FAQ's and Glossary

The latch bolt of a lock equipped with a device for reducing friction between bolt and strike. Usually a small trigger attached to the bolt contacts the strike and exerts a lever action to depress the bolt.

An additional bolt which is activated by the strike when the door is closed, automatically dead latching the latch bolt against end pressure.

A window with an outward opening sash, hung about a horizontal axis at the top or on friction stays at the sides.

The feature of a door closer unit that prevents shock and possible damage when the door is forcibly opened.

A cylindrical portion of the cylinder that rotates when the correct key is used.

A sliding door or window with sections that fold onto one another as the door opens.

A strike in which the latch bolt recess is enclosed or boxed, thus covering the opening in the jamb.

A lever attached to the end of a barrel to activate the lock mechanism.

A key supplied with construction keyed locks. During construction, a builder gains entry using the construction key. On completion of the building, action is taken to render the construction key inoperative, preventing further entry by the builder.

System used to allow contractors to gain entry to a building during construction but to prevent entry by the same contractors after the building has been occupied or handed over.

The assembly incorporating the key operated mechanism.

A lock containing a dead latch bolt.

A bolt which is not activated by a spring. When locked the bolt cannot be returned by end pressure.

A spring actuated bevelled latch bolt which operates in conjunction with an auxiliary bolt which automatically locks the latch bolt against return by end pressure.

A lock incorporating a deadbolt.

A feature of a door closer which holds the door in the open position for a number of seconds before the closing action commences. This feature is ideal for use by the handicapped, the aged and people with prams, trolleys, etc. The SAA Fire Door code approves the use of delayed action closers on fire doors.

Flat discs or wafers which are spring loaded to prevent the cylinder plug from rotating until the correct key is inserted.

A non-operating door trim which is installed for appearance or as a door pull only.

An electrical device that replaces a regular lock strike to enable a door to be released by remote control.

Final cover treatment of the product for appearance and protection, in both plated finishes or powder coat colour.

Fittings complimentary to the lock systems, such as handles and escutcheon plates.

A key which will operate two or more groups of locks, where each group can be operated by individual master keys and locks within each group can be operated by different service keys.

A product designed or assembled for use only on right hand doors or only left hand doors, but not both.

A catch or other device on a lock which can hold the latch bolt in the retracted position.

A slide-action bolt installed in areas where privacy is desired (such as toilets and bathrooms) which provides visual indication that the room is occupied or vacant.

Vertical posts or pieces that together form the sides of a door or window frame.

Indicates identical key for 2 or more locks.

A different key is needed to activate each lock. 

The fastening on a door that fits into the notch or slot on a door jamb and is lifted from either side by the handle.

A spring actuated, bevelled bolt usually operated by door furniture.

A lock, complete with strike and door furniture, such as knobs, levers, escutcheons, or handles.

A keying system suitable for apartments, flats, offices, hotels and motels. Each apartment, flat or office has its own key which will not operate the locks to another apartment, flat or office but will, however, operate the locks to communal entrances and service areas.

A key which will operate a group of locks, each built to operate on a different service key.

An opening made to receive a lock or other hardware. Also the act of making such an opening.

A lock designed to be recessed into the edge of a door, rather than being mounted to its surface.

A pressure imbalance between the inside and outside of a window/door resulting in a force tending to pull the window/door off a building.

The ability to reverse the product or key component to suit left or right-hand installation.

Screws with specially shaped heads to prevent removal by conventional screwdriver.

A type of door closer installation where the arm is mounted parallel to the door, for use where the door closer is installed on the inside of an opening out door.

A term commonly used to describe a latch set with handles on both sides of a door but no locking function.

A lock designed with a pushbutton or turn button inside to lock the outside handle. When so locked, there is no entrance by key from outside.

Small sliding pins in a lock cylinder which work against coil springs and prevent the cylinder plug from rotating until the correct key is inserted.

Window sash with a sash arm assembly that enables it to be opened outward as in both casement and awning applications.

Polyester-based coating for aluminium products providing a smooth colour finish.

A term for locks used on bathroom and bedroom doors having an inside button or turn knob to lock the outside handle and usually an emergency function which will unlock the set from the outside.

A door where the leading edge is stepped.

A lock which has the faceplate and strike shaped to match the rebated edge of a door, usually the meeting edges of two door leaves.

A lock with the components that can be readily adapted to enable the lock to suit door of either hand, opening in or out.

A lock or latch which is mounted to the surface of a door, rather than inserted into the edge of the door.

A frame in which the panes of a window or door are set.

A key which will only operate the lock that has been built to suit that service key.

A lockset installed to a door where exit is obtained by a single action without the use of a key.

A device used to either lock or unlock the lockset.

The drive shaft that connects the knob or lever to the latch or lock mechanism to operate the bolt.

Friction hinge – top brace and support the window sash for opening. Also known as friction hinge.

A device fixed in or on a doorjamb into which the lock or latch bolt engages when the door is closed.

A security component used in conjunction with the strike plate to help protect the bolt against end pressure.

The lock is mounted on the surface of the door stile.

A bolt having a tubular case.

Turning mechanism that activates the door lock from the inside, a convenient locking option in place of a key.

A hall or lobby next to the entrance door of a dwelling and from which other doors open to various rooms.

See Disc Tumblers.