Testing the Strength of the Lockwood 001 Deadlatch on a 20mm Door Frame

Testing the Strength of the Lockwood 001 Deadlatch on a 20mm Door Frame

The security of a home starts at the front door, and often, the hidden parts of the door—like the frame—can play a significant role in resisting forced entry. Today, we’re exploring just how well a Lockwood 001 Deadlatch performs when installed on a door frame made of 20mm pine, a common thickness in many homes. While thicker frames are available, door frames in Australia range widely from about 18mm to 30mm, and thinner frames, often hidden by decorative moldings or architraves, may not offer as much resistance to intruders. This test will give insight into the real-world performance of a popular lock on an everyday frame, focusing especially on the impact of reinforced installation techniques.

In an earlier test, a Lockwood 001 Deadlatch installed on a thicker 35mm frame withstood a remarkable 465 kilograms of force before showing signs of failure. The lock we’re using today is the same model, though it has been repaired after that rigorous test, meaning it may not handle the same level of force. Our primary interest is seeing how the frame holds up rather than expecting the lock to perform identically to its previous test. With this setup, we’re replicating the pressures a common residential door frame might face in a real-world scenario, using 20mm pine that will likely behave differently than a sturdier, thicker frame.

Lockwood 001 Strike installation

One of the key aspects of this setup is the installation of the strike plate. Often overlooked, a properly fitted strike plate plays an important role in spreading the force of impact across the frame, increasing the structure’s overall durability. Here, the strike plate is secured with reinforced screws, driven close to the frame’s edge due to the frame’s thinness. This proximity to the edge means there’s less material to hold the screws securely, making this setup a challenging scenario. In even thinner frames, the frame’s edge might be too narrow to secure these screws, impacting the lock’s effectiveness.

For more information on installing a Lockwood 001 deadlatch visit our post.

Force Test

As we apply direct force to simulate a forced entry attempt, the setup starts to show its limits. The Lockwood 001 Deadlatch, a model widely trusted for residential security, takes a significant hit as pressure mounts. With 368 kilograms of force, the frame finally gives way, demonstrating the effect of a thinner door frame under extreme pressure. The reinforced screws in the strike plate do their part by absorbing and distributing some of the force through the frame, but ultimately, the thin 20mm pine lacks the mass to withstand this high level of impact.

This test highlights the importance of choosing the right door frame thickness and lock setup for your security needs. While the Lockwood 001 Deadlatch performs well even under high stress, thinner frames may compromise the effectiveness of any lock. For maximum protection, pairing a robust lock with a thicker or reinforced frame can make all the difference in deterring forced entry attempts and keeping your home secure.

If you need advise on your locks, doors or security you can contact The Lock Mob in Toowong, Brisbane to book a consultation.

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