For those who are currently renovating, have you heard salespeople mention buffer soundproof door locks when selecting door locks?
Buffer silent door locks originated in Japan. These locks feature a metal core for the latch and handle, covered with a layer of plastic, providing a smooth feel when opening and closing while achieving a silent effect. Those who appreciate peace and quiet may also want to install suitable silent door locks on their doors, whether they are room doors or furniture doors. However, with so many options available on the market, which type is most suitable for your needs?
Currently, there are three types of door locks with this functionality available on the market: roller-type slanted tongue buffer silent door locks, nylon slanted tongue buffer silent door locks, and magnetic-type buffer silent door locks (i.e., Silent magnetic doorlock).
In roller-type latch door locks, one or two small roller-shaped bearings are added to the latch. By utilising the rotational properties of the rollers, the collision noise between the latch and the metal frame of the latch box on the door frame is reduced, thereby achieving a silent effect. However, this roller-type latch not only has high requirements for the quality of the steel used in the rollers but also has stringent standards for the quality and manufacturing process of the threaded shafts that secure the rollers on the latch. Despite this, since the rollers are also made of metal, the reduction in collision noise is still not ideal. In furniture door locks that pursue ultimate silence, this type of application is relatively rare.
Nylon slanting tongue cushioning silent door locks feature a spherical design, with the slanting tongue embedded in high-strength nylon material or ABS (chemical plastic), significantly reducing the collision surface between metal and the latch plate. This effectively lowers noise and collision sounds caused by the extension and retraction of the lock tongue during door opening and closing, making it an upgraded version of the roller-type slanting tongue silent door lock. It is more widely recognised by the public and has extensive applications in various scenarios of furniture door locks.
Magnetic cushioning silent door locks (Silent magnetic doorlock) not only use nylon material on the outer surface of the square lock tongue but also utilise magnetic principles to automatically retract the lock tongue, addressing the issue of loud noise caused by physical collisions in mechanical locks and minimising the sound of unlocking. This door lock avoids both the collision and friction between the lock tongue and the door frame or lock plate, as well as the awkward situation of the lock tongue catching on clothing when moving alongside the door panel. It is currently the most ideal cushioning silent door lock. Nowadays, some Smart Locs have also incorporated this magnetic silent technology, enhancing the silent experience while offering smart convenience.
There are many styles of door locks available, and consumers can choose locks that match the style of their wooden doors when purchasing. While practicality is the primary consideration, the higher the quality of the door lock, the better. While the silent function of door locks is an important aspect, it is equally important to pay attention to the selection of door hinges. It is advisable to choose hinges made of high-quality steel, with strong load-bearing capacity, smooth opening and closing, and durable axles. These hinges ensure that wooden doors do not easily come loose and open and close smoothly. When paired with cushioning silent door locks, they can effectively enhance the overall silent effect. Whether it is a conventional door lock or a Smart Loc, this combination can make the home environment quieter and more comfortable.