Why does a door latch have 2 pieces?

25 Mar.,2024

 

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Every day, we open and close doors without giving a second thought to how the door locks we rely on to secure our homes, offices, and other property work. But the lock is actually a complex mechanism with different parts that work together to keep the door securely closed. Door locks are the only physical barrier between an intruder and your home, and locking your doors is essential for personal security as well as preventing theft or unauthorized access to your property.

If you’ve ever wondered about the anatomy of a door lock, it's important to understand how locks work so you can better secure your home with peace of mind.

First Things First: Mechanical or Electronic Locks

Before we get to answer the important question: how does a door lock work, we're going to look at the two different types of locks available.

  • Mechanical Locks — Mechanical locks, or traditional locks like deadbolts, work by using a key to physically turn the lock or latch, which is located on the door frame. The catch pin (or bolt) will be lifted out of its slot and allow you to open the door. These types of locks are the most common and are less expensive than electronic locks.
  • Electronic Locks — Electronic locks use a combination of a key and a code. These locks are more expensive but offer increased security because the interior components cannot be accessed by someone who doesn't have the right key or code. They're perfect for anyone who wants to upgrade their security system without having to replace the entire door.

While both types have their benefits and disadvantages, if you're looking for increased security or you need to be able to grant people temporary access, an electronic lock will serve your needs best. Mechanical locks, especially deadbolts, are extremely difficult to circumvent.

The Anatomy of a Door Lock

Every door lock comprises internal and external components. The internal components are the lock and latch, while external parts include the door handle. Together, they make opening or closing a locked door possible. External parts come in different finishes and styles like door knobs, door levers, and handlesets, which are what most people touch daily and use to open or close a lock.

The other external part of a door lock that can be seen from the outside is the strike plate. This component provides both an aesthetic finish as well as an extra measure of security by preventing someone from kicking the door open. To understand the anatomy of a door lock, we're going to be focusing more on the internal components. So, how does a door lock work?

Parts of a Door Lock

1. The Lock Body or Lock Cylinder

The lock cylinder or lock body is the core of any door lock. It is the part that allows you to unlock and lock your door. The cylinder is usually a metal, cylindrical-shaped object with one or more pins on it. These pins are lined up in a row inside the cylinder's body and can be pushed back by inserting an appropriate key into the keyhole of the lock when turned clockwise (to unlock) or counter-clockwise (to lock).

The cylinder has an opening on one side and it's mounted into position on top of the door, so you can't see what pins are inside when looking from the outside. The lock body is often made of high-quality steel, brass, or aluminum to ensure it can withstand the elements and any force that may be applied to it.

2. The Bolt and Latch

The door bolt or latch is another key part when it comes to understanding the anatomy of a door lock. This is the part that actually secures the lock into place and prevents it from being opened. The latch can be found on either side of a pair of doors, as well as one for each door. If there are multiple locks or latches on a single set of doors, they will operate in pairs — one to secure both sides while the other secures the door on the opposite side.

The latch is typically held in place by a spring and can be released to allow access through the doors when it is unlocked. However, if someone tries to force their way through or pry open a locked door with any sort of tool, this could cause damage that requires repair or replacement of the door lock or latch.

3. The Box and Strike Plate

To understand the anatomy of a door lock, you should also know about the box and strike plate, which create a secure location for the door bolt or latch. The box is the metal component that surrounds the door lock. It has a set of hinges on one side and a latch or bolt on the other which faces outwards. The strike plate is an L-shaped piece of steel, usually made with thick gauge steel (a thin layer would be easily cut through), riveted onto another piece of metal.

The strike plate is usually located at the edge or surface of the door frame where it would be banged with a heavy object if someone wanted to break in through the doorway, such as a hammer. A lockbox may have one spring-type latch on each side; two springs hold the bolt securely to ensure that only one key can release the bolt at one time.

Learn More at Door Locks Direct

How does a door lock work? Understanding the anatomy of a door lock is important if you want to know how it works. Want to learn more? Get in touch with Door Locks Direct. We know door hardware and have the knowledge and expertise to handle any of your door lock needs. Shop our selection of top-brand door hardware for your home or business.

When you think of locks, traditional door locks are probably what comes to mind. These locks have a keyhole and a manual latch. This description makes door locks seem simple and plain, but they are actually much more complex than what meets the eye. A little research to better understand how each part works can help you fix lock problems on your own and reduce calls to your local emergency locksmith in Houston, TX. Below is an overview of the parts of a door lock and how they work.

Traditional and electronic locks

Many residential homes, apartments, schools, libraries, small commercial buildings and other similar spaces still use traditional key-and-doorknob locks for both interior and exterior doors. Traditional locks, also known as mechanical locks, while still popular today, are not the only type of lock available. Homeowners and business owners can also choose from different types of electronic locks, many of which are widely available and affordable. These types of locks use electricity and small motorized components instead of the parts found inside traditional locks.

Recently, lock manufacturers have taken to incorporating smart technology into their electronic locks. Smartphone use or voice control are more advanced ways of opening a door that omit the need for a key.

At Express Locksmith Houston, we strive to take care of all of our client’s needs. We know that you probably have questions about the services we provide. That is why we have put together a frequently asked questions (FAQ) page to help you understand our services. Some of the most common questions we get asked include:

What Are the Parts of a Door Lock Called?

Some of the most important parts of a lock include:

The Cylinder: Also called the body, this is the part where the key is inserted. When it is locked, a series of spring-loaded pins are engaged by the cylinder. This keeps the cylinder from turning.

The Bolt: Also called the latch, the bolt engages the inside of the door. There is a piece of metal that extends from the door into the frame itself. This bolt is used to hold it closed.

The Box:The bolt extends from the cylinder into a hole that is designed to fit the bolt perfectly. This is called the box. The box is meant to hold the bolt in place when it is locked. This prevents it from being pulled open.

These are the most important parts. Each part plays an important role in making sure it functions as designed.

What Are the Parts of a Key Called?

The majority of keys are made up of small pieces of metal that are used to disengage a lock that might be in place. In general, there are two parts to most keys. The first part is called the bit or the blade. This slides into the lock itself. Locks are shaped to distinguish between various keys so that it only unlocks for the right key.

The second part of the key is called the bow. This is the part that protrudes from the locking mechanism when the key is in place. This allows the user to provide torque to unlock and open. In this manner, the key acts as a security token, allowing users to gain access to specific areas.

What Are the Parts of a Deadbolt?

Some of the most important parts of a deadbolt include:

The Actual Bolt: The actual deadbolt itself is a small piece of metal that extends from the door and into the frame. It locks with the frame to prevent someone from opening from the outside.

The Thumb Latch: This is the part of the deadbolt that extends from the surface. This allows the user to rotate and unlock the deadbolt from the inside.

The Turnpiece: Also called the tailpiece, this is the part of the locking mechanism that extends through the door from the cylinder on the outer key. The thumb latch connects to this piece of the deadbolt allowing the user to operate the lock.

The Keyhole: The Keyhole itself is where the key inserts, allowing users to operate the lock.
These are a few of the most important parts of the deadbolt. Each part plays a role in how the locking mechanism works.

What Is a Door Strike Plate?

The strike plate is the metal that is attached to the doorjamb itself. There is usually a set of holes into which the bolt of the inserts. When the door is closed, the bolt extends into the hole. It is the job of the strike plate to keep it closed. The strike plate itself protects the rest of the structure against friction. The strike plate also increases the amount of security provided. The strike plate itself is made of metal, which is much stronger than the materials that are used to make most doors (such as wood). Many strike plates also have an added security measure that prevents the bolt from being retracted without a lock.

What Is the Plate Behind a Door Knob Called?

The plate behind the door can refer to two separate pieces of metal. The first option is the strike plate, which is discussed above. The strike plate keeps the bolt in place when it is locked. When it closes, the latch strikes the plate and holds it closed.

The other option could be the rosette. This is a plate that is located behind the knobs. The rosette is meant to hold the doorknob in place and prevent it from rattling when the knob is turned. In this manner, the rosette plate adds an extra layer of security and increases the durability of the doorknob.

Contact Express Locksmith Houston Today To Learn More About Our Services!

If you would like to learn more about how we can help you with all of your lock needs, contact us today! Our trained professionals are always standing by to help you answer all of your questions or concerns. We look forward to meeting you!
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Why does a door latch have 2 pieces?

The Anatomy of Door Locks

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