5 Different Parts of a Door Lock and Their Functions

5 Different Parts of a Door Lock and Their Functions

A broken key or a jammed door can be an inconvenience. But understanding the mechanism of your door lock will save you time and stress regardless of the situation.

Here is a clear guide to the five different parts of a door lock and their functions.

1. Cylinder (Lock Body)

The cylinder is the core mechanism of the lock. This is where the key enters. On the right key, its notches correspond with several spring-loaded pins found within the cylinder. When turning and opening the lock, the pins need to be in perfect alignment.

Function:

Recognizes the right key and either allows the lock to rotate or prevents its rotation.

In case you lose the key or the pins fall out of their place, you have to rekey or change the cylinder. When you call a licensed locksmith and have it inspected and fixed in time, the security of your home can be restored even without requiring a complete lock replacement.

2. Latch or Bolt

The bolt is that part of the door which projects into the door frame to make sure that the door is securely closed. There are two categories which are: deadbolts and spring bolts.

The Spring Bolt:

Automatically withdraws when the handle or the knob is turned.

Deadbolt:

Provides better protection from intrusion but requires a manual turning with a key or thumb turn.

Function:

It makes sure that when locked, the door is tightly shut.

Strong bolts are required, to deter unauthorized access. But if you are worried about burglary, high-grade deadbolts can be installed by QuickPro Locksmith to provide maximum security.

3. The Strike Plate

To keep the door locked, the bolt penetrates into the strike plate on the door frame. In most cases, it is screwed into the frame for durability and is made of metal.

Function:

Reinforce the door frame, and align the bolt in place.

Note: Not even the strongest bolt can properly secure your door if the strike plate is misaligned or weak. So, to enhance security, a locksmith from QuickPro Locksmith can upgrade your strike plate or realign it.

4. The Spindle

This is the square rod that uses the latch to connect the two parts of the handle or doorknob. When the knob is turned, the latch bolt retracts and the spindle rotates.

Function:

Shifts movement from the knob to the locking mechanism.

5. Keyway

The keyway is the shaped hole in which the key is fitted, but it may appear to be part of the cylinder. It is made in such a way that it can only accept a specific key pattern thus posing difficulties for unauthorized persons to get in.

Function: 

Checks key compatibility and directs the key into the lock.

There are various shapes and degrees of complexity of the keyways, and the restricted type makes high-security locks to be significantly harder to defeat. For that, our locksmith can provide better solutions for commercial and residential needs.

Do You Need A Lock Upgrade or Lockout Service?

If you understand how a door lock works, it can help you make smarter security decisions. But if you need a repair or you are locked out, then trust the experts. QuickPro Locksmith offers new lock installation, repairs, and lockout services.

Our team of trained locksmiths delivers reliable and prompt service. We have the tools and experience to handle any lock issue, from a worn-out keyway to a stubborn bolt. So, contact us without waiting!