Thumbturn Lock Installation

What is a thumbturn lock?

Thumbturn locks are usually used in UPVC doors & composite doors. However sometimes they are used on wooden doors. With wooden doors the thumbturn goes inside a euro mortice lock which is a type of thumbturn deadlock. These locks are primarily used for situations where the user has to exit safety in the event of an emergency or fire. Basically the occupent doesn’t need to waste time looking for their key in order to escape, the lock can be opened without a key and is essentially a keyless lock (from the inside at least).

Thumbturn euro lock

Can thumbturn locks be keyed alike?

Yes, thumbturn locks work in the exact same way as regular locks, the only difference is that on the inside they don’t require a key to operate. The user turns the knob in order to lock or unlock the door. They can indeed be keyed alike or master keyed just like standard cylinder locks.

Are thumbturn locks secure?

Yes thumbturn barrel locks can come as high security locks just like regular cylinder locks. These locks also come in anti-snap format or three star. For example ULTION provide a high security thumbturn lock and ABS too. Please note people often confuse bathroom thumbturn locks with upvc cylinder locks, these are different. Nor are they the same as schlage thumbturn locks and antique thumbturn locks.

Thumbturn Lock Installation, what’s the advantages?

Thumbturn locks are good for fire escape regulations often found in student housing or commercial properties. A thumbturn lock means that the occupant inside does not need to find a key in order to escape from the house in the event of an emergency. Thumb turn cam locks are sometimes even a requirement in student housing.

Where can thumbturn locks be fitted?

They work in the same way as standard euro cylinder locks. They can be used on front doors, back doors or conservatory doors. They can even be used on internal doors such as doors in offices of commercial premises. In commercial buildings we often fit what is called a oval thumbturn cylinder lock, these work in the exact same way as a regular cylinder lock however the lock is oval shaped. We often also install thumbturn locks on internal bedroom doors. These allow people in the household to have their privacy while been able to escape in the event of an emergency e.g. fire.

How do you lock a Thumbturn lock?

Simply turn the knob with your hand, no key is required to lock it. Thumbturn knobs are usually used for fire safety reasons.

What is a double sided thumbturn lock?

A double faced thumbturn lock is one which has a knob on both sides of the cylinder lock.  This may sound like a strange lock as essentially it can be opened from both sides of the door with no key. So you may be thinking, whats the point, surely it offers no security. We talk more about double sided thumbturn locks here should you wish to find out more. We actually fitted some of these in Oakwood Leeds very recently.

Thumbturn Locks For Commercial Properties

A common type of lock installed on commercial properties is called an adams rite lock. This is a kind of hook lock which is installed in metal framed doors. These can also come with a thumbturn on the back for use in emergency exits. Adams rite thumb turn locks are very common on commercial properties due to local fire regulations.