Glossary

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 (see Fig. 1)

FRICTION HINGE/ STAY - A mechanism with in built 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 - Levers are used in Mortice locks. The more levers, the higher standard of security provided.

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’

PVC-U - 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

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