Interior door lock: how to choose a reliable and durable mechanism

The accessories have an impact on the functionality of the door. The locking device is the main element of the fittings, on which the safety of the structure depends, as well as the convenience of its use. To choose the most suitable lock for interior doors, it is necessary to study the main types of these mechanisms and their features.

Choosing a reliable lock for an interior door is a process that requires a thorough approach

The device and features of locks on an interior door

When purchasing an interior linen, the selection of fittings suitable for a particular case is taken into account. Today, there are several options for locks, which differ in the method of installation and design features. The range of these products is very wide. Locks can be made from various materials, which allows expanding their operational scope.

The design of the lock for an interior door does not really matter, the main thing is that it is of high quality

The door lock design can also be different. If desired, you can choose the desired color of the product. In order to choose a locking mechanism, it is necessary to understand the principles of its operation. Locks consist of two main parts: a body and a cylinder. The body of the device contains a locking mechanism. The cylinder is the heart of the lock, which determines the level of its secrecy. Depending on the purpose, all locking devices that can be purchased on the modern market are divided into the following types:

• without latch;
• with a latch;
• with separate handle;
• with a revolving handle.

An interior door lock that does not have a latch can be equipped with a roller. Some models do not have this element. Such products, as well as locking devices with a handle located separately, are used most often in office buildings. This is due to the fact that they are more resistant to constant use. The last two types are used in private houses and apartments, where the operational loads are lower.

All elements and fastenings of the lock must be securely fixed

Note! The cylinders of interior locks differ in their structure. They can be opened from one side or from two. All cylinders are classified according to proportionality. According to this indicator, they are divided into symmetrical and asymmetrical.

Types of door locks and their main characteristics

The variety of interior locking devices complicates their choice. In order not to be mistaken when buying a castle, you need to study the main types of such products. Each variety has its own pros and cons, and also differs in recommendations for use. All interior locking devices can be divided into 5 groups:

• latches;
• with a key;
• mortise (with an additional fixing element);
• magnetic;
• smartlocks.

The last option is the most technologically advanced due to the fact that it has not only a mechanical, but also an electronic part. Such models are capable of providing a high degree of door protection. Locks installed on interior doors, may have a different cost depending on the complexity of the design, the manufacturer and the build quality.

Any type of lock is suitable for interior doors.

The range of prices within which the sale of interior locking devices takes place is quite wide. However, most often you can find products, the cost of which varies from 500 to 2000 rubles. This applies to absolutely all types of locks (with a latch, magnetic, etc.).

The resistance of locks to burglary is determined by their design. When choosing a device, it is necessary to pay attention to the safety class of the shut-off element. This indicator must be indicated in the relevant documentation that is provided to the buyer when purchasing the lock.

Today on sale you can find locking mechanisms of 4 classes of reliability. It is recommended to purchase first-class devices for interior paintings, since such structures are most often not used to protect premises. The other 3 groups are used on the entrance doors. If necessary, it will not be difficult to open the interior door lock without a key. As a rule, such mechanisms do not contain secrets.

Interior door lock with a latch: a common option

Today, this type of locking device is the simplest and most affordable. Locks equipped with latches are installed on inexpensive doors. However, in some cases there may be exceptions. The mechanism of these models includes a cylinder and a tongue.

Choosing a quality door lock you should pay attention to the manufacturer's reputation and reviews

Locking devices of this type are used on doors that are installed in residential premises. Typically they are installed in doorways leading to bedrooms, living rooms or kitchens. Interior door latches have rather limited functionality. They prevent the door leaf from opening by holding it in the required position.

Helpful information! The simplicity of the design of such locking devices is an advantage of these products. This is due to the fact that when the mechanism is jammed, such a door is much easier to open. Models that are more complex from a structural point of view in case of breakdown require serious intervention in the mechanism.

An interior door with a lock of this type performs its main functions without any problems. Of course, such mechanisms are not designed to protect the premises, since they do not have a secret that opens with a key. However, inside living quarters, canvases with such a device are the best fit.

Latch locks in most cases communicate with the door handle. In order to remove the tongue from the mating hole on the pipe, you must press the handle.Latches for interior doors are very popular because they are easy to operate, and also have an affordable cost.

A latch lock is one of the most common types

Separately, it should be said about the models that do not communicate with the door handle. The mechanism of such devices may include a tongue made of more than just metal. For example, plastic parts are very popular. The use of locks that have a plastic locking element is recommended when it is necessary to ensure the silent operation of the door leaf.

Interior door lock with a latch, equipped with a latch

This type of locking device is an improved model of a simple lock equipped with a latch. The difference in this case is that such a device includes not only a tongue that is responsible for opening and closing the web, but also a special locking mechanism.

The main function of the latch is to keep the door closed. Such models of locking devices are installed in the case when it is required to ensure the ability to completely close the door leaf from the inside. It should be noted that when such a product is jammed, it is rather difficult to disassemble it. Door locks for interior doors, as a rule, are simple in design. In this case, the inner device is aimed at keeping the web in the "closed" position.

Most often, latch mechanisms are mounted on doors to bathrooms and toilets. In addition, they can be found in canvases that are installed in administrative buildings - in offices and offices.

The purpose of the room where the door is installed often determines the type of lock that will be used

Opening the interior door lock, which includes a locking mechanism, is more difficult. Therefore, experts do not recommend buying cheap products. This increases the chance of purchasing low quality products, which will fail at the first malfunction.

Note! Before buying such a lock, you need to make sure that the tongue moves smoothly. And you should also pay attention to the features of the mechanism for returning the locking element to its original position.

Locks for interior doors with a handle and fasteners have a wide strip design, equipped with holes for fittings. In order to close most models of such locks, it is enough to perform one turn of the latch. The locking mechanism can be of two types: lever or push-button. The first option is the most common and requires the rotation of the part responsible for the "closed" position. Lever-lock products, among other things, are more convenient to use and also reliable.

Magnetic locks for interior doors: characteristics

Magnetic locking mechanisms are quite expensive. This is due to the fact that they are the most technologically advanced. These mechanisms are the most convenient to operate. Their use ensures maximum quiet operation, since the design of magnetic products does not contain moving parts that generate friction.

Magnetic locks are easy to use and absolutely silent

Features of the device of locks for interior doors with a magnetic lock determine their serviceability. For example, these products are most often mounted on doors in children's rooms, where maximum silence is required. It is also recommended to install them in sleeping rooms. Magnetic closures are easy and convenient to use.

Inside the devices that belong to this type of locks, there is a ferrite core. The operation of this element is possible only in one case - when the door is closed.The core reacts to the bar, which has a negative charge and is in the desired position. When using a magnetic lock, the tongue does not protrude from the end surface of the door leaf.

How to open an interior lock with a magnetic mechanism? The device is closed quite simply: to do this, you need to bring the locking element to the strike plate - and the mechanism will snap into place with a magnet. The opening of such a door occurs by changing the position of the lever, which controls the tab, which is magnetically attached to the mating hole.

Electronic locks for interior door leaves

Products that are of the electronic type are the most technologically advanced and expensive. It should be noted that such locking mechanisms are called smartlocks. They include not only the mechanical part, but also the electronic one. The device of this type of interior door lock is quite complicated when compared with other, less technological varieties. Depending on the installation option, these products are divided into 2 types:

• mortise;
• outdoor.

Electronic locks are most often used in offices and hotels.

Helpful information! The principle of operation of electronic-mechanical locking devices, despite their complexity, is quite simple. The smartlock has an external panel on which numbers from 0 to 9 are located. Before using the lock, you must encode it, setting it to recognize a certain combination of numbers.

In order to open the canvas, it is required not only to enter the required sequence of numbers, but also to turn the key. Such mechanisms are used when it is required to ensure maximum safety of the interior door. The door lock for the curtain located between the rooms takes into account the locking of the physical key in the event that the code was entered incorrectly.

It is important to remember that the electronic mechanism functions due to a special battery that is included in the design of the locking device. After it is discharged, the code plate is turned off, after which it will be enough to use a regular key to open the door.

The most expensive models of such devices do not respond to a code number, but to a special magnetic card. Of course, the feasibility of installing such a lock is quite low when it comes to an ordinary interior door in a private house or apartment.

The electronic lock mechanism is powered by a built-in battery

What lock to put on an interior door: types of products by type of installation

Depending on the location on the canvas, all locking devices are divided into 2 types: mortise and overhead. The most popular among buyers are mortise devices that are mounted inside the door. These models include the secret for the key.

The mortise version resembles ordinary door locks in design, but has a simpler device. In addition, such products are similar to locking mechanisms equipped with a latch. The difference is that the hole in the lock plate is for the key.

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Mortise locks for interior doors, as a rule, open from both sides and are used when it is necessary to secure the room. Such mechanisms are most often mounted in doors that lead to offices, storerooms, etc.

The mortise device consists of two main elements. The main part of the mechanism is the cylinder. It should be noted that its design can be different.The second element is called a lock block. The cylinder includes a mechanism that responds to the key design. Moreover, it can have a device that allows you to insert a key on both sides of the door leaf, or it can be combined (key-lever).

More expensive products are made of durable materials, which means they will last longer than cheap counterparts

Mechanisms of this type are actively used in wooden doors. A mortise lock for interior doors requires careful selection. When buying, you need to take into account the thickness of the door structure, as well as some parameters of the mechanism itself. The tongue of the mortise product must have a smooth running.

Helpful information! Experts recommend purchasing locking mortise devices, the strike plate of which has special wings. They help to fix the tab in the desired position, which, in turn, provides a more reliable hold of the door in the closed position.

Door lock: overhead type and its features

Such devices have a characteristic geometric shape, because of which they are also called boxed. Most often, the installation of overhead locking mechanisms is performed on the surface of the door leaf. However, in some cases, special niches are cut out for such locks.

A fairly common option is the installation of a mortise and patch lock on one canvas. In this case, the external lock performs an auxiliary function, providing additional protection. In order to close such a door, a key is used. Interior doors with surface locks are extremely rare. It is most advisable to install them in storerooms, since the mechanism of the external locking device is not as reliable as in mortise counterparts.

Overhead locks for interior doors are rarely used and usually in production or utility rooms

Padlocks are sold complete with accessories that are used to provide security. These include a chain and a door bolt. For interior paintings, it is still recommended to choose products related to the mortise group. This is due to the fact that the internal locks are mounted in a hidden way, which increases the presentability of the canvas, as well as the protective characteristics.

Interior door handle with lock

The standard type of door handles equipped with locks has a common name - knob. The design of this type does not provide for a lock, therefore, a key is not required to open a locking element of this type. Its structure can be different. There are two main options that differ from each other depending on the design.

The first type is the traditional round handle, which uses a twist mechanism to open. The second version is equipped with a special handle. Classic variants of handles with locks for interior doors are distinguished by their simplicity of execution and affordable cost. That is why they are widely recognized among the domestic consumer.

Installing this type of handle is not always easy. The mechanism for an interior door with a handle can be more difficult to install than, for example, overhead devices. Even more difficult to install is the handle on the bar. For interior doors, such products are not used so often.

A fairly common option is a door handle with a built-in lock

Separately, it should be said about the handles, which have a lock that opens with a key. Such complex devices are used when it is necessary to preserve the privacy of the premises. They are installed in offices and offices, as well as hotel rooms.

Interior door lock: an overview of the best manufacturers

The quality of the locking device largely depends on the manufacturer. Some firms are famous for their products, the reliability of components and their durability.The modern market is overflowing with closures from different manufacturers.

Abloy. This brand has been on the locking mechanism market for several decades. The products of this company are distinguished by their high quality of workmanship, which manifests itself in the long operational life of the device. Locks produced under this brand are resistant to wear and tear and tolerate temperature fluctuations well.

Note! Abloy devices have a protective chrome finish and open in two ways - with a key or a lever (spinner).

Abloy locks are known for their reliability, which is why they gained popularity among users.

AGB. AGB interior door locks are manufactured by an Italian company specializing in the manufacture of locking mechanisms for windows and door leaves. The main advantage of such devices is a wide range of various models. Everyone, if desired, can choose a suitable device for installation in a residential building or an office building.

Viatek. Ukrainian company that manufactures security systems of varying degrees of complexity. Viatek locks installed on interior door panels are of a fairly high quality. Moreover, the cost of such products is lower when compared with the products of foreign manufacturers.

Morelli. An Italian company specializing in the production of door handles and locking mechanisms. A wide range of various devices from this company can only be compared with locks for interior doors AGB. Under the logo of this brand, latches, magnetic devices, latches, as well as silent models with plastic tabs are produced.

What to look for when choosing a lock

Before you purchase a locking mechanism for the interior linen, one important rule should be taken into account. The lock should match the characteristics of the door as much as possible. The choice of this device requires consideration of several factors and consideration of operational nuances.

The lock should correspond as much as possible to the characteristics and type of door, therefore most often door manufacturers produce products in a set

The lock must correspond to the material of the interior linen. If the door is made of wood, then it is compatible with all types of locking devices. However, not all mechanisms can be used in metal structures. In this situation, it is worth choosing the most reliable products.

It is very important to determine in advance how much you are willing to spend on purchasing this device. The choice of a type of lock for an interior door depends on this. The price should not be too low, since the cheapest fixtures, as a rule, do not differ in quality and quickly fail.

The door leaf opening option is also very important when choosing a locking mechanism. Almost any device can be purchased for classic swing doors. For sliding structures, you must choose specialized fittings. It can be completely mechanical or have a magnetic latch.

Note! Experts recommend buying products from trusted manufacturers. This reduces the chances of purchasing a defective item. Low-quality devices often fail. Repairing locks in interior doors is not always a practical solution. In some cases, the best solution is to completely replace the locking device.

Inexpensive products often break down and in this case cannot be repaired, so it would be better to purchase a higher quality product at a higher price

The material of the movement is also important. Steel products are distinguished by high strength characteristics, however, they have weak corrosion resistance.In rooms with high humidity, it is recommended to install doors with brass locks, which are not afraid of rust. Among other things, the design of the device (shape, color) is also important.

If you are not interested in security, it is recommended that you stick with the standard latch design. Installing a lock that opens with a key is not advisable in such a situation.

In addition, if you lose the key or break the lock, it will be quite difficult to open the interior door lock. How to break open the locking mechanism without a key? The easiest way to do this is with a knife, which you want to immerse in the gap between the canvas and the bow. This will allow the tongue to move.

Installation of an interior lock: step by step instructions

It is recommended that you prepare all the necessary tools before starting the installation. In order to carry out the installation, you will need a screwdriver or screwdriver, a drill, a set of drills with different sections, as well as a pencil and a measuring ruler. The recess for the lock body in the door leaf can be done using a cutter or chisel. The first option will significantly save installation time.

Mounting the lock in the canvas is a process that requires certain knowledge and skills

In case of replacing the device, you must first remove the lock from the interior door. As a rule, old mechanisms are not easy to remove from the door leaf. To do this, remove the handle, remove the decorative strip and completely disassemble the lock fixed in the door.

Let's consider in stages how an overhead version of the locking mechanism is installed. If the lock is mounted on a door leaf in which the device has not previously been embedded, then it is necessary to start by preparing the holes in the door leaf. First you need to draw a drawing on paper that takes into account all the holes (for the pen and clamps).

Next, the sketch is transferred to the surface of the door in the place where the lock will be installed. The height of the interior door handle is determined depending on the wishes of the owners. The standard distance from the floor to this piece of fittings is 85-90 cm.

Then you need to make holes for the handle and fasteners, after which you can start installing the lock. The device is fixed in accordance with the drawing. Fasteners are usually supplied complete with a locking mechanism. At the final stage, a striker plate with a recess for the lock tongue is installed.

Interior door lock design

How to install a mortise shut-off device yourself? In this case, the installation process is complicated. First of all, experts recommend removing the door from its hinges and placing it in a horizontal plane (for ease of use). The initial stage of installation involves drawing up a drawing. Further, on the surface of the canvas, the boundaries of the device are marked, corresponding to its dimensions, and places are also highlighted in which holes for the handle and latches will be drilled.

Helpful information! It is recommended to do all the work consistently and carefully. In case of incorrect installation, you will have to disassemble the lock interior door. As a rule, reinstallation only exacerbates the initial problems.

After organizing the markup, a niche is prepared for the mechanism. Next, you need to make holes for the handle and fixing elements. Then you need to install and secure the device inside the niche. In the end, you will need to drill a hole for the tongue and install a striker for the lock. An interior door with a locking device also requires the installation of a handle. An important point is to check the operation of the installed mechanism.

Choosing a lock for an interior canvas is a serious undertaking. This requires taking into account many factors: the material of the door, its purpose, the type of locking device, as well as its decorative characteristics. Self-installation of door locks is carried out according to the instructions.