The Definitive Guide to Door Bolts: The Hidden Heroes of Your Home Security

Alex Oliveri

When it comes to your home security, it's easy to get caught up in the big-ticket items like security cameras and alarm systems. However, it’s often the case that small things make the biggest difference. Whether you’re securing an entrance door, fastening a window, or just looking to immobilise an internal door, choosing a door bolt can be the key to keeping your home safe. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a range of door bolts, and help inform you to make the best decision.

Why Door Bolts Matter More Than You Think

Before we get into the specifics, let’s talk about why door bolts are so important.

Door bolts offer an added layer of security, making it harder for unauthorised personnel to gain entry. They’re versatile and can be installed in various area around your home-not just on front doors. Take double doors for instance; the inactive side is likely secured with a flush bolt, or some other type of door bolt. They can also be used to secure windows and can even be found on cabinetry and hobby projects.  

 

1. Barrel Bolt

What Is a Barrel Bolt?

The classic barrel bolt is a simple, straightforward, and strong solution for securing a variety of doors and windows. You’ve probably seen them all around the place but if you haven’t, think of a straight bolt that you slide into a catch, and rotate to lock it in place. Our barrel bolts can be offered in the Victorian variant for those searching for a more traditional looking option.

Best Places to Use It

Barrel bolts make an excellent choice for both interior and exterior doors. They can be used to secure doors that lead outside but are also perfect for interior uses that may require extra reinforcement.

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2. Barrel Bolt Offset

How Is It Different from a Regular Barrel Bolt & Why Would You Need One?

The Offset Barrel Bolt Offset is designed for doors that don’t align perfectly. Unlike a regular barrel bolt, the offset component means that the rod isn’t completely straight the whole way through. Rather, it features a deviated kink towards the end which allows the bolt to slide into the hole even without a perfect & flush door alignment.

 

Best Places to Use It

Although typically used on doors, the design of the offset barrel bolt allows it to be used practically anywhere – windows, cabinets, and more. It’s often used near edges where drilling would cause the material to break away. The deviated kink increases the distance between the installation, and the edge. Offset barrel bolts come in a range of sizes and finishes giving it the upmost versatility to be used in a range of applications

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3. Barrel Bolt Longthrow

Extended Reach

Standard door bolts have a throw of about 15-17mm, whereas the longthrow barrel bolt extends to an impressive 30mm ensuring a secure fit for doors with larger gaps. For a traditional touch, you might consider the Victorian variant of the longthrow barrel bolt. It combines the extended reach with a classic design, perfect for those looking to enhance both security and style in their space.

Best Places to Use It

Longthrow Barrel Bolts are the ideal solution to secure doors with larger gaps. An example of this is where the door sits higher off the floor, meaning a standard bolt won’t reach. Enter the longthrow barrel bolt – designed with an extended reach to provide reliable security in situations where conventional bolts fall short.

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4. Locking Surface Mounted Bolts

Extra Layer of Security

Similar to the old faithful surface mounted bolts discussed above, the locking surface mounted bolt is perfect for doors, windows, and more. Locking Bolts do exactly what they say – lock the bolt via key.

Why Do You Want One?

Locking Surface Mounted Bolts give you the added piece of mind when you want to restrict access through a door or window using a key. This means that without the key, usage is restricted on both sides.   

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5. Reverse Barrel Bolts

Unique Feature

Reverse Barrel Bolts are recessed into the inside face which means that the bolt mechanism is concealed. This gives you peace of mind with added security, whilst maintaining a sleek and elegant look.

Best Places to Use It

Reverse Barrel Bolts are secure and versatile. This makes them the perfect choice for interior and exterior doors, windows, and more – the possibilities are endless. The best thing is that their flush fitting look will complement your existing door hardware.

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6. Flush Bolts

Hidden Security

There are two types of flush bolts that can be mounted in two different positions.

  1. Edge Mounted Flush Bolts – These are recessed into the edge of the door and are ideal for securing the inactive side of a double door configuration. Since flush bolts are typically recessed into the inactive side, you will not see the bolt when both doors are closed.
  2. Face Mounted Flush Bolts – These are mounted flush to the inside face of the door and are similar to a reverse barrel bolt, but are made key lockable to enhance security. Available in a variety of additional stylish finishes, Iver’s Locking Flush Bolt is a sleek, secure option that provides an added layer of protection.

The Best Place to Use It

If you’ve got French doors, you probably leave one door closed, while the other opens and closes against it. If that’s the case, a flush bolt at the top or bottom is the perfect thing for the job.

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7. Panic Bolts

Effortless Operation

Panic Bolts are designed for effortless operation. Unlike traditional barrel bolts that require rotation of the rod to lock or unlock, panic bolts simply slide up and down, and are held in place with a spring. They can still be used at either the top or bottom of the door because the spring-loaded mechanism ensures it works upside down.

Best Places to Use It

The straightforward design of the Panic Bolt makes it a perfect candidate for emergency doors as it can be released very swiftly. Aside from that, panic bolts are longer and generally more solid. The extra length can make it easier to operate if it’s at the top of a tall door.

 

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8. Tower Bolts

A Stylish Choice

Tower Bolts are durable and can add a touch of elegance and contemporary flair to your home. If you are going to choose a surface mounted bolt that will be seen, you might consider a tower bolt that will complement your existing door or window hardware. Tower bolts are also available in an iron variant, offering a robust and distinctive finish

Best Places to Use It

You can use a tower bolt on practically any door, but they can really shine on high traffic doors where they will be seen. Whether it’s a front door, patio entrance, or anything in between, choosing a stylish tower bolt can accentuate the style in your home.

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Bolt Parts & Accessories

Flat Plate Keeper

The plate keeper, offered in matching finishes to complement the bolt, is the flat piece where the rod slides through for secure fastening. They come standard with the longthrow barrel bolts but may need to be purchased separately for some of the other bolts.

Our Top Recommendations

  • TradCo 1405: Polished Brass Plate Keeper - L25xW13mm – 9mm Bolt.
  • TradCo 1447: Satin Chrome Plate Keeper - L25xW13mm – 7.5mm Bolt.
  • TradCo 1419: Polished Brass Plate Keeper – L25xW13mm – 7.5mm Bolt.

 

Right Angle Keeper

When installing a barrel bolt on a windowsill, drilling near the edge can cause it to break away. A right-angle keeper prevents this by reinforcing the corner. Alternatively, you can opt for an offset barrel bolt to kick back further from the edge.

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Final Thoughts: Securing Your Home, One Bolt at a Time

Door bolts may seem like a small component, but they actually play a huge role in keeping your home secure. By understanding the different types of door bolts and their best uses, you can make informed decisions that will protect your home for years to come.

Whether you’re after a straightforward barrel bolt, a concealed flush bolt, or anything in between, Paddington Hardware’s got you covered. If you have any further questions, feel free to call us on 07 3369 6588 or visit our friendly team in store.

 

 

 

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