How is this not illegal?

somerandomusername

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81929465#Comment_81929465

OK I don't know how I can possibly explain this any simpler but I'll try.

I have this door handle both on the outside and the inside, an exact mirror image

Key goes in, turns and the door locks. Key goes in, turns and the door unlocks.

The door handle physically opens the door, the key hole locks the door. There is no latch, lever, toggle, catch, thumb turn, knob or any other kind of mechanism involved.

Section62

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81929584#Comment_81929584

The door handle physically opens the door, the key hole locks the door. There is no latch, lever, toggle, catch, thumb turn, knob or any other kind of mechanism involved.

We'd need a picture of the face of the lock to confirm, but it is almost certain you do have latch, albeit only operated by the handle (from apperances). The latch would stop the door swinging open by itself if the door isn't locked.

The key operates a bolt. The door isn't locked if the bolt isn't engaged.

WIAWSNB

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81929584#Comment_81929584

Ha-ha! Thanks.

That's all fine.

somerandomusername

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81929610#Comment_81929610

You mean the piece of metal that retracts in when you pull down the handle? Doesn't literally every door in existence have that? I didn't know it was called a latch.

I always thought these were latches, something separate from the actual lock.

MyRealNameToo

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81929664#Comment_81929664

Thats a latch lock, they are simply talking about the latch which is very similar but is operated by the handle in traditional doors but in some modern doors its key operated from the outside as there isnt a functional handle.

Section62

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81929664#Comment_81929664

You mean the piece of metal that retracts in when you pull down the handle?

Yes, the brass part with a curved face on one side is a latch. They can be operated by a handle or knob, but in some cases also by key. This was probably the root of the confusion because generally you wouldn't expect a front door latch to operate only by handle (like yours). Normally the latch of a front door has to be operated by a key, or the handle which operates it would be disabled when the associated key operated lock is in the locked position.

Your arrangement isn't really what would be expected as the 'lock' on the main door of a dwelling. And if this door is the only means of egress then on the inside it should have a thumbturn.

Doesn't literally every door in existence have that?

No, but it is quite unusual not to have one on a front door in the UK.

I always thought these were latches, something separate from the actual lock.

The picture is of a nightlatch, which is a particular type of latch-type lock assembly. They are usually operated by key on the outside, and may or may not have a key on the inside. They aren't very secure, which is why most people would have a bolt-type lock on the door as well.

WIAWSNB

My work here is done. Everyone knows everything there is to know about locks and shhhtuff.