What is the bolt of a lock? Door bolts explained simply!

The term deadbolt or door bolt (Riegel / Türriegel) refers to the part of a lock that keeps the door in a locked state once it has been locked. The primary function of the door bolt is to grant access to a room only to those individuals who possess the corresponding access authorization.

In principle, there are many different types and variants of door bolts. For standard apartment doors in Germany, the bolt is operated via a locking cylinder and a door lock. However, there are also other variants, such as “hooked”, “swiveled”, or “extended”.

In the case of standard locks with a profile cylinder, laypersons often confuse the deadbolt with the door latch (Schlossfalle).

Function of the Bolt of a Door or a Lock

The door bolt can be a screw-on hook, a slideable bolt, or a loose bar. Broadly speaking, the door bolt is a movable element that, when activated, holds the fundamentally movable door in a locked state.

The engaged bolt connects the door either to the wall next to the door, the floor, or, in the case of double doors, to the respective other door leaf. With the latter variant, two bolts are required: one for each door leaf, so that the door can be locked.

The most important property of a door bolt is that it can be operated quickly and without a major expenditure of time. Or to put it another way: it should be possible to lock the open door quickly and unlock the locked door quickly. For this reason, the lock with a locking cylinder (or profile cylinder) has become widely accepted in Germany, because locking and unlocking a door with such a lock is very quick and easy.

Simple types of door bolts are attached to only one side and can then only be operated from that side. If a door bolt needs to be operable from both sides, a lock is generally required.

Can Bolts / Door Bolts Break?

Particularly in the case of locks with multi-point locking systems, bolts can sometimes break or fail. In such a scenario, it is recommended to contact an expert locksmith service that will take care of the problem using the best specialized tools.

Should you live in Munich and are currently unable to open your door because your multi-point locking system is defective, you can reach us around the clock. Locksmith Munich – Mario Pichelmaier is a true emergency locksmith service that professionally opens doors at any time of the day or night, on every single day of the year.

Our employees are all excellently trained and well-versed in a wide variety of locks, locking cylinders, and door bolts. We carry out even highly complicated tasks professionally and conscientiously. And gladly so at a binding and guaranteed fixed price.

We will gladly quote you the concrete total price for the work to be performed over the phone. This total price will then be strictly adhered to without any ifs or buts. Horrendous additional costs and any kind of fantasy fees are not to be feared with our Locksmith Munich. We place the highest value on clean craftsmanship and maximum customer satisfaction!