Door locks come in numerous designs, shapes and sizes. The features of each lock also differ depending on the need for the lock. To boost your confidence on making the switch from your existing lock to the igloohome smart lock, we will:The main door lock installed in most HDB flats and condominiums in Singapore is the mortice lock. The photo above shows what you are probably used to seeing. The mortice lock requires a rectangular pocket (also known as the mortice) to be cut into the door so that the lock can be fitted into it. This is what the lock looks like if it has not been installed into the door. The mortice lock usually comes with a sprung latch on top (the triangular portion that retracts). It is often connected to a handle, so when you pull down on the handle, the latch retracts. Once you release the handle, the latch springs back into place. This latch holds the door in place after it is closed. (For easier understanding, you may want to refer to the first photo again.)

Below the sprung latch is the locking bolt (the rectangular piece that protrudes). When the door is locked with a key, the locking bolt protrudes to secure the door in its locked position. Even if you pull down on the handle, the locking bolt stays in place and the door remains closed. In Singapore, one popular type of door set up (especially in new BTO flats and condominiums)  is a long handle bar and a mortice lock with a rounded latch. As the latch is rounded instead of triangular, the door can be pulled open from either the inside or the outside.This lock works in a way that is similar to the locking bolt in the mortice lock (explained above). It is called a 'dead' bolt because there are no springs to operate the bolt. In other words, it does not automatically return to its original position (unlike the latch). The deadbolt can only be operated manually with a key, or a thumb turn from the inside. Photo credit: Copper Creek HardwareSince there is no spring in the deadbolt, the door would not automatically 'catch' close after you shut it.

You have to hold the door close when you lock the door.As such, while it is possible to use the deadbolt on its own, most people who use deadbolts on their main doors tend to install a separate handle/knob with a latch (photo below - deadbolt above, knob below). This ensures that when you shut the door without locking it, it stays shut. Unlike the mortice lock which requires a rectangular pocket to be cut into the door, the deadbolt requires 2 cylindrical holes to be cut into the door (bored cylindrical mounting). This type of lock works in a way that is similar to the latch in the mortice lock (explained above). As it is spring-loaded, the door is held in place once it is shut. However, unlike the mortice lock that requires an additional step of turning the bolt to lock the door, the deadlatch self-locks the door once the door is shut. Photo credit: Kangeroo Point LocksmithThis type of lock is often attached on the door (rim mounting) instead of sitting inside the door like the mortice lock.

A circular hole still needs to be cut into the door so that the keyhole can be accessed on the other side of the door.Now that we have briefly introduced the most common types of main door locks, we take a look at our igloohome deadbolt, and how you can make the switch from your existing lock to our smart lock.  patio dog door sydneyThe igloohome deadbolt comes without a handle, which makes it a great add-on if you already have an existing handle. best direction for main door in feng shuiThe bolt tongue protrudes or retracts when the lock is locked or unlocked. sliding glass doors kenyaIt requires 2 holes to be cut into the door. wifi doorbell best buy

The is similar to that of the deadbolt mentioned above - bored cylindrical mounting. *Rendered photo for illustrative purposes only Install the igloohome deadbolt above the existing lock. You will continue to use your existing handle, but our bolt will provide the locking mechanism. where to buy door latch singaporeYou can still use the existing locking mechanism on your mortice lock as a second layer of security when you are travelling.                     wifi doorbell best buyLong handle bar with existing mortice                      Existing mortice (front)                                               Existing mortice (back) Replacing the existing mortice lock with the igloohome deadbolt at the same location is highly discouraged, as the entire rectangular pocket of the mortice lock needs to be patched back.

This may compromise security.Replace the existing deadbolt with the igloohome deadbolt at the same location - do note that this is subject to installation assessment (done after purchase), but it is usually a straightforward process to swap out the existing deadbolt with ours. Please contact us at info@igloohome.co, and provide photos of your door (front, side, back) for our assessment. Install a door handle before purchase of the igloohome deadbolt. Then, install our deadbolt above the door handle.  When you purchase our lock, we will request that you send us photos of your door so that we can assess your door and existing lock-set up. We will then highlight to you if there are any areas of concern. Otherwise, installation should proceed without a hitch!Our igloohome Smart Deadbolt 02 is available here.Back to Igloohome blog homepageBaldwinBaldwin represents the epitome of luxury locks. Baldwin ironmongery is made of solid forged brass and is integrated with a solid mortise lock case that is certified in accordance to the highest residential security standard.