Alternatives to Banham locks

[Deep]

Hi

I'm in the process of having a new timber door and frame made and will need new locks. Banham is the obvious choice but I've heard and read some less than favourable reports on their after sales support if there is a problem. As a result I'd like another option.

I'll need a night latch and a mortice lock.

So, which other brands are as well or better built than Banham?


Thanks very much


(I know that security is about much more than just the locks you fit but this question is specifically about locks please)

[Deep]

The Moose said:

I've had great after-sales service from Banham...if you have the gold card! My last first hand interaction was towards the end of last year.

Works really well if in London or if you are near one of their shops.

I'm actually not that far from one of their shops. How does one get the 'gold card'?


Cheers

[Deep]

hyphen said:

You get the gold card when you buy the locks (Its an ID to show you are the owner of them).

I fitted them myself and bought more for the aesthetics than any 'extra security' thoughts. You would think most reputable brands will be fine.

Edited by hyphen on Thursday 1st June 13:53

Thanks

[Deep]

Rosscow said:

Do you really want to go with the old fashioned night latch and dead lock option?

There are better alternatives available in my opinion.

Hi Ross

Could you please point me in the direction of the better alternatives?

Thanks very much

[Deep]

Hi Ross

Could you elaborate with regards to your earlier comment?

Cheers

[Deep]

Rosscow said:

Apologies, busy weekend!

Night-latches and deadlocks are fine, but invariably during the day you tend to leave the door just shut on the night latch, and I'm sure at times during the night you'll either forget or not bother to lock the deadlock. This may also happen when you go out - shut the door and go without double locking.

If you went for something like the Winkhaus AV2 Heritage lock, then the door will always be secured by a minimum of 3 points - the centre latch, and the 2 hooks that engage automatically. You don't need to do anything - just shut the door and they throw themselves. You can then also throw an additional dead bolt if you go out or at night.

https://www.winkhaus.com/en-gb/door-locks/mechanic...

The heritage version gives a high key point so looks very similar to a traditional night latch key position.

It does bring you into the Euro cylinder discussion, I would recommend an Ultion cylinder with an internal thumb turn.

Thanks Ross

I've actually just changed my euro profile locks on my bifold doors, side door and side gate for the ultion. It's great because they are keyed alike so I'm no longer searching for the various different keys!


Would the Winkhaus system meet the usual insurance criteria?



Thanks very much

Edited by Deep on Monday 5th June 18:03

Edited by Deep on Monday 5th June 18:05

[Deep]

hyphen said:

I actually said no to keyed alike for the front.

Yes it is two keys to turn all the time, but I figured I could give only one to any builders/other workers, so I didn't have to worry if they lost the key/had a pickey apprentice.

I had thought the same thing myself actually, there are pros and cons to having all the doors keyed alike.

Did you have any issues with your home insurance company with regards to having a euro profile lock on the front door?

Cheers