rim locks: everything you need to know
DESCRIPTION
A rim lock is a type of lock that attaches to the surface of the door. It uses a sliding latch as its locking mechanism. Rim locks are old locks, and there have not been many upgrades in their design.TRANSCRIPT
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Rim Locks: Everything You Need to Knowdvslocksmith.com/2021/09/16/rim-locks-everything-you-need-to-know
What is a Rim Lock?
A rim lock is a type of lock that attaches to the surface of the door. It uses a sliding latch as its
locking mechanism. Rim locks are old locks, and there have not been many upgrades in their
design. These locks are not ideal for the main entry door, but you can use them indoors. It is
called a rim lock because of its installation method. The latch attaches to the spring and
operates by applying pressure to open the lock. Installing a rim lock is a long process.
The latch returns to its original position when you release it. You can also use handles and
knobs with the sliding latch for ease. Some rim locks also have a deadbolt lock attached
which operates with a key. The key can control the lock from both sides.
The most common lock used in rim locks is warded lock. Warded locks use notches or
obstructions in the keyway to prevent unauthorized access. The wrong key will not be able to
enter the keyway.
History of Rim Lock
As mentioned above, the rim lock is an old lock. James Carpenter invented the rim lock. He
made the first model of the rim lock in 1830 in London. The purpose behind creating the rim
lock was to improve mortise locks. Another man associated with rim lock is John Young.
James Carpenter and John Young worked together to improve the design of the lock. The
patent of the lock was supposed to be a joint patent between the two men. However, they
both patented different locks. James Carpenter went on to patent the rim lock, whereas John
Young patented mortise lock.
James Carpenter was the one who laid the foundation for the rim lock. However, John
Carpenter, the son of James Carpenter, made significant changes in the rim lock. The credit
for the modern rim lock should also go to John Carpenter, as he is the one who upgraded the
lock to be used from both directions.
Rim Locks in Modern Times
Rim lock is not as common nowadays as it once was. However, you will still find rim locks in
older homes. Interior doors and sheds mostly use this lock. The rim locks have security flaws
which is why Lock Installation in Melrose Park does not recommend it on entry doors.
It does not offer resistance against excessive force. You can damage the lock and disengage it
by force. On the other hand, they are ideal indoors as the interior doors do not face the same
threats as entry doors.
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On the other hand, some people use rim lock as an additional lock on entry doors. People
mostly use it with deadbolt or mortise locks. Rim lock is efficient when you use them as
additional locks on entry doors.
Components of Rim Lock
The Locks’ Body
Brass and nickel are the most common materials that make the body of the rim lock. The
body consists of the spring latch and the bolt. You can access the keyway of the rim lock from
both sides and it lays on top of the latch. A handle or a knob operates the spring latch. The
bolt works on the lever mechanism. If you raise the lever, the lever mechanism clasps the bolt
and holds it in the lock position, and lowering the lever will retract the bolt.
When you insert the correct key and rotate it to unlock, the top section of the lever will raise,
and the bottom section will lower, allowing the bolt to retract. The key engages the lever and
slides the bolt back and forth depending on how you move the key.
Keeper
The keeper plays a vital role in the rim lock. It is responsible for holding the latch and the
bolt correctly when you lock the door. Similar to the body of the lock, it is also made of brass
or nickel.
Escutcheon Plate
This plate is a flat piece of metal that protects the doorknob. You can also see the escutcheon
plate in some modern locks. It protects the doorknob from detaching by applying force. In
some locks, the keyway also goes through the escutcheon plate.
Privacy Latch
Most rim locks have a privacy latch. It locks the door from inside. If somebody activates the
privacy latch, you can not open the door from outside, even with a key. However, some
consider it a safety hazard; you will have to break down the door to gain access in an
emergency.
Disadvantages of Rim Lock
Rim locks are not high-security locks which explains their lack of use in modern times.
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The body of the rim lock is comparatively bigger than modern locks, which is a huge
weakness as the body is left uncovered on the door. Most locks are installed inside the
door, and thus, the components are covered. You can use a screwdriver to detach the
rim lock from the door. As mentioned above, you should not use a rim lock in entry
doors because of this reason. However, Lock repair and replacement in Melrose
Park can fix this issue.
You can also bypass rim locks by applying force. The latch can also disengage by using
some tools.
You can also unlock most warded locks by using a skeleton key. You can read more
about how a skeleton key works?