Door Hardware Locks: Functions of Each Part

When it comes to the security of your home, nothing is more essential than your door lock. This component keeps your family and possessions safe from would-be intruders.

Like any other object, they can be prone to wear and tear, as well as damage. Various accessories can also upgrade the look and use of door hardware locks.

For this reason, we will take a look at the different parts of a door lock and discuss what each one does. By understanding the function of each part, you can take better care of your lock and ensure that it stays in good working condition.

1. Lock Body

The lock body is the largest part of the lock, and it is what you insert the key into. The body contains all of the locking mechanisms and, when locked, prevents the door from opening.

The lock body can have different finishes and make. It is usually made of brass, but it can also be other materials like steel. Colors can also vary, such as black, bronze, or nickel.

When purchasing a door lock, ensure that the body of the lock is of good quality. A cheap lock body cannot withstand wear and tear. In fact, search for one with weather-resistant properties, so it will not rust or corrode over time.

2. Bolt

One of the vital door hardware locks, the bolt is the part that extends into the doorframe and secures the door in place. When you turn the key, the bolt will either extend or retract from the doorframe.

The bolt is also what slides in and out of the striker plate to secure the door. It can be manual or automatic, depending on the type of lock you have.

Either way, the bolt should move smoothly in and out of the plate and not get stuck. If it does get stuck, it will need to be lubricated with oil or graphite powder.

Most bolts are made of steel for strength and durability, but some may be made of brass for a more decorative look. Some bolts also have a coat of finishes like chrome to resist corrosion.

There are also different types of bolts:

• Mortise bolts: These are usually used in commercial doors as they provide a higher level of security.
• Deadbolts: These are the most common type of bolt and are often used in residential doors. They can be either single or double cylinders.
• Spring bolts: These are also known as latch bolts and have a spring-loaded design. They are often used in combination with deadbolts for added security.
• Cylinder bolts: These types of bolts have a cylinder that you insert the key into to lock and unlock the door.

3. Cylinder

The cylinder sits in the center of the lock body and houses the pins used to pick or bump a lock. It also rotates with the key to allow for unlocking.

Cylinders have different sizes, which can be according to the thickness of the door. The average size is between 60mm and 120mm for a full-size euro lock, but some may be as small as 25mm.

When choosing a new cylinder for your door lock, get one that matches the thickness of the door or exactly the size and shape of your old one.

4. Spindle

The spindle is another of the different door hardware locks. It is a thin rod that goes through the hole in the door handle and attaches to the latch mechanism. When you turn the doorknob, it spins the spindle, which retracts or extends the latch depending on its position.

Spindles are usually made of brass or steel. The length can vary depending on the thickness of the door, but most are 100mm. This size is already enough to fit different types of doors, including fire doors.

If your spindle is too long, it will protrude out the other side of the door handle and be vulnerable to damage. If it is too short, it will not engage with the latch correctly.

5. Latch

The latch is a metal plate with a curved piece that sits inside the bolt to secure it in place. The latch also has a beveled edge that allows it to fit snugly into the strike plate.

When choosing a new latch, ensure that it is compatible with your door type, such as wood or metal doors.

The latch is what holds the door closed when it is in the locked position. It is attached to either a strike plate on the frame of the door or to another part of the locking mechanism and pushes against it to keep it secure.

You should also get one that has the same finish as your other door hardware for a cohesive look. Finally, check if the backset and deadlatch size are compatible with your current installation.

6. Strike Plate

The strike plate is a metal piece that the latch attaches to. It is mounted on the doorframe and has a hole in it where the bolt slides through.

There are different types of strike plates:

• Full-size Strike Plate: This type covers the entire width of the doorframe and is used with mortise bolts or deadbolts.
• ANSI Strike Plate: Usually made of stainless steel, this plate goes with a standard T cutout and fits well on metal and wood doorjambs.

These are some of the most common door hardware locks. By knowing their functions, you can better understand how they work and take care of them properly.