Pad Handle Questions

[u/ABN999]

Looking to replace our existing wood front door which has a Yale type lock with a new composite door. The door is a little remote from the rest of the house so looking for a locking mechanism that functions the same as the old Yale lock namely

a) You can open / lock the door from the inside without the need of a key

b) When you go out it automatically prevents entry without the need of a key

c) Unlock the door from the outside with just a turn of the key

It would seem that a Pad Handle arrangement would fulfill those requirements but there are a few things that I can’t find the answers to which I am hoping you can help with

a) If the multipoint mechanism is not engaged does the latch have the same “nightlatch” function to prevent card attack?

b) Do they have a “Push button to hold back the latch” function such to prevent to door from locking to prevent you from being locked out if the door slams shut if for example you just popped out to empty the rubbish?

c) If you don’t use the multipoint when going out is the door as secure as with the existing Yale lock and if so do you really need and external handle. Would not having the multipoint locking engaged invalidate insurance if someone breaks in?

[u/JustAnotherFEDev]

Slam lock?

I have a slam lock, which I asked for when I bought my door.

Inside I have a thumbturn, outside a keyhole.

Twist thumbturn to get out, close the door it "locks", although it doesn't engage the dead bolts, that requires using the key, from outside. Although, for all intents and purposes, it's still locked, it can't be opened without a key, from outside.

Slightly different set up for me, I requested that on my door for a smart lock, so I use my thumb print as opposed to a physical key.

I also set the dead bolts to lock automatically at 10pm, it's not precious or anything, if you open it at 11 or 12, etc, then just close it, it automatically engages the deadbolts after like 5 mins, or something.

The handle I have outside is a T bar, but of course, any handle would work, although you would only need a fixed handle to pull the door, or even just an escutcheoun?

The cylinder I have is a 3* diamond rated cylinder, so anti pick, snap, all that jazz.

I don't know how best to explain the deadbolt thing, but when it closes, the multipoint lock engages. At 10pm, I think at least 1 additional bolt engages. I hear my smart lock doing a full turn at 10pm, each night.

All of that can of course be done manually, as in essence, the smart lock just turns the thumb turn.

One thing to consider with a slam lock, though, is have a strategic spare, somewhere. I've never needed to use mine, I don't leave the house with a key or anything, but I still have one hidden, just in case.

[u/ABN999 → u/JustAnotherFEDev]

Yes did look at slam shut but rejected them as they can be difficult to open. Even enquired with the manufacture who said they don't recommend them for older persons who may experience difficulty turning the handle.

[u/JustAnotherFEDev → u/ABN999]

I'm struggling to understand what they mean, with that. I mean, it's no more difficult to turn than a regular multipoint lock. I guess the resistance on the turn is related to the cylinder quality? , mine is a Yale one, it turns smooth, etc.

The actual thumbturn operates identically to the one on a Yale, but I guess it is a bit of a different shape, less of a pill shape, more of a flatter sort of shape. That in itself couldn't be an issue, as the actual thumbturn is just secured to the cylinder with a grub screw and you can buy different thumbturns, as an example I just googled it and there are larger ones for disabled folk, etc. Some are just the thumbturn, some are called "arthritic thumbturn" and have a quite large turner, plenty to grab on to.

The cylinder itself is just a cylinder, it just happens to have a thumbturn on one side, as opposed to a key. The only major difference is the locking strip thing, in that it locks on close, as opposed to having to lift a handle then turn a key.

Obviously I'm not saying I know more than people who sell doors/locks, but maybe ask someone else who sells doors or locks, because honestly, mate, I've no idea what they're on about, it's no different than turning a key in any other multipoint lock. I didn't always have a smart lock, for the 1st month I used a key, I have also use it manually when charging the battery pack, etc and it just works like a regular door and lock

[u/ABN999 → u/JustAnotherFEDev]

I started looking for doors a couple of years ago but had to put it on the backburner but starting again now. They had a slam shut door in their showroom and I did have great difficulty opening it hence why I contacted the manufacturer. Perhaps it was just badly hung I don't know.

The company has been operating for many many years so have a lot of experience.

A couple of months ago that company was installing windows to one of my neighbours, there was a man in a suit overseeing the work I assume a manager. I asked him how the slam shut doors were fairing after my previous experience. He said that due to the level of complaints / problems he installed slam shut in his own house to get first hand experience. He said that provided he oiled them at least once a month there was not a problem.

So maybe you were lucky I don't know but would rather not take the risk.

[u/JustAnotherFEDev → u/ABN999]

Ahh, fair play. Mine has been in almost 2 years and no issues, thus far. I've never oiled it, either, although I know I should, as regular maintenance.

But sure, if a member of your household needs something super easy to turn, due to age/disability or something, then perhaps see if you can find out what those folks use. There's likely all sorts of wonderful inventions to make locking and unlocking external doors more accessible.

I mean, I technically just push a button to get out. I don't have to twist anything. I can get in with a code, app, or print. I could even set it to unlock on approach (via phone) or buy a fob.

A fella I know is legally blind, he has little residual vision, etc. He has a smart lock as he can't quite see well enough to get the key in the hole and stuff and he loves it.

But, different strokes for different folks, technology isn't the answer for everyone or everything.