Many people think that installing a lock is an easy task that does not require much effort. But there are some nuances that should be considered. For example, what are the locks and which manufacturer is better to prefer? What tools are needed and how to install an interior lock? These and other questions are intended to be answered by this article.
Classification of door locks
A lock is a locking device that is used to lock doors, cars, safes, etc. The modern market offers a large selection of these mechanisms.
Locks are classified by the installation method, by the locking method, by the level of security, by the structure of the secret mechanism and by the closing method.
According to the method of mounting the lock on the door:
- Mounted (in the people they are also called "barn"). These are usually used to lock utility rooms such as a barn, garage, etc.
- Overhead. Such castles were very common in Soviet times. They seem to overlap the door, while not violating the integrity of the canvas.
- Mortise. It is such locks that are often used for metal doors.
- Inserting. This is a relatively new lock mechanism. Similar in principle to mortise locks. It differs in that they do not have a bracket for fastening, and the lock itself seems to be inserted during the production of the door.
By the method of locking:
- Mechanical. Such locks are opened with keys. It is mechanical locking devices that are placed in metal doors. The advantage of such locks can be called the fact that they are not dependent on the current supply.
- Electromechanical. Such locks are most often installed on doors, which must often open and close. For example, on the door of the staircase. Such locks are opened using a code, card, key fob, etc.
- Electromagnetic These locks can be opened in the same way as electromechanical ones. And the principle of operation is similar to electromechanical, but instead of the crossbars, a very strong magnet serves as a locking device. The main disadvantage is that the magnet does not work without supplying current.
The security level of the lock depends on how quickly it can be cracked. Based on this, locks are divided into four classes:
- The first class - locks with a low level of security, they are very easy to crack. Basically, these are locks of interior doors.
- The second class - locks with a normal level of security. It takes up to 5 minutes to open such a lock. Such locking devices are best installed in conjunction with another, but higher class, or add another door.
- Third class - locks with increased security. The required time for hacking is about 10 minutes. These locks are also best paired for greater reliability.
- The fourth class - locks with a high level of security. To open such a lock, a teddy bear professional spends up to 30 minutes of time.
By the structure of the secret mechanism:
- Cylinder ("English"). This is the most common type. Such a castle is considered quite complex and highly reliable. From the name it is clear that the secret itself lies in the shape of a cylinder. The principle of operation is that inside the secret are placed the so-called pins, and on the keys are recesses that interact with the pins. If at least one element of the combination does not match, then the lock cannot be opened. In the event of a breakdown, only the cylinder can be replaced.
- Leverage. This is a classic of locking mechanisms. The secret of such a lock is a few code plates (suvald), each of which has several different slots. The more such plates in the secret mechanism, the higher the reliability of the lock. Level locks are considered the most burglar-proof.
- Crossbar (rack). These locks are easy to crack. They are one or more crossbars that can be opened by pressing the threaded key.
- Electronic. To open such a lock, you need to know the key combination. A quality closing device will work even when the current supply is shut off. Poorly tolerate water, frost, a change in voltage.
- Code. Mostly they are used for entrances of residential buildings, as well as for safes and briefcases. They have a low safety class, as it is easy to choose the right combination.

Classification by closing method:
Popular brands of locks
As in any other market segment, there are manufacturers who are very conscientious about their products. Products of these brands are reliable and have a long service life.
The Slovenian company Titan makes inexpensive high-quality locks. Basically, they make lock devices for entrance doors.
The Turkish manufacturer Kale is quite famous in the domestic market. Products are notable for their low price and excellent quality. The company offers a wide range of different types of locks and additional fittings.
The German company Abus has been operating since 1924 and is known in many countries for its innovative technologies. It has a wide range of locks and armored pads for them.
The Italian company Mottura has been presenting its products for more than half a century. The main specialization is locks and hardware for them. It has ISO certification due to control at every stage of production.
The Israeli manufacturer of locks Mul-t-lock began its work in 1973. Locks are characterized by a high degree of security and are considered one of the best in the world market.
The Italian company "Chisa" (Cisa) in the market for almost a century. During this time, she became a world leader in the production of various security systems and locks. All products are certified and meet all quality standards. It has a very large assortment, which has more than 30,000 items.
Tools required to install the lock
First you need to choose the right tool:
- roulette wheel;
- pencil;
- drill (can be replaced with a screwdriver, if there is a function "drill");
- a screwdriver;
- hammer;
- set of crowns (or drills);
- a chisel;
- stationery knife.
When all the tools are prepared, you need to determine how to put the lock on the door.
Installation of interior lock
Putting a lock is not difficult, the main thing is to follow the sequence of actions. But you need to be extremely careful, since the insert is an irreversible process.
So, the algorithm for setting the interior lock is as follows:
- It is necessary to determine the sequence of work.
- Identify where to put the lock. To do this, it is recommended to simulate an attempt to open the door to all households. And already from this information to choose the best option. Usually it is 90-110 cm.
- When everything has been decided with height, it must be noted on both sides of the door and at its end.
- Now we measure the distance from the visible part of the locking device to the hole where the pin will be installed, which drives the mechanism.
- The obtained parameters should also be noted at the selected height, both on both sides of the door, and at its end.
- Next, we select the desired crown (often they are included) and drill the grooves. If the crown needs to be selected independently, then its diameter should be such that the groove is eventually covered by the outer part of the locking device, but at the same time, all internal elements easily fit into it.
- At the end we cut a hole. To do this, place the crown of the desired diameter (selected according to the same principle as before).
- So that the lock from the end does not touch the door frame, you need to make a small recess. This is done so that the visible part of the lock is inserted flush with the door end.
- Such a deepening is done as follows: we put the lock in the hole already cut out, circle it with a pencil, and then circle it with a clerical knife. We pull out the locking device and along the contour using a chisel, make a pot of such a width that the outer part of the lock does not cling to the door frame.
- We insert the lock into the holes made and outline the places for the screws. Drill a drill, half smaller diameter than the diameter of the screw.
- We make a mating hole in the door box. To do this, insert the lock, turn the key or locking mechanism so that the "tongue" is visible, and mark its position on the box.
- Now you need to drill a hole for the tongue (bolt) to fly out to the desired depth. We circle the striker with a pencil and make a small recess so that the striker does not interfere with closing the door. We remove excess materials with a chisel and fix the bar.
- We insert the lock, we fix everything with the help of screws. If necessary, you can install decorative pads.

Lock installation in metal doors
Usually a lock in metal doors is already installed, the consumer does not need to put it on their own. But there are situations when the lock needs to be replaced. To install the lock in a metal door, you need the right tools and professional skills. To the list of tools you need to add a grinder and a set of disks for it, a set of files.
The phasing of works is similar to that when installing locks in the interior doors. The desired height is determined. Next, a lock is applied to the door in order to make a contour, as well as note the placement of the handle and hole. Maximum accuracy required. Marking is still necessary under the seat for the lock, slats, places for screws. Now cutting is done, and then the lock is installed.
Despite the apparent ease of work, in fact it is a rather time-consuming process, which is best entrusted to a professional.
Central locking car
Central locking (CZ) is a system for locking or unlocking all doors, including the fuel tank hatch and trunk lock. This is an auxiliary system related to vehicle comfort systems.
Door lock has two methods of implementation: centralized and decentralized.
In the first case, there is only one unit, thanks to which all the doors are controlled. The second method has gained great popularity. The essence of decentralized management is that each door has its own control unit, the operation of which is coordinated with the operation of the central system.
The central locking mechanism consists of:
- Input sensors. These are limit switches and microswitches ( mikriki ). The task of the limit switch is to track the position of the lock and transmit this information to the control unit. The task of the mikriks is to track the positions of the remaining elements.
- Control unit. We can say this is the "brain" of the central lock. It is he who analyzes the signals that come in according to a certain algorithm.
- Actuators (executive devices). In fact, actuators are direct current electric drives.
The central locking device can work both with the engine turned on and off. The principle of operation is that when you turn the ignition key, a signal is transmitted to the control unit. This information is processed there, and if the locks are in the open position, they are automatically closed.
How to put a central lock
To install the central lock, it will take several hours of free time and some tools:
- screwdrivers;
- pliers;
- screwdriver;
- self-tapping screws;
- fasteners.
First of all, disconnect the negative battery cable. Next, you need to remove the trim from the doors and determine the location of the locking mechanism.
Actuators should in no way interfere with the operation of power windows and the installation of cladding.
It is necessary to install the mounting device and fix the actuator. Next, we check the operation of the button that closes the door. The thrust responsible for the operation of the button should be light and not have any difficulties.
The next step is to lay the cable and fix it on the door. To do this, it is advisable to use plastic clamps. They are needed in order to secure the wires.
Now you need to install the control unit. Install it under the dashboard of the car. First of all, the wire is passed under the front panel to the driver's door, then under the threshold lining they are pulled to the rear door on the left. Exactly the same pattern is applied to the front and rear doors to the right. When the cables are laid, they are connected to the drives.
It remains to connect the battery cable, assemble the door trim in the opposite direction and check the operation of the newly installed central lock.
Conclusion
Choosing a door lock is a very responsible matter. The safety of property depends on this. It is not enough to know which lock to put; you still need to be able to install it. In this case, you donβt have to worry about home security or the proper operation of a car lock.