The Language of Locks and Hardware

ACCESSORIES

The term used to describe products usually in addition to basic security that help to upgrade your home security

BATHROOM DOOR LOCK

A type of Mortice lock featuring a thumbturn facility which is used to lock the door from inside

CASEMENT WINDOWS

Opening window, sash hinged along one edge

CILL/ SILL

The lower horizontal part of the window/ door outer

DEADLOCK

A key operated Mortice lock that “deadlocks” when operated. It does not have a handle or latch

DOOR CHAIN

Allows the door only to be part-opened to see who is there

DOOR SECURITY BOLT

A bolt fitted into the door which can only be opened from one side with a splined key

DOOR VIEWER

Or “spy hole”, lets you see who’s at the door without opening it

DOUBLE GLAZED UNIT

Two panes of glass, sealed around the edge, with an (DGU) air gap between, also known as ‘sealed unit’

DOUBLE LOCKING NIGHTLATCH

Offers additional security than a standard Nightlatch as the main lock to it automatically deadlocks. Provides high security, particularly for doors with glass panels.

DUAL SCREWS

Suitable for most sash and sliding windows

ESCAPE/ EGRESS

A means of exit in an emergency

EXTRUSION

Shaped PVC-U. Usually refers to PVC-U shaped to form window framing components, also known as ‘profile’

FABRICATOR

A company or person who assembles windows or doors

FIXED LIGHT

Non opening part of the window FRAME The peripheral structure of a window or door

FRICTION HINGE/ STAY

A mechanism with inbuilt friction functioning as a hinge for casement windows

GLAZING BEAD

Part framing system which holds the DGU in place

HARDWARE

Components and assemblies which enable windows/ doors to be assembled and operated correctly; collective word for items such as hinges, locks, handles, etc.

LAMINATED GLASS

Particularly strong type of ‘safety glass’ comprising of two layers of glass bonded together with a tough plastic film

LEVER (LOCKS)

Levers are used in Mortice locks. The more levers, the higher standard of security provided

LEVER (DOOR HANDLES)

The moveable part of a door handle is sometimes referred to as a lever. Where it states lever/lever it refers to the door having handles with levers both sides of the door (internally and externally). Lever/ Pad has a lever handle on the inside and a pad handle on the outside.

MULTI-POINT LOCKING (MPL)

A mechanism that restrict linear or rotational travel in doors and windows Locking points are multiple i.e. hooks, deadbolt, rollers, mushrooms, cams

MORTICE LOCK

Recommended for all external doors, particularly 5 Lever British Standard which offers high security

NIGHTLATCH

Suitable for front and back doors, featuring a latch that holds the door shut

PROFILE

PVCu shaped to form window framing components, also known as ‘extrusion’

PVCu

Plastic material used to make a wide range of products, including windows doors

REINFORCEMENT

Lengths of steel or aluminium inserted into the profile to stiffen and strengthen it

REPLACEMENT CYLINDER

Simply replaces the centre lock section of a Nightlatch. An easy way to “change to locks”. RESIDENTIAL A domestic building or where people reside

RESTRICTOR

A device that reduces movement of a window or door from the maximum possible

RIMLOCK

This is fitted to the surface of a door - often used on shed and garage doors and older/cottage style doors

SAFETY GLASS

Type of glass, such as laminated or toughened (tempered) glass which breaks in such a way so as to reduce the risk of injury

SASH

The opening or moving part of a window or door SASH JAMMER The ideal lock to secure most PVCU casement and transom windows

SASHLOCK

A “deadlock” with the addition of a latch mechanism, used with a handle

SECONDARY GLAZING

An extra layer of glazing, fixed to an existing window (normally an existing single-glazed window), this is not ‘Double glazing’ because it does not use double glazed units

SIDE HUNG

A casement window with a hinge or hinges fitted to one vertical side

SNAPLOCK

Another good security option for wooden casement, transom and pivot windows. It automatically “snaps” locked when the window is closed

SNIB

A button on a Nightlatch that is used to hold the latch back

SPLINED KEY

A standard key with grooves in it, used with door security bolts

STAYLOCKS

Designed to fit through the holes on a casement window catch

SWING LOCK

Ideal for most wooden casement, transom and pivot windows

THUMBTURN

A small knob used to operate a bolt

TILT AND TURN

Type of opening window, which hinges at the side and the bottom and can thus be opened in two different ways

TOP HUNG

A casement window where a sash is hinges so to rotate about the top sash rail

TRICKLE VENT

Small opening through window frame, which can be opened to allow ventilation

TUBULAR LATCH

Used with handles and knobs on internal doors

WINDOW

A purpose made frame glazed and for fitment to a building or structure

WINDOW LOCKS

Locks specifically designed to secure a wide range of windows

WINDOW STAY

A device which enables a user to open a window and retain it in a desired position

VENTILATOR

Small opening sash