All categories
Business & Offices
Electronics & Media
Fashion & Accessories
Groceries & Essentials
Health & Personal Care
Home & Living
Kids & Family
Sports & Outdoors
Search in ZoneOffer
Locks and latches are the unsung heroes of any property. They’re not just metal bits on a door — they’re peace of mind, insurance, and often a legal requirement for certain properties. If you pick the wrong type, you could end up with a draughty door, an insecure entrance, or a costly retrofit. Think of your lock as the front-line defender: you wouldn’t skimp on a front-line soldier, so don’t skimp on your lock.
If you’re tackling electrical enclosures, commercial cupboards, or site equipment, Expert Electrical is a specialist worth knowing. They stock purpose-built items like enclosure key locks designed for HT enclosures and WDB enclosures, plus branded options that fit niche applications. These products are built to withstand heavy use and are ideal for electricians, facilities managers, and tradespeople who need reliable, repeatable performance.
Items such as enclosure key locks and secure barrels for enclosure doors are tailored for cabinet sizes and mounting styles you’ll usually see on site. Rather than using a generic household lock, these specialist units are made to fit within compact spaces commonly measured in inches, and they’re resilient to regular operation.
For emergency lighting and life-safety fixtures, Collingwood Salvus offers emergency bolt solutions that are commonly used with Downlights and emergency fittings. You’ll find manual-test bolt-on variants and self-test models that simplify safety checks and compliance. The self-test models run periodic diagnostics automatically, saving time and reducing human error — a real advantage when you’re responsible for building safety.
Self-test emergency bolts perform routine checks and report faults without you having to climb a ladder with a flashlight. They’re like having a small, diligent assistant that never sleeps. For busy site managers, that automation reduces the chance of an unnoticed failure.
ESP makes practical access hardware like spare barrels and key sets for MAG816 systems and exit devices such as push-to-exit mushroom buttons. If you’re wiring a secure entry or retrofitting a magnetic lock, ESP parts are a dependable choice because they’re purpose-designed for access systems rather than repurposed household fittings.
Push-to-exit mushroom buttons are built to be intuitive and robust. You’ll often mount these near doors that need unrestricted egress in an emergency; they’re sized to be clearly visible and reachable, usually installed at around 48 inches from the floor for accessibility.
Schneider supplies door key lock options such as the Door Key Lock 405 for PLM modules, while Wiska provides locking solutions for WDB enclosures. CK Tools offers marking and mortice gauges — the CK mortice gauge listed at roughly 7.7 inches is a handy size for marking out mortice positions and ensuring clean, repeatable cuts when installing locks. These specialist items are the small details that make a professional install look and work properly.
A quality mortice gauge helps you transfer measurements accurately from lock to door, cutting down on guesswork. Even a small tool like a gauge measured in inches will save you time and reduce mistakes.
Beyond specialist outlets like Expert Electrical, there are several reliable retailers in the UK that cater to both trade and DIYers. National chains such as Screwfix, Wickes, B&Q, Toolstation, and Homebase stock a wide range from basic deadbolts to multipoint locking systems. For trade-grade or specialist components you might also consider local locksmiths or industry suppliers who carry brands like Collingwood, ESP, Schneider, and Wiska.
When comparing stores, look beyond price. Check product compatibility with your door thickness, read technical specs, and see whether the retailer offers trade support or installation advice. For specialist items, a shop that lists enclosure locks by product code or provides technical datasheets will make your life easier.
Not all locks are created equal and the best choice depends on the door and the level of security you need. Typical residential interior doors use tubular latches and handles, while exterior doors often require deadbolts or multipoint locks. Commercial doors might use mortice locks or electronic access systems. A quick checklist: match the lock type to the door’s thickness, consider the backset (how far the latch is from the door edge), and check whether you need fire-rated hardware.
Most modern exterior doors are between 1 3/8 inches to 1 3/4 inches thick. Backsets usually measure 2 3/8 inches or 2 3/4 inches for standard locks. When purchasing cylinders or mortice locks, keep these inch measurements handy so you get a unit that fits without modification.
Installing locks can be straightforward if you prepare properly. Start by measuring door thickness and backset in inches, mark your positions with a mortice gauge, and use a template wherever possible. If you’re cutting a mortice, go slow and use a sharp chisel. For keyed cylinders, ensure the cylinder length matches the combined thickness of the door and any escutcheon plates.
At minimum, you’ll want a screwdriver set, a power drill with inch-based drill bits, a mortice chisel, and a quality tape measure marked in inches. A template from the lock manufacturer often speeds up marking and drilling, and a digital caliper (in inches) helps confirm precise measurements for cylinder lengths.
For emergency fittings and commercial premises, pay attention to relevant UK standards and regulations. Emergency lighting and exit hardware may need to comply with building and fire safety codes. Choose self-test emergency bolts and components that help with compliance documentation, and always consult a qualified specialist for high-risk installations.
If your project involves fire doors, multi-point locking systems, or electrical enclosures with life-safety items, it’s sensible to work with a locksmith or certified installer. They’ll ensure that the hardware meets the relevant inch-based clearances and that the installation preserves the door’s integrity and warranty.
Locks are simple machines and regular care will keep them working smoothly for years. Clean the faceplates and keyways, lubricate moving parts with a graphite or recommended lock lubricant, and check strike plates and screws for tightness. For external locks, weatherproofing with suitable covers or seals helps prevent corrosion and keeps parts operating freely.
Give exterior locks a quick check every six months and interior locks annually. If you use a lock heavily — for example, a back gate or a frequently used equipment cabinet — check it every three months to catch wear early.
Every project has a slightly different requirement. For homes, a deadbolt plus a reinforced strike plate is often enough. For flats and apartments, a cylinder lock that meets insurance standards is better. For cabinets and enclosure doors, specialist enclosure key locks offer greater durability and tamper resistance. For high-traffic commercial doors, consider mortice locks or multipoint systems rated for heavy use.
Outdoor applications need locks that are weather-resistant and mounted so they can’t be levered off. Look for padlocks with shrouded shackles or closed-body designs, and use a stout hasp that’s fixed with long screws into a reinforced plate. Measure the hasp clearance in inches to ensure your padlock fits comfortably.
Smart locks are becoming mainstream, and many models now retrofit to existing deadbolts or multipoint systems. If you’re thinking of a smart upgrade, check whether the smart unit supports your door’s inch measurements and whether it’s compatible with commercial-grade hardware like magnetic locks or emergency bolts. Hybrid systems that combine mechanical security with electronic access give you both resilience and convenience.
Some self-test emergency bolts and smart locks run on internal batteries, while others need low-voltage wiring. Make sure you know the power requirements in volts and battery types, and account for access for future battery changes or maintenance — ideally with a discreet access panel that still keeps the hardware secure.
Before you hit buy, compare specs in inches, check compatibility with your existing door or enclosure, and pick a reputable retailer. Specialist suppliers such as Expert Electrical excel at enclosure and trade-specific parts, while national retailers like Screwfix, Toolstation, Wickes, and B&Q offer broad ranges and easy returns on standard home hardware. Always favour quality over a bargain if the item protects people or valuable equipment.
With the right combination of hardware, careful measuring in inches, and a little time spent on installation, you’ll have a door or enclosure that’s not only secure but also neat and reliable. Don’t underestimate the difference a well-chosen lock can make.
Conclusion: Locks and latches are more than metal; they’re a small investment that pays off in security and convenience. Whether you buy from a specialist like Expert Electrical or a national chain, pick components that match your door measurements in inches, follow installation best practices, and schedule routine maintenance. Your property — and your peace of mind — will thank you.
| Locks & Latches | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Tell Me More Terracina Lock With Factory Ø11cm | £ 15,50 | |
| Schneider Door Key Lock 405 For Plm | £ 24,70 | |
| Esp Push To Exit Button Mushroom | £ 28,27 | |
| Salvus Emergency Bolt-on M20 Manual Test Open Area Collingwood | £ 42,38 | |
| Salvus Emergency Bolt-on M20 Self Test Open Area Collingwood | £ 50,86 |
