Door Lock Parts

It is safe to say that each lock is built differently and each type has the elements that differentiate it from others. Nevertheless, the typical anatomy of a lock used in any commercial establishment or any house is the same. This means it is very easy to familiarize yourself with a lock and understand how it operates. In case of any emergencies, you can rely on your knowledge to find workarounds to free yourself if you are stuck.

Do you love the DIY approach? Then getting to know how different objects in the house operate is crucial. And this includes the locks too. You can resolve many minor issues related to the door locks in your home if you know how they work. For complex problems, however, calling an emergency locksmith is the best option. Let’s take a look at door lock parts and how they operate in conjunction.

The different parts to your door lock

• Cylinder – This is the part of the lock where you insert your key. It remains locked in place through pins that keep it from turning unless the correct key is placed inside the keyhole. The cylinder is the most crucial piece of the door lock.
• Latch or Bolt – This is the piece that sticks out from the door into the frame. The system keeps the bolt engaged inside the door frame when you lock the door. A bolt is of two types:
  • Spring Bolt – As the name suggests, this type of latch has a spring clip that compresses to disengage the bolt and is relaxed to lock it. The doors which lock automatically when they are closed, deploy this type of bolt.
  • Dead Bolt – A deadlatch is more secure since it can utilize a plunger to prevent the lock from being jimmied.
• Strike plate and box – While the strike plate by design is there to ease the bolt into the hole in the door frame, it also provides added reinforcement to the lock mechanism. The hole in the door frame in which the bolt or latch fixes itself is called the box. The box is made from strong materials like steel so that it can secure the bolt in place.

How do the different parts work in tandem?

Do you want to know how each part of the door lock works together? You should understand the role each of them plays when you insert and turn the key in your door lock.

• What happens when you insert a key into a lock? The moment you enter the key, it goes into the cylinder where the pattern of the key matches with the pins that hold the cylinder in place. The design on the edge of the key pushes the pins to detach them from the cylinder.
• When the key pattern and the pattern of the pins matches, the cylinder is released. It becomes free to rotate. If however, the pins holding the cylinder do not align with the key pattern, the cylinder is not released.
• Once the cylinder rotates, it releases the latch assembly. The latch moves in or out depending on whether you are locking or unlocking the door.

Nowadays, traditional locks are getting replaced by technologically advanced locks with keypads or sensors that unlock the door. While how you access the locking mechanism has changed, the basics behind the scenes remain the same. These locks are electrically powered yet, contain the same moving parts as for any traditional lock. The only advantage they offer is that they are remotely operated over Wi-Fi or by fobs instead of regular keys. It means that replicating a simple key will not work for thieves or burglars.

Now know about the various parts of a traditional lock. You are also well versed in the inner workings of the lock. It means that you can solve petty issues with it. In case there is any hiccup like the handle getting too loose or too tight. For complex problems, like the key not turning the cylinder or the bolt getting jammed in the box, you still need to contact a locksmith. Always seek professional help to avoid making a simple issue bigger when you have half the knowledge but still try to solve a problem.