Door bolts come in all shapes and sizes. While our 30 Types of Door Bolt blog delves deep into the various kinds of door bolts, here we’ll provide quick, straightforward answers to some of your commonly asked questions.

Q: Do I need to use bolts on tall doors?

A: It’s not exactly necessary, but we highly recommend installing door bolts at the top and bottom of tall doors unless they already have a multipoint espagnolette lock or cremone bolt. Why? Bolts add extra security by providing additional locking points. They also help prevent warping or bowing since they keep each door leaf firmly secured within the frame. For single and French doors, cranked or straight bolts can enhance sealing—whether it’s to block drafts, weatherproof the area, or ensure privacy. Additionally, bolts can secure the secondary leaf of tall double doors, keeping one main leaf free for easy operation.

Q: What are the parts of a door bolt called?

A: Regardless of the specific type of door bolt, there are typically three main components:

1. The shoot: This is the movable part.
2. The body or backplate: This is the fixed part.
3. The handle: This is the operating part.

Q: How many hinge bolts per door?

A: Security hinge bolts are sold in pairs, and one pair should be installed per door leaf. For instance, if you have a pair of outward-opening doors, you’d need to install two pairs of hinge bolts to ensure proper security.

Q: Can you bolt a fire door?

A: The short answer is yes, you can bolt a fire door—but it depends on the type of bolt and the fire door itself. For final exit or fire exit doors that must allow single-action egress, a panic bolt can be installed. Panic hardware, such as panic bars or push pads, should always be used on emergency exit doors. For doors labeled “Fire Door Keep Locked,” fire-rated bolts like flush bolts can be installed on the edge of the second closing leaf in a pair of doors (with the appropriate intumescent kit). The primary leaf would be labeled as “Fire Door Keep Shut” and non-locking.

For single Fire Door Keep Locked doors, you can use a CE/UKCA marked deadbolt lock, which could be a deadlock, sashlock, lever lock, cylinder lock, or even a specialist Fire Brigade Lock. Always ensure the correct intumescent ironmongery protection is installed.

Q: Can you fit a security bolt on a fire door?

A: If you're referring to a mortice door bolt, the answer is no—you cannot install a rack bolt into a fire door. These types of bolts are neither CE/UKCA marked nor tested for use on fire-rated doors. As mentioned earlier, other types of bolts can be fitted to fire doors that are kept locked, but a mortice security door bolt is not suitable.

Q: Can you use a drop bolt on a fire door?

A: Bolts like a drop garage bolt cannot be installed on a fire-rated door because they are not CE/UKCA marked or tested for use on fire-rated doors. Instead of using a drop door bolt to hold a fire door open, consider products like Dorgard, Dorgard SmartSound, or the UNION DoorSense fire door retainer. Always make sure you use a compliant hardware solution that allows the door to close automatically in case of a fire.

If you’re looking to lock a fire door or keep it closed, there are compliant solutions such as door closers or access control systems. Contact our team today to discuss your project or facility needs.

Q: Can you put a bolt on a UPVC door?

A: Yes, there are several specialized bolts designed specifically for UPVC doors. These include concealed shoot bolts and surface-mounted door bolts. These options offer both functionality and aesthetic appeal while ensuring your UPVC door remains secure.