Lock bolts at the center of every lockset
Every lock depends on one working edge, the bolt.
This piece of metal travels between door and frame and decides whether a push, kick, or pry turns into entry or just a rattle at the handle.
For small businesses, understanding lock bolt types makes hardware choices less mysterious.
Instead of buying by appearance, you match the shape and behavior of the bolt to the level of security each door needs.
Latch bolts, deadbolts, and how they behave
Most everyday locks use some combination of two basic bolt forms, the latch bolt and the deadbolt.
They look similar at a glance, yet they behave very differently under both daily use and attack.
Spring latch bolts
A latch bolt, often called a spring latch or beveled latch, uses a spring to hold the bolt against the strike.
When someone pulls the handle or turns the knob, the latch retracts, then springs back out as the door closes.
Typical traits
- Sloped or beveled tongue that rides over the strike
- Convenience for frequent entry and exit
- Moderate resistance to force when paired with a good strike plate
On many interior doors and some light duty exterior doors, the latch bolt handles daily traffic while a separate deadbolt provides after hours security.
Solid deadbolts
A deadbolt uses a solid rectangular bolt that moves only when you turn a key or thumbturn.
There is no spring that automatically retracts the bolt.
Key advantages
- Deeper engagement into the frame
- No latch action that can be slipped with simple tools on weak designs
- Better performance against kicking and prying when combined with a reinforced strike and strong frame
Deadbolts appear on many front doors and critical interior doors because they lock the leaf to the frame in a more positive way than a latch alone.
Combination designs
Mortise locks and some cylindrical locks combine latch and bolt functions in one case.
During the day, the latch handles normal use, and when you turn the key fully, a deadbolt portion extends or a latch and auxiliary bolt work together to create a more secure condition.
These combination designs give designers flexibility, yet they still rely on the basic behavior of latch bolt versus deadbolt.
Other bolt forms in door hardware
Beyond the common latch and deadbolt, several other bolt styles support specific roles in a door system.
- Auxiliary latch bolts sit beside the main latch to prevent simple credit card style shimming on many locksets
- Top and bottom bolts secure inactive leaves on double doors so the active leaf can latch properly
- Surface bolts and flush bolts hold less used doors, cabinets, or gates closed as secondary security
Each type adds a point of contact between door and frame or floor, and each one changes how force flows through the opening.
Details that change bolt performance
Two bolts can share the same basic shape yet behave very differently in the field.
Small design choices have a large impact on real security.
Bolt throw and engagement depth
Throw means how far the bolt travels from fully retracted to fully extended.
Greater throw usually means deeper engagement into the strike, which helps the door resist spreading and prying.
For deadbolts, many commercial standards expect about a one inch throw or more.
Shallow throw reduces the mechanical advantage and gives attackers less metal to overcome.
Material and anti tamper features
Bolts made from hardened steel or reinforced alloys resist cutting and sawing better than soft metals.
Some deadbolts include anti saw pins or inserts that spin when a saw blade contacts them, which slows down simple cutting attacks.
Chamfers and shapes on latch bolts also influence how easily a door can be slipped if the design or installation leaves gaps.
Auxiliary latches and proper strikes help reduce that risk.
Alignment with the strike
Even the best bolt struggles when the door sags or the strike sits out of position.
Partial engagement, rubbing, or binding can all show that hardware or framing needs adjustment.
Good practice checks that
- The bolt enters the strike straight and fully
- The door contacts weatherstripping without extreme force
- The lock operates smoothly without lifting or pushing on the leaf
When alignment stays correct, the bolt can use its full design strength.
Choosing bolt types for real world doors
Every opening tells its own story.
You get better results when you start from that story rather than from a catalog page.
For main entrances and key perimeter doors
- Use a solid deadbolt or heavy duty mortise lock with a strong bolt
- Pair it with an extended security strike and long screws
- Consider multi point locking on tall or high exposure doors
For busy interior doors that still matter for security
- Choose robust latch bolts with auxiliary latches that resist simple shimming
- Keep door closers in good condition so latches engage fully every time
For storerooms, mechanical rooms, and back of house doors
- Combine a quality latch with a deadbolt where code allows
- Reinforce frames and strikes, since many informal entries happen at these doors
Smart locks and electronic cylinders still depend on these fundamentals.
The credential decides who may turn the lock, yet the bolt still decides how much force that permission can withstand.
EOS SECURE and the lock bolt foundation
EOS SECURE focuses on the cylinders and lock components that drive these bolts at the door edge.
When a precise cylinder rotates cleanly, the latch or deadbolt can extend and retract fully with less wear and fewer service calls.
In projects that move toward keyless or smart access, EOS SECURE mechanical strength stays in place behind readers and electronics.
That combination of solid bolts, strong strikes, and reliable cylinders gives small businesses a practical path from traditional locking toward more advanced systems without losing the basics that keep doors secure.
FAQ
What is a lock bolt used for
A lock bolt holds a door or panel in the closed position by extending into a strike, frame, or keeper. It creates the physical connection that resists pulling, pushing, or prying, and it works together with the cylinder or latch mechanism that controls when the bolt moves.
What is a bolt lock on a door
A bolt lock on a door usually means a deadbolt or surface bolt that uses a solid piece of metal sliding into the frame. Unlike a spring latch, the bolt moves only when you turn a key, thumbturn, or lever, which gives the door stronger resistance to forced entry when properly installed.
What is the difference between a bolt and a lockbolt
In door hardware, a bolt is the moving part of a lock that engages with the frame. A lockbolt in many industrial contexts describes a type of high strength fastener that joins structural parts together with a special tool. The first secures a door, the second holds building components or machinery.
What is the purpose of a deadbolt
A deadbolt adds a solid locking point that does not rely on a spring. Its purpose is to provide deeper engagement into the frame and better resistance to kicking and prying than a simple latch. When paired with a reinforced strike and good frame, it upgrades the overall security of the door.
How do you remove a locking bolt
Removal methods depend on the lock design. On many doors, you open the door, remove the lock trim and faceplate screws, then slide the bolt assembly out from the edge. For complex or fire rated hardware, it is safer to follow the manufacturer instructions or work with a qualified locksmith.
What is a lockbolt tool
A lockbolt tool is a specialized device used to install structural lockbolt fasteners, not to operate door locks. It pulls and swages the collar of the fastener so it clamps parts together permanently. This kind of tool appears in construction and manufacturing more often than in everyday door service.
About EOS SECURE
EOS SECURE delivers precision engineered mechanical and electronic lock cylinders backed by more than a decade of manufacturing expertise. Established in 2011, our factory operates under ISO9001 and ISO14001 certifications, and our products meet rigorous international standards including EN1303 and SKG. With more than 50 advanced Swiss type CNC automatic lathes and integrated machining centers, we manufacture high quality cylinders and locking components that drive latch bolts and deadbolts reliably in commercial door sets worldwide. Whether you need cylinders for heavy duty deadbolt locks, smart access upgrades, or large scale production, EOS SECURE provides dependable performance, consistent quality, and technical support you can trust. Secure your business with solutions built for long term stability, contact us today.