Night Latch 101: Everything You Need To Know About This High Security Door Lock

Night latches are praised by locksmiths as a highly effective security device made to make break-ins more difficult for burglars. Chances are, you’ve used a night latch without knowing it. They can be installed on most modern doors, and they make home defence much simpler for those who use them.

But what exactly are night latches, and how can they help keep your home safer? We have all of the info and tips regarding these locks, and we’ve made a helpful guide full of tips offered by an expert emergency locksmith at Lock & Key to cover some questions about these devices. There are many models available on the market right now, so we’ll also include recommendations for BSI-certified models.

What is a Night Latch?

In simple terms, night latches are surface-mounted locks that are installed on the interior side of a door. Like with normal lock configurations, you can still lock and unlock your door from the outside using a key, but the interior is controlled by the night latch. The interior side can be controlled by a knob or simple lever, but the difference is that they can automatically lock when you close the door.

This design fortifies your door and prevents you from having to remember to lock it each time you leave your home. In the event that your door needs to remain open, like during a move, you can latch the lock in place, preventing lockouts.

Many night latches can be found online and at security outlets, which allows you to find a perfect fit. However, this also means that finding the right unit can be tricky. We recommend that you consult with a professional locksmith before purchasing a latch to prevent unnecessary returns.

Types of Night Latches

Automatic Deadlocking Night Latch

Key deadlocking night latches are a popular form of night latch. “Deadlocking” refers to the mechanism that uses a spring to engage the deadlock. For automatic deadlocking night latches, a pin is depressed into the casing of the latch when the door is fully shut, causing the door to lock. This type of night latch is convenient for those who forget to lock their door, as the automatic design can remove the need to manually lock the door behind you.

Non-Deadlocking Night Latch

If you aren’t interested in your front door locking automatically each time it shuts, non-deadlocking night latches are the way to go. They fully rely on manual operation, allowing the user to lock and unlock it using a switch on the interior side of the door. Non-deadlocking night latches can be great for commercial purposes, but there are limitations to their use. For instance, these locks can always be opened with a key on the outside, but they don’t automatically deadlock to prevent the latch from being slipped open.

Key Deadlocking Yale Night Latch

Key deadlocking night latches have all the benefits of non-deadlocking models, except they have one additional benefit. Instead of only having access to the lock from the inside, these night latches allow users to open them using a physical key on the exterior side. Yale makes fantastic night latches that come in single and double-cylinder configurations, giving users different ways to open and close the latch.

When To Use Automatic Deadlocking Night Latch

As indicated by the name, night latches are particularly useful for securing a property late at night. They fortify a lock and door by adding stability, and automatic deadlocking night latches take the guesswork out of trying to remember whether you locked the door or not.

Night latches typically have to be latched using a single form of entry. If you opt for a double-cylinder deadlocking night latch, a physical key is needed to open it from the inside, potentially causing a lock-in. We recommend avoiding these devices on shared doors to prevent others from getting locked inside.

It’s important to remember that night latches are used to reinforce existing locks, not to replace security measures. If an unreliable, corroded, or old lock is being used underneath a night latch, the entire mechanism can stop working at any time.

Night Latch Installations

Night latches have nuanced components that make it tricky to install, especially with non-traditional doors. DIY installations are possible, but you risk causing damage to your door or incorrectly fitting the device, resulting in an inoperable lock. You can also fall out of compliance with your home insurance policy if a lock is installed incorrectly.

To avoid issues like this, you should reach out to a local locksmithing agency to get the job done right. Locksmiths use specialised tools and training to work on night latches, so partnering with a locksmith is your best bet to avoid complications. Companies like Lock & Key can send trained locksmiths to your location to ensure a night latch is safely and effectively installed on your door.

Final Thoughts

Night latches are extremely useful tools that strengthen the overall security of a building, and investing in quality night latches can prevent you and your property from experiencing a break-in.

We encourage you to research the night latch market and compare costs. Consider what your security goals are and what protections you need to feel safe inside your property. Think about whether an automatic deadlocking or a different style of night latch works best with your lifestyle and habits.

Remember that installing a night latch is a complicated endeavour, and you can save time and energy by hiring a professional locksmith to complete an installation for you. This ensures that the latch is safely fitted to your door without damage or insurance concerns.