Let’s face it - your door is more than just an entryway – it's a barrier between your sanctuary and the outside world. The right lock gives you security and style. It does not matter whether you're a homeowner upgrading your security, a DIY enthusiast heading for a new project, or a security professional brushing up your knowledge, understanding door and lock parts will empower you to choose, maintain, and install them effectively.
This comprehensive guide will cover the essential components of door locks, introduce additional parts, outline how to install one step-by-step and explore the various types of locks you should be familiar with.
Part 1: What Are the Main Parts of a Door Lock?
A door lock might seem simple, but it has several crucial parts, each with its role. Here’s a breakdown of these components.
1. Door Handle Parts
The door handle parts of a door lock include the following;
- Handle/Lever/Knob
The handle/lever/knob is the part of a door lock that allows you to operate the lock.
The handle allows you to operate the latch by pushing it down or lifting it, while a lever is usually a straight or slightly curved handle providing better grip and ease of use.
The knob, on the other hand, is a spherical design handle, which usually requires a turning by the user for it to engage the latch.
- Rosette
A rosette is a circular or oval plate that surrounds the base of a door handle or door knob. This feature serves an aesthetic purpose by covering the hole where the handle is mounted. Rosettes can be plain or decorative and are commonly found on interior doors.
- Escutcheon Plate
An escutcheon plate is a slightly raised or flat plate that surrounds thumb turns, door handles, or keyholes. It is larger than the rosette, and typically used on doors with locks to provide a finished look and protect the area around the keyhole from wear and tear.
2. Lock Mechanism Parts
Besides the door handle, the lock mechanism is another major component of a door lock, and it includes the following;
- Cylinder
The cylinder is a core part of a door lock that houses the keyway - determines whether the lock will engage or not when you insert your key.
There are three main parts in a cylinder - the Plug, the Pins, and the Strings.
The plug is a rotating central that interacts with the key to turn the lock, while the pins are metal components that react to the key’s bittings (grooves) to determine if it’s the correct key.
The pins come in two parts, which are the driver pins and key pins.
The springs are tiny coils that push the pins into position when a lock’s key is inserted.
When you insert your key into the lock, the plug, pins, and strings in the cylinder interact with the key to allow or deny your access.
- Strike Plate
This metal plate is attached to the doorframe where the latch or deadbolt extends to secure the door.
The main purpose of a strike plate is to align the bolt from the cylinder into the box frame, giving the lock added reinforcement. This is what prevents your lock from easily getting damaged by repeated use or forced entry.
- Latch
The latch is a movable metal piece that extends into the strike plate to keep the door secure. The two main types of latch, include spring latches (automatically locking) and deadbolts (requiring a key or thumb turn).
A spring latch is a bolt that retracts when a lock handle is turned and extends automatically when released, while a bolt latch requires manual operation. It can be locked or unlocked using a key or a knob on one side of the door.
Part 2: Other Additional Components That Make Up A Door Lock
Aside from the core components, several other parts contribute to a door lock's operation.
- Keyhole: The keyhole is the access area for inserting your key into the lock.
- Thumbturn: A thumbturn is a small rotating knob or lever on the interior of a door lock, which allows users to lock or unlock the door without a key.
- Faceplate: The faceplate in a door lock is a metal plate mounted on the door edge, around the latch or bolt. It provides support and ensures the lock functions well by guiding the latch into the strike plate.
- Backplate: The backplate is a broad metal plate mounted at the rear of the door handle or knob, hiding the mounting screws and mechanism.
- Spindle: The spindle is a metal rod that secures the door knob or handle to the locking mechanism within. When the handle is turned, the spindle is rotated, advancing the latch and opening or closing the door.
- Housing: The housing is a protective outer casing that encloses the inner components of the door lock, and protects them from damage and interference.
Part 3: Step-by-step Guide to Install a Door Lock
If you’re looking to install a new door lock but don't want to employ a locksmith for the task, don't panic, we got you covered.
Here, we’ve shared a simple step-by-step guide to installing your door lock effectively without requiring any prior knowledge.
You need the following tools for the task;
- Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
- Drill and drill bits
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Chisel and hammer
- Safety glasses
Once you have the above tools ready, follow the steps to install the door lock;
Steps to Install a Door Lock
Step 1: Remove Old Lock
Unscrew and remove the existing handles, latch, and strike plate.
Step 2: Mark Lock Positions
Use the templates (it's usually provided with the lock) to mark the handle and latch positions on the door.
Step 3: Drill Holes
- Use a drill with a 2 1/8-inch bit for the face bore.
- Drill a 1-inch hole for the latch on the edge of the door.
Step 4: Chisel Out Mortises
After that, chisel out recesses on the door edge and frame to seat the latch and strike the plate flush.
Step 5: Install Latch and Strike Plate
Next, screw the latch into the edge bore and the strike plate onto the doorframe.
Step 6: Attach Handles/Knobs
Insert the exterior knob or handle into the face bore so that the spindle passes through the latch. Then, install the interior handle/knob and screw in position.
Step 7: Test the Lock
To finish the process, ensure the lock opens and closes smoothly and properly lines up with the strike plate.
Part 4: Types of Door Locks That You Should Know
With so many lock options, it's important to determine the best one for your security needs. Here are the most common types of locks.
1. Keyless Entry Locks
Keyless entry locks are modern security systems. They operate using PIN codes, biometric scanning, smartphone apps, or key cards, and they can be self-installed easily.
Most keyless locks come with remote access, auto-locking, and tamper alerts, providing more security and convenience. One example of a strong keyless lock is the eufy FamiLock S3 Max.
This keyless lock uses your palm vein to open your door, and you can enjoy a faster and reliable contactless entry. It’s also matter-compatible - which means you can use it with main smart home platforms like Apple Home, Google Home, and SmartThings.
2. Deadbolts
Deadbolts are some of the most secure door-locking systems. These types of locks are primarily classified into three categories: single-cylinder, with a key on the outside and a thumb-turn on the inside; double-cylinder, with a key on each side for added security; and vertical deadbolts, which are resistant to prying.
3. Knob Locks
Knob locks are extremely common for interior doors. These types of locks are handy but don't offer reliable security for exterior doors.
Knob locks are typically paired with deadbolts on entrance doors, and they are available in different styles.
4. Lever Handle Locks
These types of door locks are simple to operate, as they feature a push-down lever instead of a rotating knob, thus being ADA-approved and usable for people with little hand dexterity.
5. Mortise Locks
Mortise locks are known for their durability and security-focused design. These locks have a strong internal mechanism with a combination of latch and deadbolt, and their strong construction makes them harder to grab and manipulate than conventional lever or knob locks.
6. Rim Locks
Rim locks are surface-mounted locks installed on the inside of a door. These locks employ a latch and key operation and can be installed on left- or right-handed doors. And while they are not as safe as deadbolts or mortise locks, they do offer some added security and aesthetics.
7. Padlocks
Padlocks are portable, standalone locks used to secure gates, lockers, storage units, and bicycles. These types of locks are key-operated or combination styles, and they come in different materials and security grades.
FAQs
What are door joints called?
Door joints are called hinges. The hinge connects your door to the frame, allowing it to swing open and close. Various types of hinges include butt hinges, continuous hinges, and pivot hinges.
What are door accessories called?
Door accessories are also known as door hardware or door fittings. They are used to enhance both the function and appearance of a door. These include handles, locks, latches, peepholes, kick plates, and door closers.
What is the tongue of a door lock called?
The tongue of a door lock is commonly called the latch bolt or simply the latch. It is the metal component that extends from the lock mechanism into the strike plate to keep the door closed.
What is the strike plate’s purpose?
A strike plate is a metal plate installed on the door frame where the latch bolt or deadbolt extends to secure the door. Its primary purpose is to reinforce the area around the latch hole, ensuring smooth lock operation and protecting the door frame from wear and damage.
Are smart locks secure?
Smart locks offer advanced security features, but their safety depends on various factors, including encryption, installation, and user habits. Unlike traditional locks, smart locks use keyless entry methods, such as PIN codes, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or biometrics, reducing the risk of lock picking.
Many models include two-factor authentication (2FA) and auto-lock features for extra protection. However, smart locks are not immune to hacking. Weak passwords, outdated firmware, or unsecured networks can make them vulnerable.
Conclusion
Selecting the best lock depends on your requirements. By understanding the door components and types of locks, you’re better prepared to make effective decisions for your home.
For enhanced convenience and security, use keyless entry door locks like the eufy smart locks.