Keeping Front Door Closed

[Nedley]

Hi all,

I have a brand new front door and i want to install a smart lock onto it. From what i can see the smart locks all need the cylinder type lock which will only hold the door in place once the lock is initiated. There is no latch on the door as the handle i have is one of those long pull handles without a latch.

As the door is brand new the weather seals around it are still quite tough and as a result the keep the door ajar rather than it closing and staying in place.

So - my question is...is there such a thing as a two way latch, or a ball socket type latch (the ones you have on wardrobes etc) that will be strong enough to keep the door in place but not need mr muscle to pull it open!

 

[diy_fun_uk]

Eh?

Surely when you close the front door it's fully closed, thus enabling the smart lock to engage?

 

[Nedley]

it takes 10 seconds to engage so when asking a postie to pop a letter in the porch and close the door behind them... i can't then ask them to stand there for 10 seconds until it locks

 

[JohnD]

How does the postman get in through a locked door?

 

[Nedley]

The smart lock unlocks remotely so i can unlock it for them if i am out

 

[JohnD]

You will probably need an overhead closer. You can adjust closing speed and final latch.

Or perhaps you could fit a latch and knob.

 

[diy_fun_uk]

I'm slightly confused, doesn't take much!

So the door that's having the smart lock fitted is the exterior front door, behind which there's a porch? And you want to ensure after you've let someone in that the door closes properly in case the person leaves it ajar after they leave? Is that it?

If yes then as JohnD says, the only way to ensure the door closes of its own accord if left ajar is to fit some form of closing mechanism e.g. overhead closer.