Choose your latch

A latch is used to lock a door or to enhance the security of an entry. The choice of your latch depends on various criteria such as the purpose, the unlocking system, resistance to break-in, the key type of and the combination of technical aspects…

1. DOMAIN OF USE

2. LATCH MODELS (UNLOCKING / LOCKING – DEADLATCHING)

On a button (auto latch)

Unlocking can only be done from the inside. No way to unlock the latch from the outside. This type of a latch is used to block the access to a bathroom or toilet and sometimes into a room, such as a bedroom or an study, to preserve your privacy. These latches are also used in addition to the main locking system.

Double-cylinder

Unlocking is possible from the 2 sides with the key - This type of a latch provides better protection, particularly for glass doors. Some cylinder latches allow to change the cylinder without having to change the entire latch (changing the key to increase the security level of your door...).

Button and cylinder

Locking with the key from the outside and by turning the button form the inside for greater ease of use. This type of a latch is used for entrance doors or to secure a commercial office.

Profiled cylinder

Allows the installation of a new profiled cylinder with 2-sided key entries or a profiled cylinder with one key entry and a button. This type of a latch allows the replacement of the cylinder without dismantling the latch housing in the event of change of a tenant, loss of a key or to change the cylinder to a more secure one. Latches with profiled cylinders are also very practical in the case of installation in a role-based access environment.

Combination code

A modifiable combination code mechanism of 2 to 8 digits or letters. The combination code can be easily changed. With an easily changeable combination code these locks allow to secure a location without having to change the keys.

Other types of locking systems

Surface mounted

Locking from one side - there are 2 versions of surface mounted latches: - an automatic version (the latch is operated by a revolving knob only, there are no external moving parts) - an outer side cylinder version (also called a cellar latch intended for cellar doors that are not lockable from inside).

Mortise / in recess

Latches lockable with a locking tab, a rocker, or a slide which require a pocket in the door. These latches are usually provided with a striker which accommodates the bolt of the latch. Typically used for double leaf doors, such latches are built into the edge of door. This type of a latch allows to keep the secondary leaf closed while the main leaf is open.

To be notched

Generally used for double-leaf doors, the notch locks are embedded in the door edge. This type of lock keeps the secondary door closed while the main door is open.

Surface-mounted catches

Latches with the locking function performed by the movement of a sliding deadbolt held by a frame-mounted striker. These latches are typically used whenever there is no requirement for high security, or furniture (safes, canteens, garage cabinets...)

3. CHOICE OF THE LATCH BY THE CYLINDER

If you  choose a latch with a cylinder, you need to consider the 3 criteria:

The door thickness: the door  thickness is one of your first concerns because it determines the length of the  cylinder (30mm, 40 mm, 45 mm (standard), 50 mm, 60mm

The diameter of the cylinder:  in the case of a round cylinder (Ø 21mm, Ø  23mm, Ø 26mm)

Type of protection:

Anti-tearing

Protection against tearing and extirpation of the cylinder. The A2P latch models are equipped with a collar and cylinder reinforcement which make it very difficult to tear.

Anti-picking

The latch cylinder cannot be picked with a paperclip or lock picks. Protection against picking is based on the complexity of the key. Selecting a cylinder according to the key is certainly an essential criteria in the choice of your latch.

Anti-drilling

The drill bit will either turn in a void, or else drilling will be very difficult due to the collar and cylinder reinforcement (and tearing will be especially difficult - see A2P latch models)

Anti-smash

The latch cannot be smashed with a hammer, and the cylinder cannot be knocked off the latch housing.

Anti-bumping

Protection against break-in attempts by tapping on a strike key (or a percussion key) which moves the cylinder pins in order to turn the key and open the door.

Anti-Snap

The lock cannot be torn out with a large clip. The front part breaks but the cylinder remains attached to the lock housing in the door.

The cylinder’s level of security is also dependent on the key. You can add another level of security with a protection against duplication: the key may be reproduced only via its manufacturer with an appropriate controlled owner’s card.

4. CHOICE OF THE LATCH BY DESIGN

Stamped or  cambered housing: A cambered  (by bending) lock housing is less resistant than a stamped housing (by striking  – no apparent bends).

Protection  collar (for A2P  latches): typically made of high-grade steel, it ensures the protection of the  cylinder against tearing.

Reinforcement  plate (for A2P  latches): attached to the lock by screws that pass through the entire bulk of  the door, the reinforcement plate prevents the tearing of the cylinder when the  door is pried, and efficiently holds all parts together (a reinforcement plate  attached to the outer side of the door). A reinforcement plate is also  recommended for hollow flush doors.

A housing  armour plate (for A2P  latches) installed with a collar to protect the internal lock mechanism and to  provide rigidity.

Reinforced  or angle striker: unlike  traditional strikers, it allows angle mounting on the inside of the door frame  which, in case of a strong push on the door, results in that the striker  assumes most of the tearing force.

Pin and  jumper: the pin is  an element inserted in the cylinder, in a cavity provided for this purpose. The  pin stays in the jumper mounted on the door. This structure prevents the  tearing and extirpation of the latch cylinder.

The deadbolt’s thickness and  material, with or  without anti-sawing protection, blocked at each of the 2 turns.

Entry bowl: Unlike the aesthetic roses used to  provide a better-looking finish, an entry bowl is used where the door thickness  is greater than the maximum length of the latch cylinder.

Surface  finish: the  recommended choice for entrance door latches is a model with anti corrosion  treatment. Stainless steel or brass are used for protection against corrosion  by oxidation. Stainless steel is designed especially to withstand salty  environments.

5. NUMBER OF LATCHING POINTS

While it is always possible to add latches, it is  preferable to use one multipoint latch which ensures anchorage of the door at  several points while allowing closing/opening with a single key. Multipoint  latches are available with 2, 3 or 4 latching points.

6. CHOICE OF LOCK BY A2P STANDARD

The A2P certification is a guarantee of security against burglary (resistance, endurance…) The A2P certification has different levels: A2P – A2P* – A2P**

The A2P mark is first of all a certification of security products with regard to resistance to break-in, specifically considering the ability of a product to resist attempts to gain non-authorized entry during a given period of time, to attacks by a perpetrator using physical force and certain tools (manual, electrical and thermal tools), as well as the ability of your latch’s lock to resist gentle compromising attempts. Finally, the A2P mark certifies that the products to which it is affixed meet certain technical specifications and originate from a quality controlled production process. The A2P mark is a collective mark that meets a certification recognized by insurance companies, public authorities, users and security professionals.

Different levels exist for the A2P standard:

A2P* Resistance  to break-in during 5 min
A2P**  Resistance to break-in during 10 min
A2P***  Resistance to break-in during 15 min

logo-couleur-a2p

7. CHOICE OF THE LATCH BY THE KEY

Standard key

Reproduction  can be performed by any locksmith and does not require special machinery. As a  blank of this type of key is publicly available, the reproduction of the key  would only require standard tools and, contrary to high security keys which  require a specific tool provided by the manufacturer and a more complex  mechanism guaranteeing a high level of security.

Paracentric flat key

Paracentric keys are flat keys serrated at the lower  edge and  at  some side points on the edge of the key to enhance protection against picking.Paracentric keys can be  reproduced by a locksmith or by a key copying shops but many models are  patented, such as the Adriatic model by Thirard.

Pump key

Pump keys  are equipped with fins for driving the lock opening mechanism by a pushing  movement followed by a turn. Axial pumps can be equipped with false notches  guaranteeing high resistance to break-ins and picking. A radial security unit  based on pistons and driver pins: the pins are placed in circular patterns. An  available key anti-ejection system adds great comfort of use.

Magnetic key

Magnetic keys differ from other types of keys in that they operate a “magnetic  system” rather than a mechanical system, consisting of a series of  positive and negative magnets that need to be aligned in order to unlock the  rotor of the latch cylinder.

Reversible  key

Unlike most keys that can be inserted in one single orientation, the  reversible key can be inserted either way. In other words, the insertion into  the lock’s keyhole of a reversible key can be done with the key facing either  side

Owner’s  card

This feature requires you to bring your code card to  the manufacturer, together with the requirement to provide proof of identity.  Only the manufacturer is able to make a copy of your keys from the controlled  reproduction card which was delivered at the time of purchase.

8. FEATURES OF THE KEY

Master key

The concept  of a master key is to allow opening different latches with a single key. Lock  cylinders are manufactured at the factory as a group or a batch that opens with  the same key, and therefore having the same combination. These latch locks have  a combination that can be also compatible with some models of padlocks or door  cylinders manufactured with the same combination. You will use a single key for  their operation.
(For more information, see our tips page: One  key that opens all).

Set of keys  for role-based access

Latches can  be fitted with locks with different combinations, but still be opened with a  single key. In this case, we use the concept of general pass and partial pass.  Role-based access systems allow to structure different access permissions to a  site taking into account different routes of persons within the site, as well  as their access permissions and refusals: Co-owned properties, hotels, business  offices, public structures such as cities, hospitals or schools and industrial  parks where several parties are engaged in different services…
(To learn  more, visit our tips page: your Role-based access system)

9. FINISH AND AESTHETICS

The colour,  shape, the striker placement on the door frame, with or without visible screws  – are the elements that can help you finally make your choice! 

If you want  an aesthetic latch which is easy to install (just 1 screwdriver!), go without  hesitation for the universal latch or the design latch

WINDOW LATCH: QUICKLY ENHANCE THE SECURITY OF YOUR HOME

WINDOW  LATCH: QUICKLY ENHANCE THE SECURITY OF YOUR HOME 

We instinctively  think to put a latch on the door. However, more and more burglaries are  committed through a window. Therefore, special latches have been made available  for windows, patio doors and sliding systems. It is also possible to opt for a  cylinder-operated window spacer.

Installation  of your window latch is very simple and will quickly improves your security:

Find out how to put a window latch (with a cylinder)

Installation  of your spacer is relatively simple and offers both comfort and security:

Find out how to put a spacer (with a cylinder)