Swing door locks offer a convenient latching solution for swing doors. They are designed for use on doors that swing inward or outward. Also known as swing doors, they are commonly found in residential and commercial buildings alike. There are many different types of swing door locks, however. When shopping for a swing door lock, you should consider the following.
Operation
While they all work with swing doors, the way in which swing door locks operate may vary. There are left hand in swing door locks, left hand out swing door locks, right hand in swing door locks and right hand out swing door locks. Left hand in means the lock is designed for a left-handed swing door that swings inward, whereas left hand out means the lock is designed for a left-handed swing door that swings outward.
Material
Don’t forget to consider the material when choosing a swing door lock. Some swing door locks are made entirely of marine-grade stainless steel, whereas others are made of brass or similar corrosion-resistant materials. Steel offers a sleek and modern appearance that many people prefer. Brass, on the other hand, offers a more rustic and timeless appearance.
Finish
In addition to the material, you should consider the finish when choosing a swing door lock. Popular finishes for these locks include chrome-plated, nickel-plated and PVD. Chrome-plated swing door locks feature a thin outer layer of chrome, whereas nickel-plated swing door locks feature a thin outer layer of nickel. PVD swing door locks, conversely, are characterized by a vapor deposition process in which material is deposited onto the surface of the lock.
Privacy Knob
Swing door locks are available with and without a privacy knob. What is a privacy knob exactly? It’s a special type of lock that’s designed to prevent the door from being opened from the outside. It works like a deadbolt. After closing the door, you can flip the privacy knob to engage the lock. The door will then remained locked until you flip the privacy knob in the opposite direction.
Size
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a swing door lock is the swing. If it’s too small, it may look awkward and be difficult to use. If it’s too big, it may not fit on the door with which you intend to use it. You can avoid headaches such as these by choosing a swing door lock in the right size. Pay close attention to the minimum and maximum outer panel thickness.