Standard key
A standard key is the most common type. It is held in a vertical position and inserted into the cylinder. A set of pins lifts up and line up with the key teeth and grooves. If the inserted key is the right one, the length of the pins matches with the length necessary to allow the rotation of the cylinder which, in its turn, unlocks the door.

Double-bit key
A double-bit key is very similar to a key for home use or to a car key, except for the presence of an upper set of teeth and a lower set of teeth. It is inserted into the lock and moves the dead bolt directly.

Master Key
A Master key opens several cylinders (sets of locks). These locks also have single keys which are specific to each one and cannot open any of the others in the set. Locks which have master keys have a second set of the mechanism used to open them which is identical to all of the others in the set of locks. Big organizations may have "grandmaster keys" opening locks which can be opened by different master keys.

A door closer is a hydraulic mechanism widely used in private houses, shops and apartment blocks to close the internal or external doors. There are different versions for different frames.

How many models are there? There are Overhead Door closers, with a V or sliding arm, floor door closers or door closers built in the door or frame.

What are its main functions? Door holder: it is used on doors with a frequent passage of people; it can be adjusted to different openings and cannot be used on fire doors.

Closing speed adjustment:every time the door is opened the door closer takes the door back to 0°. The closing speed can be adjusted through a valve.

Closing force adjustment:in some types of door closers the spring control allows to apply a higher or lower pressure during door opening, according to door weight and size. Adjustable backcheck: this function (called "backcheck"), according to the type of control, slows down the door speed during opening. This feature is widely used for doors exposed to air currents because it avoids bumping against the wall.

Delayed closing action:It is widely used in places with disabled people. Once open, the door closer takes a certain time- which varies according to the setting- before closing. Therefore, the disabled person can pass through the door without risking to bump against it when it closes.

Latching action:During closing from 15° to 0°, the door closer has an acceleration which ensures a correct closing. The final latching is used on locks requiring a good closing pressure, while it can also be eliminated on electric strikers.

Mortice locks are fixed inside the frame and therefore they cannot be seen. According to the type, they can be operated from the outside through a cylinder, a key (double turn) or a handle.

What is a rim lock? Rim locks are fixed outside the frame and therefore they can be seen. The assembly does not generally require special operations, for this reason they are well-suited for existing frames.

What is a frame lock? A frame lock has a shallow case because it must be fixed into the door frame, where the handle follower and the cylinder are on the same vertical axis. The most common inconvenient is to find the handle and the key too near the frame during opening, with the risk of knocking the frame with your fingers or the key if it remains inserted in the cylinder.

What is a mortice lock for metal frames with horizontal application? Compared to a frame lock , this type of lock has a deeper, horizontal case: it is fixed in the central part of the frame in a horizontal profile. The handle follower and the key are located horizontally at a much higher distance from the lock forend (towards the centre of the door). This avoids the inconvenient of the handle or the key being too near the frame (see frame locks).

It is the component where the bolt of the lock extends into when the door is closed. It may be of different shapes, materials and finishes according to the type of frame and lock.

Why is the striking plate adjusted? Adjustable striking plates have been designed to meet the installation requirements according to the different aluminium frames; a few articles which can be adjusted to many profiles. Striking plates can be adjusted to the lock after installing the door, ensuring a precise locking.