How to Choose the Right Lock Type for Your Property in 2026

Your door locks are your first line of defence against intruders — and choosing the right type can make all the difference between peace of mind and vulnerability.

As we move into 2026, lock technology has evolved significantly, offering homeowners and businesses more secure and convenient options than ever before.

At Locking Locksmiths Somerset, we specialise in helping clients choose and install the best locks for their property, ensuring compliance with British Standards (BS3621 and TS007 3-Star) and meeting all insurance requirements.

Here’s everything you need to know about mortice locks, euro cylinders, and smart locks — including how to decide which is right for your home or business.

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Understanding the Main Types of Locks

There are many types of locks available in the UK, but three dominate in 2026:

• Mortice Locks (commonly used on wooden doors)

• Euro Cylinder Locks (most common for uPVC and composite doors)

• Smart Locks (digital or keyless entry systems)

Each has its advantages, and the right choice depends on your door type, location, and security needs.

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1. Mortice Locks – Traditional Strength and Reliability

Mortice locks are fitted inside the door itself, making them both durable and discreet. They are commonly used on solid timber doors and are still one of the most secure mechanical options available.

Benefits of Mortice Locks:

• Extremely robust and resistant to forced entry

• Long lifespan and low maintenance

• Often meet BS3621 insurance standards

• Suitable for front and back doors in traditional homes

The 5-lever mortice deadlock remains the industry standard, providing dependable mechanical strength without requiring electronics or Wi-Fi.

Recommended Brands:

• ERA Fortress

• Union StrongBOLT

• Yale PBS1 and PBS2 Series

At Locking Locksmiths Somerset, we install and service all major mortice lock types — ensuring proper fitting and alignment for long-lasting performance.

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2. Euro Cylinder Locks – Modern, Versatile & Secure

Euro cylinders are the most widely used locks in the UK, particularly on uPVC, aluminium, and composite doors.

They’re designed for multi-point locking systems and can easily be upgraded to high-security anti-snap models.

Benefits of Euro Cylinder Locks:

• Easy to replace or upgrade

• Compatible with multi-point systems

• Available in 1-Star, 2-Star, and 3-Star security ratings

• Option for keyed alike, master key, or thumb-turn setups

For 2026, we recommend 3-Star TS007-rated cylinders, which provide maximum protection against snapping, drilling, bumping, and picking.

Top Choices for 2026:

• Ultion 3-Star Diamond Lock – Industry-leading with £2,000 security guarantee

• Yale Platinum 3-Star Cylinder – Excellent anti-drill and key control

• ERA Invincible Cylinder – Cost-effective and strong

Locking Locksmiths Somerset are official installers for Ultion, ERA, and Yale — ensuring your lock is fitted to manufacturer and insurance standards.

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3. Smart Locks – The Future of Home Security

The smart home revolution has extended to door locks, combining digital convenience with high-grade mechanical protection.

Smart locks can be operated using your smartphone, fingerprint, keypad, or voice command, giving you total control from anywhere.

Benefits of Smart Locks:

• Keyless entry — no more lost keys

• Access sharing for family, guests, or deliveries

• Real-time activity notifications

• Integration with smart home systems (Alexa, Google Home, etc.)

Recommended Smart Locks for 2026:

• Ultion Nuki Smart Lock – Combines Ultion mechanical core with app control

• Yale Linus Smart Lock – Discreet, sleek, and reliable

• ERA TouchKey – Hybrid smart system for domestic and light commercial use

Smart locks are particularly useful for Airbnb hosts, landlords, and homeowners who want both security and convenience.

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Choosing the Right Lock for Your Property

To select the best lock type, consider the following:

Not sure which is right for you? Our expert locksmiths can perform a free property security inspection to recommend the ideal solution for your doors and budget.

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Lock Standards Explained

When choosing any lock, make sure it meets British or European security standards:

• BS3621 – Required by UK insurers for mortice locks.

• TS007 3-Star – Highest rating for euro cylinders.

• SS312 Diamond – Gold standard for anti-snap performance.

All locks supplied and installed by Locking Locksmiths Somerset meet or exceed these standards — giving you peace of mind and insurance compliance.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can I upgrade my existing lock to a higher security rating?
Yes. We can replace most locks with BS3621 or TS007 3-Star alternatives without changing the door hardware.

Q2. Are smart locks as secure as traditional locks?
When fitted by professionals and paired with high-security cores (like Ultion), smart locks are equally secure — often more so.

Q3. How long does lock installation take?
Most replacements take 30–60 minutes, depending on door type and lock model.

Q4. Will upgrading my locks affect my insurance?
It can actually improve it — insurers often require specific lock types for full coverage.

Q5. Can I mix different lock types in the same property?
Yes. Many homeowners use mortice locks on front doors and smart locks or euro cylinders elsewhere.

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Expert Lock Advice & Installation Across Somerset

Whether you’re upgrading your home, business, or rental property, Locking Locksmiths Somerset offers expert advice and professional installation of the UK’s most trusted lock brands — Ultion, Yale, and ERA.

We’ll assess your doors, recommend suitable locks, and install them to full compliance standards for lasting protection.

👉 Book your free lock assessment today at https://lockinglocksmiths.co.uk/contact-us/

Secure Your Property with Locking Locksmiths

For expert emergency locksmith, home security, and commercial locking solutions you can trust, look no further than Locking Locksmiths.

We are available 24/7 to provide fast, reliable, and affordable service. Contact us now for immediate help or a free security assessment.