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If you want to fit or replace a nightlatch, then choosing the right type of nightlatch is critical. This article (written by Lock Guy – a professional locksmith based in Essex) explores the different types of nightlatches and some of their advantages and disadvantages as well as recommendations based on the set-up of the door on what nightlatch to choose.
This is the locking device typically found on the inside of a wooden door. It has a latch that can be retracted from the inside of the door with a handle/lever or knob, or it can be retracted from the outside using a key with a rim cylinder that is connected to the nightlatch.
When the door is closed, the latch connects with the strike plate that is fitted to the door frame and this is what keeps the door closed and ‘locked’.
Nightlatches have a feature that allows the door to be kept open by holding the latch in the retracted position.
There are many different manufacturers and designs, but they can be broken down into the following broad categories that will be explained in more depth.
This is based on the original design of a nightlatch and is the most basic type.
It is mounted directly on to the inside surface of the door with usually three screws.
The traditional nightlatch is the smallest member of the nightlatch family and as such it is the weakest at resisting forced entry.
The latch is normally retracted from the inside using a small round or oval knob and some people find these difficult and fiddly to operate.
The main advantage of these nighlatches is that the design and looks are in keeping with older style properties.
So if, for example, you have a period property with a nice old door, then a traditional nightlatch would be in keeping with that look.
This is similar to the traditional nightlatch in the way it works, but they are slightly larger, have a more sleek appearance and are mounted using a bracket using more screws meaning that it has a stronger resistance to forced attacks.
From a visual appearance, they do look more ‘modern’ and most of the screws are hidden away.
This looks identical to the modern nightlatch. However, the traditional nightlatch and the standard modern nightlatch are susceptible to an attack whereby the latch can be forced back from the outside by inserting a thin implement in between the gap of the door and the door frame.
If the latch can be forced back from the outside, then the door can be opened to gain access to the property.
However, the deadlocking version of the modern nightlatch has a feature that locks the latch in place so it cannot be forced back. Normally the deadlocking feature is engaged by rotating the key 360 degrees in the opposite direction to how the door is normally opened. To disengage this double lock, then rotate the key 360 degrees the other way.
Be aware, that when the double-lock feature is engaged the handle on the inside cannot be pulled down. This can lock other people inside. Although it is advantageous if there is a glass panel in the door as it means that someone else is not able to just smash the glass, reach inside and pull the lever down to open the door.
A manually operated deadlocking nightlatch should not be used for communal doors or multiple occupant areas (e.g. hotel rooms) as somebody could activate the deadlocking feature locking other participants in/out.
These nightlatches are the largest type offering the most mechanical resistance to forced entry. They also use brackets, but with more screws including in the edge of the door instead of just the back of the door.
They normally come with a high security escutcheon – this is the bit on the outside of the door that houses the rim cylinder. It forms a much tougher obstacle to anyone who wants to attack the lock from the outside (e.g. by drilling).
The main other advantage of these locks is that they also have a double-locking feature, but this does not have to be manually engaged – it is engaged everytime the door is closed (i.e. automatically).
If you want to lock the nighlatch to prevent the handle from being used (e.g. via the broken glass door panel and hand reaching in scenario) then there is a keyway on the inside of the handle that can be used.
Always try to select a British Standard version of the auto-locking nightlatch which is recognisable with the familiar kite mark.
This is the same as the normal auto-locking high security nightlatch apart from the fact that it does not have a keyway on the inside to manually lock the handle in place. This is therefore compliant with fire regulations that states that for blocks of flats and HMO’s (Houses of Multiple Occupancy), the occupants in the event of an emergency (e.g. fire) need to be able to leave through a locked door without having to use a key.
So these keyless egress auto locking nightlatches are a good choice for things like communal front doors as they are the most secure type, but still comply with fire regulations. For more information read my article on Fire Regulations and Thumbturn Locks.
This is basically the same as the modern style nightlatch apart from the fact that the usual triangular spring-loaded latch is replaced with a round rotating cylindrical latch that is not fully spring loaded.
This means that when the door is closed, the latch does not spring out into the ‘locked’ position.
You physically have to insert and rotate the key everytime you leave the property to lock it.
Whereas with the modern nightlatch, the door locks automatically as you close it, so if you forget your key then you will be locked out.
They rollerbolt nightlatch cannot have its latch forced back so is resistant to the ‘slipping’ type of attacks.
When thinking about watch nightlatch to choose you might want to consider the following:
Nightlatches are not new products, they have been around in the UK since the 19th century and they still prove a popular and reliable choice for wooden external doors. As long as you select the best and most secure option according to your situation and it is fitted properly, then it is still a perfectly acceptable choice of locking product.
Hopefully this article on what nightlatch to choose has been helpful. If you require further information or need to have a nightlatch fitted, replaced, repaired or upgraded in Witham, Maldon or across Essex, then contact Lock Guy.
Got a question about a lock issue you may have? Why not have a look at the FAQ page or one of the helpful advice videos on the Media page.