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The Anatomy Of A Door Lock

A door lock is an important invention. It first appeared thousands of years ago, and changed throughout history. Through the years we see sets of new functions, new improvements followed by new functions and new improvements, etc. and throughout these cycles there is never a new alternative that actually arises. Traditional locks were just that, traditional. They didn't change drastically - not until today. Today's locks are fundamentally different. Why? You ask. Well, let's start with the basic reason. Physical keys. The most modern locks do not use physical keys anymore. They are essentially keyless. The most simple keyless lock opens by pressing buttons with numbers or you can have a lock where you just insert a card and whalla it's open. No key needed at least not the ones we grew up with. Sure Lock & Key still sells and services the most basic locks and keys as well as the most high tech, leading edge, facial recognition locks. We’ve been in the industry for over 35 years and we will attempt to answer correctly any questions that are posed to us, regarding all Locksmithing and Security matters.

THE LATCH

This door lock part is, also known as a "bolt", is a piece of metal attached inside the door frame through the strike plate. The idea goes back many centuries. The latch can be of two different types. In a spring latch mechanism, the bolt is held in place, and the spring is compressed to unlock the bolt. Once it is released, it returns to a locked position. A deadbolt latch mechanism works a bit differently since it doesn't have a spring. It can be locked or unlocked only with a key or a doorknob. The easiest way to understand what type of latch you're looking at is dependent on whether there is a door knob or handle. A deadbolt won't have either, while a spring latch needs one to operate.
door latch
From a professional point of view, deadbolts are more secure since they can be unlocked only by rotating the cylinder with a correct key.
door latch

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The Cylinder

This part may be referred to as a "body", and that's where we insert the key. Inside the cylinder mechanism is a set of spring-loaded pins, and only the right key can turn them. The key bittings and cuts move the mechanism to the correct position, and the lock opens. So, a key without appropriate bittings will not work.
Your home security depends highly on the cylinder's functionality. And since this part of the lock is exposed, it can be easily damaged by an unsuccessful attempt to pick the lock. Also, you should pay attention to how the key turns and how the mechanism works. Can you hear some strange squeaking noises? Can you feel the counteraction while rotating the key? If you've spotted something weird about your door lock, don't hesitate to call a residential locksmith. It might be nothing, but it may also be the presence of some serious issue. In this scenario it is better to be cautious and make sure that everything works as it should!

The Strike Plate

A strike plate is a flat piece of metal attached to the door jamb. Framing the lock's content, a strike plate also protects it. Its main function is to make the whole mechanism more durable and resist wear and tear. The plate has a hole or holes for a latch. It may seem that the strike plate isn't the most important part of the lock, that it can work without it anyway. However, the lock won't adjust as it should without the strike plate.

Conclusion

At first sight, a lock doesn't seem like something very sophisticated because locks have been an essential part of people's lives since almost the beginning of time. The one common denominator throughout the history of locks is that if you want them to work you must use them correctly. As our client, Sure Lock and Key will always be by your side helping you in matters that may seem mundane, such as how to use your lock correctly to the complex, such as predicting a problem with your locks or keys even before they happen.

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