Choosing the right locks is one of the most important decisions you can make when protecting your home or business. A lock isn’t simply something that keeps a door closed—it forms an essential part of your property’s wider security. The right choice will depend on the type of door, how the property is used, the level of protection required, and potentially the requirements of your insurer.
Professional Abingdon locksmith services from MB Locksmiths can help you assess your existing security and choose locks that are appropriate for your particular property rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all solution.
📑 Table of Contents
📍 Start with the Type of Door
📍 Consider the Level of Security You Need
📍 Check Your Insurance Requirements
📍 Look for Recognised Security Standards
📍 Think About Convenience and Access
📍 Don’t Ignore Windows and Secondary Entrances
📍 Choose Professional Installation
📍 Final Thoughts
🚪 Start with the Type of Door
The best lock for one door may be completely unsuitable for another.
Before choosing anything, establish exactly what type of door and locking mechanism you have. Different solutions may be required for:
🏡 Timber front and rear doors
🚪 UPVC doors
🪟 Composite doors
🏢 Commercial entrance doors
🔧 Garage and outbuilding doors
Many UPVC and composite doors, for example, use multi-point locking mechanisms, whereas traditional timber doors may use mortice locks or other configurations.
Choosing compatible hardware is essential for reliable operation and effective security.
🔐 Consider the Level of Security You Need
Not every property faces exactly the same risks.
Think about factors such as the location of the entrance, how frequently it’s used and what would happen if somebody gained unauthorised access.
A main entrance deserves particular attention, but don’t overlook a less visible rear or side door simply because it isn’t used as frequently.
Important areas to consider include:
🛡️ Resistance to common attack methods
🔑 Key security
🚪 Strength of the complete door assembly
🔩 Quality of the surrounding hardware
🏠 Security of secondary access points
A strong lock works most effectively when the door, frame and fittings around it are also in good condition.
📊 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Lock
Security Consideration PriorityCorrect Door Compatibility ████████████████████Security Standard ██████████████████Quality & Durability ████████████████Insurance Requirements ██████████████Convenience ███████████📋 Check Your Insurance Requirements
This is an easy step to overlook.
Your home or business insurance policy may specify particular requirements for locks on certain external doors and windows. Don’t assume that buying a lock marketed as “high security” automatically means it satisfies your policy.
Before making significant changes:
📄 Review your insurance documentation
☎️ Ask your insurer if anything is unclear
🔐 Check whether a particular lock standard is specified
📝 Keep relevant installation information where appropriate
For some applications, you may encounter recognised British Standards such as BS 3621. However, the correct specification depends on the door, locking arrangement and your individual insurance requirements.
⭐ Look for Recognised Security Standards
When comparing locks, recognised independent standards can provide more meaningful information than packaging claims alone.
Depending on the type of lock, you may encounter:
🏆 British Standard markings
🔐 Security ratings for lock cylinders
🛡️ Products tested against particular attack methods
📋 Locks designed to satisfy specific applications or insurance requirements
A professional locksmith can explain which standards are relevant to your particular door rather than simply recommending the most expensive product available.
📱 Think About Convenience and Access
Security matters, but your locks also need to work for the people using the property every day.
Traditional keys remain an excellent choice for many properties, while other circumstances may benefit from more flexible access arrangements.
Options can include:
🔑 Conventional keyed locks
🏢 Master key arrangements
🔢 Keypad access
📱 Smart locks
👥 Managed access systems
For a family home, simplicity may be the priority. A business or property with numerous authorised users may benefit from greater control over who can access particular areas.
Technology should solve an actual problem rather than being installed simply because it’s new.
🪟 Don’t Ignore Windows and Secondary Entrances
Security shouldn’t stop at the front door.
An impressive new front-door lock won’t compensate for an easily accessible side entrance with damaged hardware.
Review:
🚪 Rear and side doors
🪟 Accessible windows
🏠 Garage doors
🌳 Outbuildings
🚗 Doors connecting garages with living areas
🔐 Patio and French doors
Taking a whole-property approach helps identify weaknesses that might otherwise be missed.
📈 Matching Security Solutions to Property Needs
Property Requirement Key ConsiderationMain Entrance⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Security
Rear / Side Door⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Security
Accessible Windows⭐⭐⭐⭐ Security
Garage / Outbuilding⭐⭐⭐⭐ Security
Internal Access Control⭐⭐⭐ Security
🔧 Don’t Automatically Replace a Difficult Lock
If a lock becomes difficult to operate, replacement isn’t always the only answer.
A sticking or stiff lock can sometimes be caused by:
⚙️ Door alignment problems
🔩 Loose hardware
🚪 Changes in the door or frame
🛠️ Wear within the mechanism
🌦️ Seasonal movement of certain doors
Having the problem correctly diagnosed can prevent unnecessary replacement while identifying developing faults before you’re left unable to secure the door.
👨🔧 Choose Professional Installation
Even a high-quality lock won’t provide its intended protection if it’s incorrectly fitted.
Professional installation helps ensure:
✅ The lock is suitable for the door
✅ Components are correctly positioned
✅ The mechanism operates smoothly
✅ The door closes and locks properly
✅ Appropriate security standards are considered
A locksmith can also inspect the existing door and frame to identify weaknesses that replacing the lock alone wouldn’t address.
💡 Bonus Tip: Review Your Locks After Major Changes
There are certain occasions when it’s particularly sensible to reassess your property’s locks.
Consider a security review after:
🏠 Moving into a new home
🔑 Losing your keys
🚨 An attempted break-in
🏢 Moving into new business premises
👥 Significant changes in authorised access
🛠️ Repeated problems with existing locks
You may not know how many copies of an old key exist, particularly after moving into a previously occupied property.
✅ Final Thoughts
Choosing the right locks isn’t about purchasing the most expensive option. It’s about finding security hardware that’s suitable for your doors, appropriate for the risks facing your property, convenient to use and compatible with any relevant insurance requirements.
Start by looking at your property as a whole. Consider the front door, secondary entrances, accessible windows and garages, and make sure the surrounding doors and frames are secure as well as the locks themselves.
MB Locksmiths provides professional Abingdon locksmith services for homeowners, landlords and businesses looking to repair, replace or upgrade their locks. With appropriate advice and professional installation, you can make informed security improvements that protect your property without spending money on upgrades you don’t actually need. 🔐
