English door lock: characteristics, advantages and disadvantages

Lock mechanisms in an age of intensive technological development also do not remain without attention of progressive designers. Specialists offer new, fundamentally different solutions to protect private homes, offices and critical facilities with increased security requirements. But classic devices do not disappear from the consumer's field of view, which are still in demand among the majority of ordinary users. In particular, the English castle, even against the background of the usual mechanical models, retains quite a high popularity.

Principle of operation and device

In Russia, English castles are also known as cylinder locks, representing a wide range of simple, easy-to-use and affordable models. The basis of such devices forms a metal core of cylindrical shape, from which the name of the species has occurred. Depending on the condition, the cylinder lock can lock the door with the tongue of the core or be in the open position. Manipulations with the cylinder are possible only if a suitable key is entered.

The locking mechanism works thanks to the pins. In the closed state, different parts of the same pin enter the slots of the lock body and the cylinder simultaneously. In order to rotate the core and displace the locking language, it is necessary to insert the key and, thus, put the group of pins on the boundary state between the core and the housing. In this case, the English lock can have other functional elements like frames with teeth. But the principle of action remains the same.

The main characteristics of the castle

Different designs can have their own unique combination of characteristics, but if we take the averaged values of model 3 of the security class, then the parameters can be:

• The number of crossbars is 3.
• The diameter of the crossbars is 15 mm.
• The radius of the deadbolt is 35 mm.
• Number of revolutions: 3.
• Interzone interval - 85 mm.
• Dimensions - 250х110х20 mm.
• Weight - 1,5-2 kg.

As for the materials of manufacture, the basis of most models is steel. Another thing is that, depending on the modification, the English door lock can receive different coverings. Some manufacturers rely on powder paints, others - on nickel, and the third - on chrome mixes.

Reliability of the castle

It is generally accepted that models of this type are the least reliable of all traditional mechanical devices. Nevertheless, the cylinder lock in most cases is not exposed to risks that could lead to hacking, since it is mainly used in everyday life. Breaking is permissible by physical methods, but this does not mean that in practice this takes place as a trend. Another thing is that this version is less reliable compared to other versions of mechanical locks.

This disadvantage is compensated for by the fact that the design is simple in design and, as a rule, amenable to repair. However, the degree of protection can also depend on what type of lock is used. For example, an English consignment lock is the most unstable, unlike a mortise modification. Affects the quality of protection and the nature of the installation. In this aspect, accessories accessories and additions can have a significant impact. Now it is worth to learn more about the merits and demerits of English castles.

Benefits

In terms of ease of use and maintenance, this is the most attractive version of the mechanical lock. The construction of the cylinder locking system also makes it possible to replace the core without much effort in the event of a breakdown or loss of keys. What is most important, with this repair, you do not need to replace the whole body, performing the dismantling of the structure. This became possible after the traditional mechanism of the English lock was standardized and different manufacturers began to produce cores of the same size. That is, in the same housing it is possible to integrate cylinders from different companies. Again, a compactness of ergonomic advantages can be made and compactness - this applies to the lock itself and keys. Although this parameter also depends on the particular model. Another advantage is the possibility of the technical development of the castle. This does not apply to all models, but premium versions of large manufacturers provide for the basic versions of the extensive equipment. With the help of an additional option it is possible to significantly increase the individual characteristics of the system.

disadvantages

All claims to models of this type are due to modest indices of protection. With proper preparation and sufficient tooling, a qualified attacker will be able to cope with such a barrier. In any case, with models of the initial or budget level. For this reason, the English lock is recommended to be used in combination with additional security systems. Usually, experts advise that it is force strengthening in the form of bolts. Weakness of the cylinder mechanism is considered the possibility of knocking out the core, so the degree of secrecy does not matter much. In this sense, English models correspond to the reliability of lock locks.

Conclusion

The Russian market offers many variations of the cylinder lock. The most durable, ergonomic and reliable solutions are offered by Cisa, KALE, Cerberus, etc. The manufacturer "Guardian" specializes in door systems, so in cooperation with it you can count on a system solution to the problem of protecting a house or apartment. The organic combination of a door and an English lock is advantageous in that both components match each other according to the characteristics of the breaking resistance. Otherwise, there is a risk that, even if there is an ultra-strong locking system, a weak door will leave a chance for the attacker to successfully penetrate. Actually, for this case in the lines of listed companies, auxiliary strengthening devices for door constructions are also offered. Some of them, like armor pads, are also calculated for other threats. For example, technologists take into account the insulating qualities of a structure, fire resistance, etc.