Own an ABS Avocet thumb turn lock?

B0bbyEwing

What's the push in/spring part of the thumb turn all about?

Other thumb turns I've used didn't have this at all, it was just a simple turn. The ABS thumb turn I bought has the thumb portion of the lock as a spring where you can push it in (doesn't stay pushed in).

If it was a case of you had to push it in to lock/unlock then the reason behind it would be obvious, but that's not the case. It'll lock/unlock when you push the thumb turn in but also when you don't.

So at this point it's a bit of what's the point, hence me asking.

bjorn_toby_wilde

Maybe it’s a security feature? Thumb turns are theoretically vulnerable if the door has a letterbox. Criminals can use a device inserted through the letterbox to turn them from the outside. I guess if it had to be pressed in as well as turned then that would make it more difficult for them.

silvercar

Maybe to make it childproof, or at least harder for a child to lock themselves in.

grumpy_codger

A usual (not thumb) lock cannot be opened from outside if a key is inserted and turned inside.

Possibly, this 'push' feature does the same.

IOWJJBTM2025

Understand that the spring allows it to go to a home position. If the thumb turn is just a fraction off home position, someone could not unlock the door from the other side with a key.

Imagine shutting the door and the thumb turn moves slightly - this would result in being locked out?

B0bbyEwing

I think either I'm not being understood or I'm the one not understanding.

Because reading the replies it's as though you think there's a difference between push in & just simple turn without pushing in.

But I said in the OP that there's not. It's the exact same. It locks/unlocks when you push the thumb turn in and it locks/unlocks when you don't push the thumb turn in. Making it sort of what's the point in that feature then.

I've emailed the manufacturer to ask the question but they're taking their time so wondered if anyone here had been where I'm at before me.

bjorn_toby_wilde

You’re right, I certainly misunderstood you.

I found this quote on a supplier website. Would this explain it ?

“The security features of the ABS thumbturn mean that unlike most locks with a floating cam it cannot be bypassed with a wire or easily opened after a snapping attack. To operate - push to engage the thumbturn, and  turn 360 degrees. The thumbturn must pop back out to the "Click Secure" position before closing the door. 

The ABS Snap Secure Lock is the only lock available with our patented snap secure technology which will effectively lock the central cam in place. The ABS snap secure technology totally blocks access to the door bolt mechanism inside the lock case to effectively combat a snap attack.”

Lorian

If it's the (relatively) newer Avocet quantum thumbturn the spring action on the inside doesn't do anything.

B0bbyEwing

Response…

"To answer your question, when this cylinder was first designed, it featured a clutch mechanism. However, the manufacturer later removed this feature as it was causing lockout issues. The spring remains part of the assembly but no longer serves a functional purpose, which is why the thumb turn pushes in without affecting the operation of the lock."