksets and hardware on entrance doors, current standards includes physical security, fire and corrosion resistance. These standards will help you to confidently choose the right locks for your door. Meaning you can be confident the install will serve the required application.
Locksets range from the traditional rim/mortise to surface mounted cylinder locks and deadbolts. Onto high-tech remote keyless entry, keypad locks will open upon swiping. Proximity card reading locks are also available for those after cutting-edge technology.
Do your research
Spend time researching the right locks for your door, and be sure to choose the best quality hardware available. And make sure you choices are compliant with the relevant Australian Standards to ensure your home is secure.
To check whether your door locks and hardware meet industry standards, look for certification marks/symbols on the packaging. This is also sometimes marked by a red tick and complying standard number.
You should also make sure an appropriate professional installs your door locks. This is especially importance if the locks and deadbolts are on external and perimeter doors. Only a qualified locksmith should ever install these.
Internal doors
Passage sets are generally used for doors where privacy isn’t an issue such as hallways or laundry doors. The lockset will have a latch, striker plate and handles to ensure the door can close without a locking feature. Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions when fitting the lockset.
Privacy sets do as you would expect them to do. They feature a locking option. These can be basic or more sophisticated in the level of privacy they provide. When considering the right locks for your doors, these decisions play an important role. Bedrooms and bathrooms are where privacy sets are most commonly used.
Safe door locks
If using privacy locks on internal doors, especially on bathroom doors, it’s important they can be opened from the outside. This is to ensure safety in the case of an emergency.
All privacy sets use a lockable handle on the inside of the room. The exterior side of the door will also feature an emergency release, offering the option to unlock it from the outside.
Depending on the privacy lock installed, you can use a basic flathead screwdriver a dull kitchen knife to activate this external mechanism. The lockset may come with a specially designed emergency release tool for this purpose.
It might sound obvious, but following the instructions is crucial! Picking the right locks for your door won’t do any good if they’re not used properly. Following the manufacturer’s instructions when fitting the privacy lock and testing the emergency release setup will ensure user safety.
The right locks for your doors: styling
Other determining factors on your choice of door locks and hardware will depend on the design of your home, the style and material of your doors. An extensive range of designs and finishes are available to best complement the Hume Doors range.
Some of the leading brands of door locks and hardware available in Australia include:
Whatever your needs or design, door locks and hardware are available at a wide range of retail outlets including speciality dealers. Get in contact with us today for more information.