Why do houses have one Yale lock and one Lever Latch?

Question

It is just one of those stupid questions that pops into your head and you can't shift it. It just occurred to me that there appears to be no logical explanation as to why two different locks are used in the same house. Both have pluses and minuses from what I can see. A Yale is easier to open if you loose your keys as you can break a window and manually open it but then it make it easier for a burglar. A lever latch is harder to open without a key so gaining access via the door without a key is more difficult. Any one know what the reason behind this situation was/is? Thanks

Answer 1

A couple of reasons I can think of:

Thieving scum who want to break in to steal other people's stuff.  Two locks, one of which is tougher, make that more difficult.

Insurance companies, whom we turn to for recompense after some thieving scum stole our precious gear, refuse to pay out unless we fitted both locks and actually used them.

It's an unwelcome expense and a pain in the backside every time I come-in or go-out but low-lifes who think it is OK to steal other people's things make this kind of security arrangement necessary.

Answer 2

the back door, traditionally, with the mortice lock, higher security as the rear is less visible and so a burglar is less likely to be seen busting the door. tends to be left open but locked at night/whilst out

front more visible, more likely to be seen, lesser security, also more going in and out but locking front door in between

for years though general requirement to have a 5 lever mortice or equivalent on front door as well for times when no one is in/nighttime

Answer 3

Safety

Answer 4

With a Yale you dont need a key to lock it, its always locked if you get my drift, not all doors that have yales have windows silly!

When yale locks became popular, people simply screwed them on to the Pre-Existing doors that had the lever latch locks. Two is better than one no?

Makes perfect sense.

Answer 5

1 was always called the latch or Yale, hence terms like latch key kids etc... the other the dead lock for when you were out or away on holiday, mind in the days of the latch (yale) it had a snib to lock it open and all and sundry could come in, well in those days that was acceptable the lock type just made life convenient with this kids in and out all day (pre computer)

Answer 6

? 'belt and braces' job? Emergency exit (Yale) - but that only works if the fire isn't between you and the door with a yale lock. Maybe it originates from design or status symbols....mmmm I really haven't got a clue, but thanks for training my brain!!