What are the best locks? A practical guide to choosing the right one

Choosing the best locks for your home is not about picking a single product. The right option depends on your door type, property layout, and level of security required.

At IKS Locksmiths, we are MLA approved locksmiths with over 15 years of experience providing professional lock change and replacement services in North London. Our locksmiths are experienced in wooden, aluminium and uPVC door lock replacement and repairs and one of the most common questions we hear is: what are the best door locks? or what is the best door lock brand?. The truth is, there is no one-word answer. The best door lock depends on how and where it is used.  

In this guide, we answer common questions such as:

• What are the best door locks to buy
• What are the best locks for front doors
• What are the best anti snap locks
• What are the best window locks

You will also find practical recommendations based on real locksmith experience across North London and surrounding areas.

What makes a lock “the best”? (Key features to look for)

The best lock in a particular situation will vary depending on factors such as;

• The type of door – A UPVC door requires a different lock than a wooden door.
• The situation – Some situations may warrant a high security lock and some don’t.
• The type of premises – A larger building may require a master key suite
• The use and the owner’s requirements – In some scenarios, a keyless lock may be the best option for business premises or where keys are likely to be lost.

When choosing a locksmith to change door locks it is important to choose a genuine, reliable and experienced locksmith who will fit high quality locks to a high standard.

Security ratings and standards

Opting for British Standard insurance approved locks or locks that meet high levels of security testing, such as Sold Secure locks, provides high levels of security and peace of mind.

• For wooden doors a BS3621 5 lever mortice lock or equivalent is seen as the most secure
• For uPVC or composite door cylinders, a British Standard TS007 or a Sold Secure SS312 lock provides higher security

Rigorus testing of locks ensures the highest protection from common methods of burglary, including drilling, lock picking, lock snapping.

Choosing insurance-approved locks not only helps prevent intrusion but also ensures your insurance policy will pay out in the event of a burglary.

Lock build quality (what separates cheap from reliable)

Choosing high quality branded, approved locks usually means the lock will be stronger, better made and more reliable over time.

High security lock features often include:

• Anti drill Anti-Snap/Anti-Drill/Anti-Bump/Anti-Pick:
• Anti drill
• Anti bump
• Anti pick
• Stronger construction
• Restricted key control

Correct installation (why the best lock can still fail)

Professional lock installation to the correct standard is just as important as choosing the best lock.

Multiple issues can arise from poor lock installation:

• Poor alignment can cause problems with the operation of the door
• A door can be less secure and easier to gain access to
• Susceptibility to lock snapping, drilling, or lock bumping
• Damage to the door or components
• Locks can become jammed and stuck
• Locks can spin, preventing locking or opening
• Weakened door reframe
• Invalid home contents insurance

It is not worth risking issues that reduce security levels and can lead to an emergency call-out. Choosing an approved locksmith to fit approved locks can save time and money in the long run.

What are the best locks for doors? (By door type)

The most suitable lock for a door will depend entirely on the type of door.

Types of doors include:

• Wooden,
• uPVC
• Composite,
• Aluminium
• Sliding patio doors.

Read our door lock types and prices guide and read below for more information on choosing the best lock for your door.

Wooden doors: mortice deadlocks + night latches

The minimum requirement for an external wooden door is a 5 lever mortice deadlock that conforms to BS3621 2007. This, along with a night latch, should ideally be used on any external wooden door.

BS3621 5 lever mortice deadlock

A mortice deadlock is essential as it provides superior strength and security. It can be much harder to break into a door with a mortice lock, which is fitted within the door and is not surface mounted like a traditional cylinder lock. The lock body is morticed into the timber of the door (the lock with a strong bolt) and the door frame (the strike plate). Therefore, it cannot be easily tampered with or removed. It is a superior long term security solution for a wooden door.

A mortice lock must be manually locked with a key to engage the lock. For many homes, this is the best type of door lock for a wooden front door.

Mortice lock brands

Many mortice locks conform to BS3621, including:

• Union
• Era
• Legge
• Securefast

We do fit the other brands mentioned, but for the maximum quality, we recommend Union mortice locks. Union has now replaced Chubb.

Nightlatch

A nightlatch is a surface mounted cylinder lock that locks when slammed shut (with a spring loaded bolt). It can be opened with a handle from the inside (for easy exit in the event of an emergency) and a key from the outside.

Auto deadlocking nightlatch

An auto deadlocking nightlatch automatically engages an anti thrust bolt when slammed shut, which protects against the lock slipping (a common burglary method). This should not be used in place of a BS3621 5 lever mortice deadlock. There are a few surface mounted nightlatches that conform to BS3621 if used correctly; however, a standard autodeadlocking nightlatch can add extra security should the mortice lock is left unlocked by mistake.

Thumbturn lock

A thumb turn lock is also morticed into the door and means an extra lock can be operated from inside the door without the use of a key. This is not to be used instead of a 5 lever mortice deadlock for security and insurance purposes.

The most secure locks for a wooden door

To achieve the ultimate security locks on a wooden door, you could install three locks:

1. BS3621 5 lever mortice deadlock
2. Auto deadlocking nightlatch
3. Thumbturn lock

In addition to this, you could further upgrade your security with the use of a range of wooden door reinforcement options.

Door reinforcement options for wooden doors

There are a range of door reinforcement options for a wooden door including:

1. Lock guard – a metal plate that covers the mortice lock on the outside of the door to prevent tapering
2. Hinge bolts – prevent the door being lifted off it’s hinges
3. London bar – strengthens the door frame on the locking side of the door to prevent forced entry
4. Birmingham bar – strengthens the door frame on the hinge side of the door to prevent forced entry

The broad range of reinforcement options available makes wooden doors a far superior choice when it comes to choosing the most secure door.

The best locks for a wooden front door are:

• A BS3621 5 lever mortice deadlock
• A good night latch
• Adequate door reinforcement (if applicable)

A professional approved locksmith will advise you on the best value combination of security options for your wooden door.

uPVC and composite doors: anti-snap cylinders are essential

uPVC and composite doors are the least secure, so it is a top priority to upgrade to high security anti snap cylinder locks, which are professionally installed to the correct standard.

UPVC Door Warning!

Most break-ins we attend are through uPVC or composite doors! The main security flaw with composite, uPVC and double glazed doors is that the cylinder can be snapped.

Lock snapping is perhaps one of the most common ways intruders break into properties. It is a specific weakness of uPVC doors, which is why burglars target properties with uPVC doors. In particular, they are looking for uPVC doors where the cylinder is protruding enough from the lock to use specialist tools to snap the barrel of the cylinder lock to quickly gain access. It can be done in under a minute. It is a quick and easy win for intruders, making vulnerable uPVC doors a particular target. Read our guide on how burglars break into houses.

UPVC Door Security Solution

If you have a uPVC door, security can be upgraded by installing a 3-star anti-snap lock, which has a TS007 British Standard kitemark specification or a Sold Secure SS312 Diamond cylinder.

These high security locks for uPVC doors have been designed to protect against common methods of access, including:

• Snapping
• Drilling
• Picking
• Bumping

TS007 cylinders, including our referred brand Mul-T-Lock, and SS312 cylinder locks are recommended by police backed Secured by Design, as well as insurance companies.

Aluminium doors: secure cylinders + correct multi-point locking

As with uPVC and composite doors, it is recommended that a 3-star anti-snap lock be used for aluminium doors, along with a high quality 3 point multi point locking mechanism. This mechanism runs the length of the door and consists of hooks, bolts and roller cams.

If a door is older, it is likely to require an upgrade to the latest high security solutions.

Sliding patio doors: bolts and anti-lift protection

Sliding Patio Doors can potentially be the easiest door for an intruder to gain access to! Yet if the correct locks are installed, they can also be one of the hardest for an intruder to access.

Sliding patio doors can be vulnerable to being lifted off their tracks, particularly if they are an older model with wear and tear and don’t have the most up to date security systems in place.

Anti lift solutions for patio doors

Some people choose to install an anti lift device on a patio door, however, if you have the right locks on a sliding door, you shouldn’t need an anti lift device. Upgrading the locks and adding extra key operated bolts on the left and right are the best ways to prevent patio doors from being lifted off the tracks.

Security grilles for sliding patio doors

Collapsible security grilles are not only an excellent deterrent, but also add high levels of security. Bespoke security grilles can be installed internally or externally, depending on what is best for a particular property.

Sliding Door Warning!

If it is possible to lift the door off its tracks whilst in the locked position, this is a great security risk, and the locks need to be assessed and upgraded as a priority.

Sliding Door Security Solution

If key-operated bolts are installed on the inside, it will make it extremely difficult for an intruder to gain access.

Internal doors: privacy vs security (keyed or keyless)

Keyed or keyless locks for internal doors will depend on the circumstance as well as the property owner’s preference.

Simple keyed door locks for internal doors

Keeping the security or internal doors simple is advisable. A basic 2/3 lever lock or universal mortice bolt should suffice. Although, some people opt for keyless door locks as a preference or when the circumstances call for it.

Keyless locks for internal doors

There are a variety of keyless door locks for both internal and external use. Ranging from basic to high spec. The best keyless lock for a particular door is very much dependant on the circumstances. Considerations would be the thickness of the door and what is being secured behind the door. We fit Unican keylocks which are high spec. We also fit Codelocks and Lockey keyless locks and they all serve their purpose.

What are the best locks for front doors? (Top security combinations)

Choosing the very best locks for your front door will significantly reduce your chances of a break in. Getting professional advice on the best locks and the right installation method for your particular door is essential.

Best front door lock setup for wooden doors

If you want the very best security for your wooden front door, choose professional installation of:

• A BS3621 5 lever mortice deadlock
• A high quality auto deadlocking nightlatch.

The addition of a thumbturn lock will add extra security and flexibility.

To upgrade even further, add door reinforcement measures; hinge bolts, Birmingham and London bar and lock guard.

Best lock for front door on uPVC/composite

If you want the very best security for your uPVC/composite front door, choose professional installation of an approved (British Standard / Sold Secure), high security, 3 star anti snap cylinder lock.

Professional installation of a high quality multipoint locking mechanism and secure handles are also a must.

When you should consider upgrading to high-security locks

You should seriously consider upgrading to high security locks if:

• You live in a high risk area with high levels of break ins and crime in general.
• There has been a spate of burglaries in your local area
• Your property has vulnerable entry points
• When moving into a new home
• Following a break in
• When locks are damaged
• To meet insurance requirements

Read here if you are wondering “what are high security door locks?”

Our preferred high security lock brands is Mul-T-Lock.

What are the best window locks? (Options that actually improve security)

The best window locks depend on the type of windows; always seek professional advice on window security locks installation.

• Key locking window handles for uPVC windows
• Sash window locks for wooden sash windows)
• Additional window restrictors (for ventilation + safety)

With uPVC windows, it may be necessary to replace the window handles to resolve the problem, but in other cases, the window mechanism may need to be repaired or replaced.

What are the best locks to buy? (Simple buying checklist)

When buying the best locks, seek advice from a professional and consider these important factors:

• Match the lock type to the door type
• Look for recognised security standards (British Standard / Sold Secure)
• Prioritise anti-snap for uPVC/composite
• Prioritise BS3621 5 lever deadlock for wooden doors
• Avoid unknown cheap lock brands

Using a professional for advice and professional fitting to standard when upgrading security can save money and reduce problems later on.

Common mistakes when choosing the best door locks

When choosing a door lock without the help of a professional locksmith, the following issues commonly arise:

• Buying the wrong cylinder length
• Choosing a lock that doesn’t match your door’s setup
• Focusing only on the lock, not the door/frame
• Ignoring snapping risk on uPVC/composite doors
• Buying online without checking security ratings
• Choosing cheap locks which are not secure and break easily

Choosing the right locks and professional fitting will save time and money in the long run.

Frequently asked questions about the best locks

These are the most common questions we are asked about choosing the best locks, as professional London Locksmiths.

What are the best locks for your home?

The best locks are those chosen specifically to suit your door type, property and general circumstances, with the advice of a professional locksmith. Upgrade your front door locks as a priority, but don’t forget all other access points too.

A must for a wooden door is a BS3621 5 lever deadlock, or an equivalent, and for a uPVC door an approved 3 star anti snap cylinder lock.

What are the best locks for front doors?

The best front door locks are high-quality, high-security locks, such as Mul-T Lock. Choose the right high security lock for the type of door. Choose a BS3621 5 lever deadlock for a wooden door and an approved 3 star anti snap cylinder for a uPVC or composite door.

What are the best anti snap locks?

The best anti snap locks are TS007 or SS312 3 star high cylinders. Look for the Diamond 3 star kite mark logo. These locks have been through rigorous testing to resist lock snapping, bumping, drilling and picking when fitted to the correct standards. As MLA approved locksmiths with 18+ years experience, our preferred brand of anti snap locks is Mul-T-Lock.

What are the best door locks to buy?

The best door locks to buy are approved high security door locks that are recommended and fitted by an approved professional locksmith. The type of locks will depend on your door and property.

What is the best type of door lock?

The best type of door lock is a high quality, high security door lock that suits the door in question. A professional locksmith will recommend a, 5 lever deadlock for a wooden door and an antisnap lock for a uPVC or composite door. It is also crucial that they are fitted to the correct standards by a professional security specialist.

What are the best window locks?

As with doors, the best window locks will depend on the type of window. All window locks should be key operated. The best window locks for sash windows are sash locks and for uPVC windows are key operated uPVC handles. Window restrictors are also important for uPVC windows.

Need help choosing and fitting the best locks? IKS Locksmiths can help

When looking for information online about the best locks, there is surprisingly little available. There doesn’t seem to be a UK equivalent to this door lock buying guide from an American Based company. There are, however, plenty of articles about the best bike locks!  This is why we have compiled this guide on choosing the best door and window locks, as it can be quite confusing when you aren’t familiar with the requirements and terminology.

When it comes to lock brands, there are many brands on the market, and it is worth noting that it is not always the most expensive brand that is the best. However, it is advisable to invest in a high quality lock. At IKS we only supply high quality locks, yet we do provide a range of price options to choose from. It really helps to understand what you are paying for, especially with so many rougue locksmiths operating in the UK. It is not uncommon for cheap locks to be sold for a high price.

Should you require any advice on lock installation in London or Hertfordshire, please do get in touch.