What types of locks do I have?

Locksmithery’s Guide to Door Locks in your home

Home security is one of the most important concerns for homeowners and tenants across the UK. Whether you live in a modern apartment, a traditional terraced house, or a detached property, the type of locks fitted to your doors and windows can significantly impact your safety and insurance compliance.

Many people do not realise how many different types of locks are used in UK homes. From euro cylinders and mortice locks to night latches and smart locks, every locking system has its own purpose, level of security, and potential weaknesses.

Understanding the various types of locks found on and inside UK houses can help you make informed decisions about upgrading your security, replacing worn locks, or protecting your property against burglary.

This guide explains the most common types of locks in UK homes, how they work, and the strengths and weaknesses of each.

Why Choosing the Right Lock Matters

A lock is your property’s first line of defence against intruders. Poor quality or outdated locks can leave your home vulnerable to common burglary methods such as:

  • Lock snapping

  • Lock bumping

  • Forced entry

  • Door kicking

  • Lock picking

  • Cylinder extraction

Many insurance companies in the UK also require approved locks that meet British Standards, particularly BS3621.

The right lock can improve:

  • Home security

  • Insurance compliance

  • Property value

  • Peace of mind

  • Resistance against burglary

Special consideration
It is also important to know that if you rent then changing any entry/exit lock must be approved by the landlord. A trusted locksmith will always require written/verbal consent prior to changing a lock.

An image of a versa brass and satin chrome euro cylinder.

  1. Euro/Oval Cylinder

Euro cylinder locks are among the most common locks found in UK homes today. They are widely used on uPVC doors, composite doors, euro mortice sash deadlock and some aluminium doors.

How Euro Cylinder Locks Work

The lock cylinder sits within a multi-point locking mechanism or a euro mortice sash deadlock. When the key turns, it operates the central locking system that secures the door at multiple points.

A custom green box with black text highlighting the strengths of a euro cylinder.
A custom orange box with black text highlighting the weaknesses of a euro cylinder.

2. Mortice Locks

An image of a 3 lever mortice sashlock with 2 keys with text to the right explaining the different types of mortice lock.

Mortice locks are traditional locks fitted inside wooden doors. They are extremely common on older UK properties and front doors.

Types of Mortice Locks

There are various types:

  • 2 and 3-lever mortice locks

  • 5-lever mortice deadlocks

  • 5-lever British Standard 3621 mortice deadlocks

  • Mortice Sashlock

  • Detainer lock

  • Euro Mortice deadlock

A custom box highlighting the strengths of mortice locks.
A custom box that highlights the weankesses of mortice locks.

3. Night latch and Rim Cylinders

An image of a Yale traditional night latch, or 'Yale lock'.
A custom green box that highlights the strengths of Night latches and rim cylinders.

Night latches, often called Yale locks, are mounted on the inside surface of wooden doors.

How Night Latches Work

The latch automatically locks when the door closes and can be opened from outside using a key.

An orange custom box that hightlights the weaknesses of night latchs and rim cylinders.

4. Multi-Point Locking Systems (uPVC)

A custom green box that hightlights the strengths of uPVC mechanisms

Multi-point locking systems are standard on modern uPVC and composite doors.

How Multi-Point Locks Work

Lifting the handle activates several locking points along the frame, including hooks, rollers, bolts, and deadlocks.

Types of Spindle Type

The spindle is what is attached to the handles and enables the gearbox to engage with the multi-point system. There are three types of sprindle, and they are:

Single spindle - A single, solid spindle passes through the gearbox. Both inside and outside handles operate the latch. The door can be opened from outside without a key, even if unlocked.

Split Spindle - The gearbox has two separate spindle mechanisms (followers) that meet in the middle. The outside handle cannot retract the latch unless a key is used to unlock it. This offers passive security, ensuring the door cannot be opened from the outside simply by turning the handle, even if the main locks are not engaged.

Twin/Dual Spindle - This looks similar to a split spindle but often implies two separate, distinct spindle holes. It is typically used for specific lever/pad configurations

An orange custom box that highlights the weaknesses of uPVC mechanisms

5. Smart Locks

An image of a grey smart lock with a screen.

Smart locks are becoming increasingly popular across the UK.

How Smart Locks Work

They allow keyless entry using:

  • Smartphones

  • Keypads

  • Fingerprints

  • Bluetooth

  • Wi-Fi

  • Voice assistants

A custom green box highlighting the strengths of smart locks.
An orange custom box highlighting the weaknesses of a smart lock.

Locksmithery’s Final Thoughts

There are many different types of locks used in UK homes, each offering unique levels of security, convenience, and protection. From traditional mortice locks and Yale night latches to advanced smart locks and multi-point locking systems, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each lock type helps homeowners make better security decisions.

The best security setup often combines multiple lock systems with British Standard approval and modern anti-burglary features. Regular maintenance, professional installation, and timely upgrades are essential for keeping your property secure.

Investing in high-quality locks not only protects your home and family but can also improve insurance compliance and increase long-term peace of mind.

If you’re unsure, or require more information, please call us and we will do whatever is needed to support you.

Call Now

anti-snap locks - home security locks - multipoint locking systems - mortice lock installation - lock upgrade services - local locksmith - British Standard 3621 locks - TS007 locks - lock change service - home security upgrade - euro cylinder replacement - Locksmithery - euro cylinder - emergency locksmith - locksmith near me - broken door - emergency lockout services