Door locking Types
Lever Handles, Split Spindle and Slam Shut Door Locks, what’s the difference?
When it comes to choosing the right locks and handles it’s important to consider how you want your door to look and function, there are various different types available but these are the most common locks to choose from.
LEAVER HANDLE
Lever handles are the most common locking systems on our doors, with lever handles to both sides of the door. One to open and one to close the door. Normally you lift up the handles up to engage the multipoint locking and then turn the key to secure and lock the door.
To unlock the door, insert and turn the key pushing the handle down to disengage multipoint locks.
PROS – Easy to use and you’re in control of locking the door. You won’t get locked out unless you lose your key and the door is locked.
CONS – If you forget to turn the key and engage the multipoint locking, the door will remain open and unsecured.
SPLIT SPINDLE
Split spindle locking is visually the same as the lever handle locks, with a lever handle inside and out, the difference being the handles work independently of each other.
PROS – If you close the door from inside it locks on the latch, so no one can enter. You do not need to insert the key and turn-lock the on way out, as the door will be locked on the latch. From outside pull the door to and all latches engage and then turn the key to deadlock the door.
CONS – If the door shuts or accidentally closes behind you and you don’t have keys you the door will be secure and you could end up locked out.
SLAM SHUT
Slam shut locks are generally designed for use with pull bar handles but can be used with doorknob and finger pulls systems. They don’t have level handles and have multipoint latches to secure the door.
To secure the door further the door from inside either turn the key or thumb turn to wind out the deadlock. From outside pull the door to and all latches engage and then turn the key to deadlock the door.
PROS – No level handle, simply pull the door to and it’s locked by its 3 latches
CONS – If the door accidentally closes or slams shut behind you and you don’t have the keys, you could end up locked out.