Whenever we watch a British programme, we've noticed that the door locks seem to be about shoulder height, while here in Canada, the locks are just above the door handle (which is about waist high).
What's the reason for the height?
Thanks to everyone who answers:)
2007-09-21 08:59:06 · 17 answers · asked by Julie F 5 in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
One reason is to stop short arsed Burglars,
another is the fact that we have letter boxes for our papers
and the mail.and the locks are up high so intruders cant reach
2007-09-21 10:44:54 · answer #1 · answered by mickjack 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Well then - that's strange - I live in the uk and all my locks are just below the door handle and so are my neighbours locks.
In my last house my door lock appeared to be high cos I had a couple of steps leading up to the house so when I was stood on the bottom step my door lock would appear to be at shoulder height but if I stood on the top step then the lock was just above the door handle. So does that mean everybody has steps or are my doors and my neighbours just different cos I live in the North West?? ha ha
2007-09-21 09:24:21 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I know exactly what you mean, but I have to add that it usually applies to houses from the 10, 20 and 30's, they're even the same inside, just a fashion.
In modern houses happens usually where the top half of the door has glass, hence being the weakest part of the door structure and easier to break in. A bolt/lock there makes it more difficult for a burglar to get in.
2007-09-21 11:33:42 · answer #3 · answered by fed up woman 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Letter box slots in the doors can provide access to burglars who could reach a lock located near the latch. In the US and Canada, I would guess that it is common practice to have post delivered to an outside mailbox, so the front door does not have a letterbox opening, restricting burglars access.
Putting the lock out of reach just makes sense in the UK.
2007-09-21 09:10:34 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just basic security most traditonal british homes have a 5 lever lock incorperated in with the door handle 1000mm from floor (point of strength) and an additonal yale lock 1600mm - 1700mm from the floor.
The idea is that two secure fixings are better than one, makes it harder for them to get a crowbar in and get the leverage they need to bust the door open
2007-09-22 08:33:43 · answer #5 · answered by I got wood 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm a childminder and by some health and safety rule you need to have locks on all doors you don't want children to enter or leave without your permission.
2007-09-21 09:06:46 · answer #6 · answered by crazybex2006 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
1
2017-02-27 23:51:46 · answer #7 · answered by Barbara 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A guess: To keep children from unlocking the door for strangers.
2007-09-21 09:07:14 · answer #8 · answered by A Guy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Our doors are the same in Ireland, Whats your problem!?! lol! Its to stop burglars unlocking the door.
2007-09-21 09:12:10 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know what you mean, there are some that are high that I've seen on films but every house I've ever been in are waist-height.
2007-09-21 12:29:22 · answer #10 · answered by Lola 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋