Introduction
According to Statista, there were over 250,000 reported burglaries in England and Wales between 2023 and 2024. This is quite a high number however it decreased in comparison to previous years. As a locksmith professional for over 10 years, I’ve always been asked by people “What is the right door lock for my property”. Being fair isn’t an easy question to reply to, however, I will try to talk a bit about the most common door locks in the UK, the biggest players on the market, and what factors to consider when choosing a door lock. We’ll delve into the features that matter most when selecting door locks, such as durability, ease of installation, and resistance to break-ins.
In the end, we will give our opinion on the right choice and why it is better to have a different security mechanism in place.
Most popular brands and the different types of door locks
In the UK, where burglary rates remain a concern, having the right door locks is essential to prevent unwanted visitors. We are trying to make your life a bit easier when you next want to purchase a new door lock. It is important to make your purchases from well-known companies as they invest in improving their products and are rigorously tested.
The biggest players in the market are
- Yale (over 180 years in this industry) offering different types of locks renowned for their durability.
- Schlage, an American firm entered in the UK market offering different locks for both commercial and residential.
- Mul-T-Lock which is specialised in high security locks. Also known brands are
- Avocet
- Legge.
You can choose which type of front door lock is more suitable for your home it depends firstly by the crime rate of your area. These are the most common types:
- Deadbolt lock: solid metal bolt that extends from the door into the frame.
- Mortise lock: are installed directly into the door’s frame, providing a flush, integrated appearance.
- There’s also rim locks (more suitable for wooden doors)
- Chain locks
- Door viewers which can increase the level of security of your home.
In addition, for those seeking a more modern and convenient locking solution, electronic door locks, such as keypad or smart locks, have gained significant traction in the UK market.
Factors to consider when choosing door locks
The climate in the UK is defined as a humid temperature oceanic climate. Hence, one of the first factors to consider when purchasing a door lock is the resistance to humidity (especially if living in coastal areas or next to the river Thames). Another 2 important factors are quality and price. Many people are tempted to buy the most economical lock, however, that would be a problem(especially if living in a tough neighbourhood).
One important factor, or perhaps the most important factor is if it is easy to be picked. Try to research thoroughly on that topic before buying.
Our advice is to look for door locks with the best ratio quality price. While it’s important to invest in high-quality security solutions, you’ll also want to find a lock that fits within your budget. Look for options that strike a balance between affordability and the features and performance you require.
Understanding security ratings and certifications
In the UK market, there are different ratings and certifications you need to consider before hitting that button that says “BUY” or “PURCHASE NOW”.
One of the most widely recognized security ratings in the UK is the Sold Secure standard, which is administered by the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA). Sold Secure ratings are awarded to locks that have undergone rigorous testing and evaluation, assessing their resistance to attacks, such as picking, drilling, and forced entry. Locks are rated as Bronze, Silver, or Gold, with Gold being the highest level of security.
Another important certification to consider is the Secured by Design (SBD) accreditation, a police-preferred specification for security products in the UK. SBD-certified locks have been tested and approved to meet stringent security standards, ensuring they provide a high level of protection against burglary and other criminal activities.
In addition to these industry-specific ratings, you may also come across certifications from organizations like the British Standards Institute (BSI).
DIY vs professional installation of door locks
DIY vs professional installation of door locks
When it comes to installing door locks in your UK property, you have the option to either tackle the project yourself as a DIY endeavour or enlist the services of a professional locksmith.
People often ask if it wouldn’t be cheaper to do the installation themselves. If you have the right tools at home and enough time, you’ll manage to do it. Most big manufacturers will provide detailed instructions on how to install the door lock step-by-step. Following this approach, you can save on labour costs and learn new skills. If you get a sophisticated mechanism it is better to let a professional do it for you, as you can destroy the door frame and pay even more.
Locksmiths have the necessary expertise, experience, and tools to ensure that your door locks are installed correctly and securely. They can also provide valuable advice on the most suitable lock types for your property, considering factors such as door material, frame construction, and security requirements. Moreover, you can receive a warranty (which in our case would be 12 months) and advice on how to take care of your newly purchased door lock.
Our locksmiths offer great value for the money, and the job is done in no time.
Does unpickable locks exist?
Now, the moment of truth, remember the movie “The Army of Thieves”? The movie’s message was that the unpickable lock does not exist, yet.
Even though the companies are creating great mechanisms for their locks, there are no guarantees of being unpickable. Companies are using this as a marketing strategy; hence, we recommend having another layer of security such as surveillance cameras, sensors, or an alarm system in place. Even though the lock you choose has met the industry standards it doesn’t mean that the lock is unpickable, but perhaps requires a longer time while a sensor or a camera can witness that something isn’t right and send you a message.
It is better to be highly vigilant in those situations and remember it is always better to choose a locksmith that can be open and frankly
Conclusion: Finding the right door lock for your home
In conclusion, selecting the perfect door locks for your UK property is a crucial step in ensuring the safety and security of your home or business. However, we recommend doing thorough research before buying anything. Write down many questions and when research for a door lock as this is an utmost important purchase. Work with brands that offering a fair evaluation on their products. Most importantly, stay safe.
