Digital or combination locks are mechanisms that are opened not with a key, but by dialing a certain numerical combination. Either in a certain sequence, or by simultaneously pressing the buttons. It depends on the type of castle.

Let's take a closer look at what types and designs the industry now offers and choose the best combination lock.

It is believed that the operation of a combination lock was first described in the early 13th century by the eminent Arab scholar Al-Jazari. By the way, he was the first to invent programmable robots.
In the mid-19th century, the enterprising American James Sargent patented a mechanical combination lock with replaceable codes. The design of Sargent's castle is still popular today due to its:

• reliability;
• relative cheapness;
• practicality;
• versatility.

In simple mechanical ones, opening occurs by arranging pins or cylinders in a given sequence; in electronic ones, by typing a code on a digital keypad or keyboard. In advanced models voice dialing possible.

In electronic locks, the memory of the code is stored on a special memory.

Electromechanical ones have both types of keys: mechanical and electronic.

Scope of application of combination locks

Combination locks are widely used in many areas:

• for the protection of private property (installation on gates in private houses);
• for the protection of warehouse and utility premises;
• for security of entrances apartment buildings;
• for security of office premises.

Code locks are installed first of all in safes. However, they use both types of combination locks (mechanical and electronic), often “in pairs”.

Mechanical combination lock suitable for installation on doors in passage rooms. For example, in “crowded” offices or in apartment buildings. It's convenient and practical. The absence of keys reduces the cost of installing the structure. Employees and residents just have to “hand out” the door code. The room “protected” by a combination lock will be completely safe.

Suitcases, briefcases and bicycle locks also use combination locks. They are easy to use and not expensive.

Types of locks and their advantages and disadvantages

Mechanical combination locks are divided depending on the installation method into:

• mortise;
• mounted;
• invoices.

The first type of lock mechanisms cut into the door leaf. Such designs are suitable for doors made of wood or iron, with a thickness door leaf 30-60 millimeters. The “hidden” design of such locks protects the locks from moisture and cold. They are suitable for installation on . Significant disadvantage mortise models- relative complexity of their installation.

Overhead locks are installed on the surface of the door. The advantage of this type of design is ease of installation and preservation of the relative integrity of the door leaf. The downside is openness to aggressive external influences of precipitation and dust.

Mounted models are used on bicycles, barns, boxes, suitcases. Plus - ease of use, low cost. The downside is not reliability. Amenable to “professional” hacking in 10-15 minutes.

Pros and cons of designs

The internal design of a combination lock is:

• cylinder, with indirect drive of the bolt rod;
• lever, with direct drive of the bolt-rod.

According to the coding method, there are three main types of mechanical lock designs:

• with two or more set circles;
• with one dial;
• with pins.

A lock with a single dial is not reliable, since it has a limited set of combinations. There are 1000 of them. An experienced and even inexperienced “burglar” will select a combination in 20-25 minutes. Such designs are used more often for cases and bicycles.

A lock with several dials cannot be cracked in 5 minutes. It is designed in such a way that under the first dial there are also dial circles parallel to it. When the correct position for the first disk is selected, you can hear a very faint characteristic click. Not everyone can feel it.

Pin lock is easy to use, but not secure. The sequence of numbers in the code does not matter. There is no significant difference - dial “123” or “231”, the lock will still open.

Aspects of selecting a reliable model

The choice of a reliable model depends on the following parameters:

• degree of protection;
• financial capabilities;
• operating conditions (outdoors or indoors).

According to the level of protection, locks are divided into 4 security classes depending on:

• resistance to bolt impacts;
• resistance of the lock to the method of breaking and destruction;
• resistance of the lock to strikes from the strike plate;
• resistance to burglary without destruction.

The main criterion for classifying a model into a particular security class is the time during which a specialist manages to open it.

Review of popular manufacturers

Two companies are especially popular on the Russian market: Italian Cisa and Mattam. The main advantages of locks from these companies:

• resistance to unauthorized decryption of the code;
• long service life;
• impact resistance and wear resistance;
• maintainability.

Model "Mattam ZKP -1"

• installed on a door leaf with a thickness of 24-35 millimeters;
• has steel parts lock and nickel plated;
• contains a set of 1000 possible combinations of codes and 10 buttons that can be recoded.

Model "Cisa Basic"

This lock has a huge number of bolts, the ability to connect a vertical drive and a mechanism recoding function.

What to do if you forgot the code

The problem does not occur very rarely. It is common for push-button locks to “wipe off” paint from or around frequently used buttons during long-term operation. Over time, the code becomes visible to the naked eye. Also, frequent pressing of the same buttons leads over time to their “sticking”. In this case, the code is selected using the “scientific poke” method, when all the buttons are pressed in a row, and the “necessary” ones “stick” a little.

The padlock code is selected by rotating the roller while simultaneously “unlocking” the pin. When the roller that is closest to the pin turns, you feel the moment when it “falls” into the groove. The remaining rollers are “unlocked” in the same way.

If it is assumed that the lock will be installed outdoors, then close attention must be paid to the design of the tightness of the lock body. If moisture gets inside negative temperatures the lock will stop working.

When choosing a lock, experts advise paying attention to how and what the lock is assembled from:

• body - without cracks and slits;
• the latch mechanism works without distortion;
• Key material does not wear out;
• steel parts;
• the coating is nickel-plated or coated with other anti-corrosion material.

And besides, you must be aware that a combination lock in the hands of a criminal “specialist” can be opened quite quickly. This especially applies to simple disc locks, which are used when parking bicycles and the like. We present to your attention a video where the process of opening such a lock is demonstrated very clearly.

No one wants to see strangers in their entrance or on the territory of a private house. But if the door is not protected, this cannot be avoided.

In this case, a combination lock will become an assistant.

This is a device that locks the entrance and opens it using a special combination.

It works using specific code numbers or letters that are entered in various ways, depending on the type of device. There is a special keyboard for this.

This type of lock does not have a keyhole, so attackers will not be able to break the code. The main thing is not to forget the code after installation.

Such devices are very popular at entrances, cases, safes and other devices that need protection.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Such locks are gaining more and more popularity in the market; they have both positive and negative sides.

Advantages of a combination lock:

• The hidden latch system and the absence of a hole eliminate the possibility of hacking using screwdrivers and other improvised means;
• To open, you do not need a key, which is often lost;
• If necessary, the opening code can be easily changed;
• Open front door easy, and when closed, the combination lock perfectly protects the territory or entrance;
• Affordable price compared to hiring security;

In addition to the advantages, such devices also have some disadvantages:

• When dialing, outsiders can spy on the dialing combination;
• The owner may forget the code;
• The electric version only works when connected to the power supply system;
• Code lock with a low price does not tolerate humidity and very high and low temperatures;
• The service life of the microcircuits in an electronic lock is short;

Despite all the pros and cons, a combination lock is considered reliable, and to increase the security of entry, it is often used in combination with other types.

Species

Based on the type of design, such devices are divided into three types:

1. Mechanical. They are opened using buttons or dial circles. The more circles on the lock, the less confidence in its functions.

   Defensive combinations are quite easy to figure out. If the deputy has only one circle, then it will be more reliable, but then it will be much more difficult to reprogram it, and simply typing the code will become inconvenient.

   Designs with buttons are opened using a special combination of numbers that are easy to guess. Such devices are popular at the entrances to apartment buildings, and their price is low.

2. Electronic. Compared to mechanical ones, such a combination lock is easy to reprogram, and it also has a more compact type of set. Information about the combination is stored in the device memory.

   These types are different high level security and a wide range of functions. They are widely used to protect bank premises and private homes. Among the disadvantages of electronic locks, a barrier to purchase may be its high price.

3. Electromechanical. This type uses a combination of the previous two, and requires two keys to open it. This combination lock works thanks to a bolt that moves a spring.

   The appearance of such a device is not much different from a conventional mortise lock, so it can be installed on any door. There is also the option of using an overhead structure.

Choose a castle specific type necessary based on his goals and planned expenses.

Installation

To install a combination lock, you first need to secure the location for the new lock with tape.

Using an awl, mark the location of the keyhole (applies to the electromechanical version) and the center for the device mechanism.

After this, you need to drill holes and insert the locking part of the mechanism.

For the front part, you must first make a recess and screw the lock with screws.

To install electric version, you need to make holes for the wires. After this, the device is adjusted for left or right door, the manufacturer's instructions will help with this.

The lock wire must be connected to the receiving wire to secure the mechanism to the wall. The final stage will be the setting for opening by dialing a code and from a distance (indoors).

You can do the installation yourself without any problems, especially if you have experience in installing the most common door locks. But there is also the option of using the services of specialized companies that will install the lock quickly and efficiently.

Price

A combination lock can reliably protect the door of a room or area. They are very simple to use; they can be covered with a small canopy to protect them from precipitation. It is also important not to share the code with third parties.

Locks can be divided into three main types:

1. Those that require keys. This creates a number of weak points. Keys can be counterfeited, lost or stolen. In addition, you need to carry them with you. This is not always comfortable, especially if the keys are massive or there are many of them. If you need to give them to someone, then you need to bring them and give them away.
2. Another type is combination locks. In this case, you need to know some code to open it. Often it's just a four-digit, three-digit or two-digit number. You don’t need to carry a bunch of keys with you; they are difficult to lose and impossible to counterfeit. If desired, the code to the lock can be easily transferred to another person. In addition, such locks can have quite small size and elegant appearance. Sometimes the code is not a combination of numbers, but a special key card. In some cases it may contain a magnetic recording strip, and in others it may contain special chips that can be read by the lock's electronic circuitry. In principle, things such as a magnetic key fob can be used as a code key. Recognition using biological identification is also used. Examples include retinal recognition, fingerprint recognition, or individual characteristics vote.

Of the listed types, code ones, which are opened using a digital code, seem to be the most reliable and convenient to use. Let's consider such devices in more detail.

Mechanical combination locks

There are several varieties of them:

• Push-button code devices are widely used. Externally they are rectangular metal box, on which there are two rows of numeric buttons. Electrical energy This device is not required for operation. A two-digit numeric code is often used here. It works as follows. The numeric code is sequentially dialed, then the latch is unlocked. IN different systems it works in different ways. Sometimes unlocking occurs automatically, using an existing spring. Sometimes this requires manually moving the latch. Due to weak degree secrecy of this type of device, they are usually installed to unlock the entrance door to the entrance apartment building, to enter the territory of a garage cooperative or in similar cases.
• Another type is also widespread - roller combination locks. They have several wheels installed in parallel (each with ten numbers). By rotating them, you set the desired combination of numbers (usually a four-digit combination is used). After this, opening can be easily done. It is quite compact and has an elegant appearance. These types of devices can be used for bicycle locks or for locking strollers. Another popular use is for locking cases, suitcases, purses and similar cases.
• It is important to note that twist combination locks are also common. They are a small disk that must be very accurately and carefully rotated by a specified number of divisions. Digital code acts in this case as follows. The disk has many small divisions along its entire length. Initially, the large mark is at the top of the disc. Opposite it there are also corresponding divisions. To open, you need to turn clockwise for the first time the specified number of divisions. Then return to the starting position and rotate counterclockwise by the number of divisions corresponding to the second digit of the code. And so on. Once the code is dialed, you just need to open the safe. Such devices are often used to lock safes. The rules by which the safe is rotated may vary.

Electronic combination locks

An important feature of this type of device is that the control unit does not necessarily have to be located inside the product. It can be installed separately without any special restrictions on its size. This state of affairs increases security from a burglar. After all, without understanding what you are dealing with, it is very difficult to choose a method of opening. Typically, the basis of such a control device is a processor, which allows you to build an algorithm of the required complexity and reliability.

Just as in the situation with mechanical devices, there are several main varieties:

1. Push-button electronic combination locks. They have the disadvantage of requiring buttons, which are mechanical moving parts. They may gradually wear out, break or sink. Due to their lack of reliability, it is usually customary to use them on doors whose locking does not involve much responsibility. As a rule, the control unit in them is designed inside the lock itself. They are used for entrance doors, gates and the like.
2. Combination locks with magnetic code carrier. These can be cards, keychains and the like. It is also possible to use an appropriate remote control. In such systems, the control device is usually located separately from the unlocking device itself.
3. Push-button locks can be made without the use of moving parts. This is the so-called touch keyboard. They do not have the disadvantages associated with mechanical wear of buttons.

Advantages and disadvantages of various types

Mechanical locks wear out over time. This is due to the presence of rubbing parts. Reconfiguration is usually not an easy task.

Their advantages are that they are able to work autonomously for a long time and do not require special attention. Roller combination locks are small in size, aesthetically pleasing and convenient for use, but in a fairly narrow area.

Electronic combination locks allow you to reconfigure them. Very durable as they have no rubbing parts. They can become obsolete only morally.

The downside is that they rely heavily on power supply, which makes them vulnerable if the power goes out.

Concept of the device and principle of operation

It consists of a certain set of standard working nodes:

1. Opening signal reader. As is clear from its description, it reads a card, magnetic key fob data or other signal for opening.
2. Control device. Located in a protected location. Compares the data with the sample and gives a command to open the door.
3. Executive device. At the command of the control device, it opens the door.
4. Source uninterruptible power supply. Necessary for work electronic lock did not depend on the availability of electricity in the house.

How to choose

In order to choose it correctly, it is necessary to clarify the necessary initial data:

1. Degree of protection.
2. Financial opportunities.
3. Terms of Use.
4. For what purposes is it purchased?

In Russia, three main manufacturers are in greatest demand:

• "Mettem" (Russian manufacturer).
• "Sirius" (Russian manufacturer).
• "Masterlock" (Chinese manufacturer).

Choices

If you need a simple and reliable mechanical lock and at the same time your financial capabilities are quite modest, then Mettam products may be suitable. This lock can be installed on a door whose thickness does not exceed 50 mm. It is equipped with a metal code panel and provides up to a thousand combinations. Its strength makes it highly resistant to possible vandalism. Its cost does not exceed 1100 rubles.

If you are interested in models that have various types of additional features, then it will cost more. A product from Sirius would be a suitable option. Its price is much higher - from 2800 rubles. It can be made in one of two light colors: gold-plated or silver. The design is additionally equipped with a fuse, which significantly increases the reliability of the lock. Also, importantly, the products of this manufacturer have a rich and creative design.

Masterlock is represented quite widely on the Russian market. His lever lock is widely known. It is recommended to use it as an additional locking device. It is designed on the basis of special shaped plates, which are called level plates. The number of possible combinations can reach two and a half million, which gives such locks an increased degree of security.

Installation Rules

By and large, installing an electronic combination lock is not particularly different from installing a conventional one, except for one important detail. It's about mounting electronic parts and electrical wiring. This matter is quite complicated and with the slightest mistake it may turn out that it does not work correctly or refuses to work at all. To perform such an installation, professional knowledge and skills are required.

It should be remembered that combination locks can be used not only as the main locking device, but also as an additional one.

Choosing entrance door lock, many people do not quite understand how it is possible to combine high resistance to burglary for a stranger and ease of opening for the resident of a given house in one mechanism? In fact, such a connection is quite possible, which is fully proven by the wide variety of driveway locks, which differ not only in cost and size, but also in their operating principle.

A simple but fairly reliable locking device, which is opened by simultaneously pressing a certain combination of numbers on a small control unit. However, the durability and strength of such locks is not capable of providing the required level of entrance security if the opening code is not regularly changed. First of all, this is due to simple wear and tear on the block buttons pressed when opening the doors, which over time will prompt the required combination of numbers;

Electromagnetic locks. The use of electricity in the design of such locks makes it possible to create magnetic waves, with the help of which the plates on the lock are connected to each other and door frame. An entrance lock of this type is opened due to a temporary power outage, for which keys, special key fobs with a microchip or remote controls are used;

The most comfortable type of lock for opening the entrance door in the presence of a remote control or key fob mobile phone with the required code. Distinctive feature Such a lock is the absence of a keyhole on the outer surface of the door leaf. In addition, the key fob for opening does not operate from an individual power source, which eliminates problems with opening the door, as sometimes happens with electromagnetic locks;

Electromechanical locks They differ in that they are closed and opened using both electricity and a key. The simplicity and efficiency of their design makes it easy to combine such locks for entrance doors with various access control systems to the premises.

Most electrically powered locking systems can be used as a locking mechanism in systems that include audio and video intercoms. Considering that the installation and commissioning of such systems requires special knowledge and skills, we do not recommend that you install them yourself. Except possible errors, you risk losing the warranty on the operation of the intercom system after its installation.

Choosing a lock for an entrance door is a rather complicated process, since it is necessary to take into account the wishes of a large number of residents of the entrance. Before contacting our company for help, discuss at a meeting of residents the main requirements for the locking mechanism, as well as its approximate cost.