Page 13 - Blog

Unlocking the World: Exploring the Power of Multiple Locks

Locks have been an essential part of human civilization for centuries, providing security and peace of mind. 
While locks are typically associated with a single key opening a single lock, there is a solution where multiple locks can be passed together, allowing multiple locks to work on the same key.

At SDS London, we take pride in our ability to provide this unique service in-house, also allowing us to cut additional keys as requested.

In this blog, we will delve into the concept of passing locks and explore the benefits and possibilities it brings. We will also discuss master keying systems.

 
 
Understanding the Concept of Passing Locks

The concept of passing locks, also known as keyed alike, is based on the idea that multiple locks can be opened by the same key. This allows for more convenient access control, as one key can potentially unlock various doors or compartments.

By aligning the internal workings of different locks,

Our website explained

Below is a guide on how to use our website, and using it to it's full potential:

Which website to use

One of the key determinants of your browsing experience at SDS is what website you are using. We have two different types of websites.

Main website

Members of the public will automatically browse on our retail website. Each purchase will be made with a guest account, which is automatically set up once you proceed to the checkout. This website is full of information and banners which display.

Trade website

If you are part of the trade, you can apply for a trade account which offers you access to our trade website and a trade discount on selected items. It is important to log in to your trade account online in order to receive your discount. This is done by pressing the icon on the top right. The trade website displays the trade prices, and also offers an alternative phone to reach our customer service office in Wimbledon.

How to find items: 

Finding the items

Why are locks handed?

The term 'handing' related to the direction in which the door travels when it is in use. We need to know about handing in order to ensure the products they supply will be suitable for the doors to which those products will be fitted. Some items of door hardware will only work on doors of a particular 'hand'. Therefore, it is important to ensure the correct handing is supplied.

In particular, we are going to be exploring lock handing. When it comes to handing, some locks are handed. We may ask “Please confirm whether you need this lock to be right or left-handed.” Sometimes it seems ironmongery is made unnecessarily difficult – but we promise this isn’t done on purpose! Some locks are handed because it’s critical to their function, and it is important to ensure the door closes and locks correctly. 

For example, the below lock is a mortice night latch, typically used for apartment doors. The handles are connected by a split spindle, where the inside handle

When it comes to mail delivery, we often use the terms "letter plate" and "letterbox" interchangeably, assuming they refer to the same thing. However, these two terms actually describe distinct components of the mail delivery system. In this blog post, we will delve into the key differences between a letter plate and a letterbox, shedding light on their unique functions and characteristics.
 
 
Letter plates

Letter plates are the plate that sit on the external part of the door to cover an aperture. They are available in polished brass, stainless brass, polished chrome, satin chrome and many other finishes. Letter plates work in conjunction with Inner tidies/flaps.

What are Letter Plates?

Letter plates are an essential piece of door furniture as they allow mail and letters to be safely posted through your front door. They are an item that no front door should be without! The letter plate or letterbox should match the style of the other pieces of front door furniture on display.

Unfortunately,

SDS London at Clerkenwell Design Week 2022: A Recap

From the 24th to the 26th of May, SDS London had the pleasure of exhibiting at the much-anticipated Clerkenwell Design Week. Set in the vibrant Elements section within St John's Square, EC1M, we were thrilled to showcase our top-of-the-line products to an enthusiastic crowd. Across the three-day event, we witnessed great interest in several of our display ranges, drawing in designers, architects, and ironmongery enthusiasts alike.

Clerkenwell Design Week offered an unforgettable experience, hosting over 400 events, 150 resident showrooms, and 10 exhibition venues—making it a true celebration of creativity and craftsmanship. For our sales team, this was a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with the design community and engage directly with customers. After three years away from exhibitions, the excitement of being back was palpable, and we were proud to represent SDS London at such a prestigious event.

For those who joined us at the show,

Bringing the world back together

It is now possible to meet in person again for GAI Community Hub Meetings, and Sam Thatcher explains why the face-to-face format works so well
Following two years of pandemic and lockdowns, the world is now slowly opening again, and we all are beginning to revert to the office and face-to-face meetings once again. GAI Community Hubs held across 11 regions between four and eight times during the year will now be able to facilitate networking in-person. Events like these provide opportunities for networking and socializing - a chance to meet colleagues and talk to others in the industry.

As Sam Thatcher, Sales Manager at SDS and Chair of the Community Hub's points out, "CPDs are still online for those who can't make hub meetings - but when you are in a room for a live presentation there is more discussion, more talk around the topic and more Q&A's so you gain more knowledge. it’s also great for the presenter who can engage with the audience - something which