Door Locks Dublin : How do different locks work?

Door Locks Dublin : How do locks work?

Anyone who has required the services of a locksmith might have wondered at one point in frustration; how does the lock keeping you out of your house, office or car actually work? Here is the definitive explanation of how the most common locking mechanisms operate by Fogarty Locksmiths | Door Locks Dublin :

1 Pin and Tumbler Mechanism

The pin-and-tumbler locking mechanism is a simple and commonly found locking device. It is made up from a series of spring-loaded pins. These are housed in a series of small cylinders along the . Each cylinder contains a bottom part, called a pin, and a top part, called a driver. The key when inserted will push the pins into the chamber, this compresses the spring and pushes the driver into the upper chambers of the cylinder.

When the matching key is placed in the lock; both pins will align at the shear line. The shear line is the space between these pins, around a track the same shape as the chamber..

Once the drivers and pins are aligned, the shear line has no obstructions and the key will turn. When the key is removed from the lock, all pins descend and rest into the cylinder. The bottom pins rest in the key chamber. An incorrect key will misalign one or more of the spring-loaded locking cylinders. This blocks the key from turning by keeping one or more of the pins or drivers in the way, obstructing the shear line.

2 Tubular Locks

The tubular lock is the most common type of locking mechanism. Most interior doors are designed to accommodate the installation of tubular locks. They are most commonly used for bathrooms, bedrooms and other interior doors. Tubular locks are equipped either with a key tumbler lock on the outside knob of the door or with a push button or turn button on the inside knob.

3 Mortise Locks

A mortise lock fits into a groove, known as the mortise, cut into the door. The lock case is then fitted into the mortise. Mortise locks can have two locking mechanisms built into the lock case: the latch-bolt or the deadbolt.

4 Rim Locks

A rim lock are commonly found attached to the interior surface of a front door. A latch is used to unlock the door from the inside. The exterior door surface is unlocked using a smaller sized rim with a pin and tumbler mechanism.

5 Mechanical Locks

Most locks used on exterior doors are mechanical locks. Mechanical locks operate via a combination metal tumblers, levers, or latches which fall into a slot in the bolt. This prevents it from being moved. Most mechanical locks require the insertion of a key to open the lock. The matching key serrations, that raise the metal pieces will allow the bolt to move.

6 Electronic Locks

Electronic locks use a code signalled electric current to operate. Electric locks can be mounted directly to the lock, which allows access by a combination code, magnetic card or a key.

So now you know how the 6 most common types of lock mechanisms operate. If you ever find yourself in need of a locksmith for commercial or residential needs, you can contact us here.

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