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Front Door Locks - What should I go for?

3 replies

IfOnlyIKnewThen · 12/01/2019 10:36

Feeling totally confused. My current front door needs replacing and I will be getting a new hardwood door. I need to purchase some new locks. I need it to meet insurance standards (my current one doesn't so I can't just reuse) and I want to provide maximum security but worried about about the types of locks that require a key to open it from the inside in case there is an emergency and we can't get out if it has been removed and generally just being locked in. I have 2 young children and I can definitely see them playing with the key.

Any recommendations?

OP posts:
PigletJohn · 12/01/2019 10:51

If it's a wooden door, it's usual to have a British standard 5-lever deadlock, and a British Standard Nightlatch.

A good-quality deadlock at reasonable price is the Union with the red case examples
Such deadlocks need a key to lock and unlock, so if you are anxious about being locked in you don't have to lock it at night, but should do when the house is left unattended. A BS deadlock is particularly strong and secure.

A nightlatch works like the old "yale" type latch, and will automatically catch when the door is closed, and you can open it from outside with a key, or the knob from inside. however the BS versions are much stronger, and have a large, armoured keyhole guard on the outside, to resist attack, and can be deadlocked with a key if you wish. In your case you might not deadlock it at night, but should do when the house in unattended.

You will notice that they are bigger and more expensive than "traditional" low-security nightlatches, which are very weak and insecure.
examples
The Yale brand are more expensive than most, IMO because you are paying for the name.

When you have these two on the door, fit one a third up from the bottom, and one a third down from the top. If there are children in the house, the nightlatch is usually fitted as the higher one, where it is more difficult for small children to reach.

Don't leave a key in either type of lock, even on the inside, because there are simple techniques for a burglar to manipulate them from outside, especially if you have a letterbox or glass panel in the door.

If you want to keep a key handy, screw a cuphook into the door frame, on the inside, at the hinge side, high up, where it will be out of sight and out of reach of anyone outside.

IfOnlyIKnewThen · 12/01/2019 11:37

Thanks Piglet. That's all really helpful advice.

OP posts:
Squirreltamer · 12/01/2019 15:21

PigletJohn sums it up.

But in the rare circumstance your door opens outwards (tiny hall, further porch door in-front, or used to be commercial for fire exit) make sure you get dog bolt hinges so the door can’t be lifted off by cutting the pins.

No point going for anything more hardcore as this will deter or stop the casual burglar.

A professional burglar who is coming to steal your car/gold Rolex collection isn’t going to be stopped by any door unless a bank vault door.

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