Locksmith Bold Heath Blog Page

Church Box Locks & Skeleton Keys

Box locks so called because the lock mechanism is contained within a box are normally found on Church doors. The locks security was that there is patterns or wards contained within the key way of the lock which will only allow the correct pattern key to enter and open the lock this is why many church keys are large and decoratively patterned. The problem with these was that if a very thin key or shaped wire was used (skeleton key) it could bypass the patterns/ward inside the lock and open the door.

Obsolete Multipoint Door Locks, How Do We Replace Them ?

At Locksmiths Bold Heath we are dealing with multipoint door locks weekly which is not surprising when you consider that the majority of doors in the Uk are now of the upvc type.

So occasionally we find that a customers failed multipoint door lock or MPL for short is now obsolete so what can we do ? We use whats called repair locks. Although there are many manufacturers and models these are usually come in 3 pieces.

A centre piece and two extensions which can be cropped down to fit existing holes where the previous lock as been they also come with keeps to replace the old ones. Some of these repair locks can be purchased from B & Q etc however if they are not affixed together correctly then it can be quite costly to a customer.

If you have a problem with a upvc door lock then give us a call on 07967 778940 and we will provide you with a no obligation quote.

Some Locks Were Designed For Safety Use

At locksmiths Bold Heath we learn something new every day. I knew that some locks were used for health and safety such as lock out padlocks used for stopping machinery from being used when being worked on but didnt know about trailer locks. as Called "Suzie locks" these tubular locks are designed for and used on trailers. The lock is designed to fit on to the Emergency C Coupling on the trailer, preventing the attachment of air hoses on a tractor unit to the trailer, locking the trailer brakes on and stopping it from being moved. Excellent means of ensuring that unroadworthy trailers are not moved. They could be used also as a security device but im told due to cost (£50 UK approx) and the time it takes to sign out and return a key/lock doesnt make it feasible.

Upvc Window Locks

There are a number of parts that make up you upvc window lock. Including the handle which fits inside the window mechanism which then locks and unlocks inside lock keeps which are found on the inside of the window frame. If any of these parts start to or do fail then it will mean that either you are unable to lock or unlock your window. If you have a window lock problem then give Derek or Pam a call on 07967 778940 at Lockkeys Locksmiths Bold Heath we are here for our customers.

Nightlatches Why Disable The Snib ?

Our Locksmith in Bold Heath Derek is a problem solver and every now and then he is asked to disable the snib on a nightlatch. The nightlatch also known as a "Yale Lock" as been around for a long time but can still be found in use mainly on wooden doors. Whewn you use the snib function on the back of the lock it deadlocks the door which means even with a key you are unable to unlock the door from the outside. By doing this sometimes it can lock out relatives or carers who assist the person with medications etc and this can cause problems for vulnerable people.

Lockkeys Locksmiths Bold Heath can solve this problem by fitting a new nightlatch on the door with the snib disabled. The video which is not an instructional one shows how we remove the snib function in the lock. If you would like a no obligation quote for a new nightlatch please call Derek or Pam on 07967 778940.

BS3621 Locks What Are They ?

As Locksmiths in Bold Heath we also provide advice on locks which includes advising customers on the types of locks insurers might be asking for when you first take out or renew a insurance policy with them. One of the questions they may ask is whether your doors are fitted with locks that comply to BS3621. The above video was made by our Bold Heath Locksmith Derek to let customers know what they should be looking at to see if their locks are compliant with BS3621.

Scandinavian Oval Cylinder Locks

At Locksmiths Bold Heath we work on a lot of different locks but the one pictured above is an unusual one in the UK we dont see many of these on doors and in fact this is only the second one we have have the pleasure of replacing since we started trading in 2009. These locks come in two halves a external side which is oval shaped and this is the inside which is the obvious way of identifying one of these locks by the shape.

Problems Locking Your Door - Is it The Lock Or A Door Alignment Fault

When your having problems locking your door its usually either a failing multipoint lock or a door alignment that is causing the fault, this video shows you what to look for.

If youve a problem with a upvc or composite door on the Bold Estate or in Bold Heath then give us a call on 07967 778940 and speak with Pam or Derek for a no obligation quote.

Is Your Nightlatch (Yale Lock) Deadlocking ?

Our Locksmith in Bold Heath Derek often provides advice to customers after all we are in the Security business. One such piece of advice is about using the deadlocking feature on some Nightlatches. He has produced the above video to inform customers how you can check if your nightlatch is of the deadlocking type.