Deadbolt locks

	Zhongshan Shenghua produces model 3693SS-ET, a fully reversible tubular lock set with a service life of 100,000 cycles.

Focusing on the repair sector allows makers to secure presence in North America, one of the line’s major destinations.

China suppliers of mechanical door locks are cultivating the repair and replacement market to prop up business from residential-use models, particularly in North America.

Companies are tapping growth opportunities in this segment to balance out losses from the shrinking new-build market. Despite the economic crisis, demand for locks adopted in home maintenance and renovation remains steady, thanks largely to the continued interest in structural security upgrades.

For most suppliers, the strategy is critical to securing their presence in North America, the biggest importer of China-made mechanical locks.

Consumption in the region’s real estate and construction industry has been declining since the onset of the subprime mortgage meltdown in 2007, threatening to hamper exports. Companies are cushioning the impact of this situation primarily by expanding their reach into replacement hardware.

Customs statistics show that North America absorbed 35 percent of China’s exports between January and November 2008. Approximately 20 percent went to the Asia-Pacifi c region, while 16 percent was EU-bound.

Accounting for roughly 60 percent of shipments, home-use models dominate the line.

Suppliers are opting to focus on this category as prospects in the commercial segment have been dampened by the popularity of electronic locks in hotels and offices.

To differentiate their selections, companies are enhancing product appearance, usually through modifications in the handle shape.

Installed in exterior doors, entry locks are equipped with a deadbolt mechanism for maximum security.

Models adopted in bedrooms have a key-operated privacy function. For corrosion resistance, bathroom-use versions are made of brass, and stainless or nickel-plated steel. Passage locks for dining, living and storage rooms are designed to open easily. Some are fi tted with round latches.

Across all categories, the majority of shipments are midrange models. Generally, 60 percent of China’s exports target this segment. The rest is divided equally between low- and high-end designs.

Upscale products meet ANSI, EN 12209, and BS 1634 and 3621 standards. To ensure compliance, makers conduct fatigue, salt-spray, anti-drilling and side-loading tests.

	Model 8030 SNI-ET from Zhongshan Eudemon is a door lock that supports Kwikset, Schlage, Weiser, Yale and C4 keying.

Most mechanical locks from China are suitable for 35 to 45mm-thick wood, plastic or metal doors. Versions for 10 to 12mm glass doors are also available.

Designs are usually reversible, permitting both left- and right-handed entry. Service life ranges from less than 100,000 to 200,000 cycles. For commercial-use models, the backset exceeds 60mm.

Based on construction, deadbolt, lever and knob locks are the key categories in China, with many suppliers capable of offering all three.

Instead of a handle, deadbolt locks are designed with a front key slot. Most have a five or six-pin cylinder and a square corner latch with a 57x25mm face. The trim is typically 65mm in diameter. The edge and cross bore measure 25 and 38mm, respectively.

The deadbolt is fitted with a casehardened steel roller pin, making it resistant to sawing.

Lever locks are characterized by a flat metal tumbler. Designs can be keyed alike with deadbolts or reconfigured for master keying. Standard models come with a 57mm curved lip strike.

Knob locks control spring bolts via a rounded handle. Products commonly have a 57mm full lip strike, five-pin cylinder, and 25 and 54mm edge and cross bores. Optional features include master and construction keying.

Regardless of the lock type, zinc alloy, iron, brass and steel are the top material choices in the line.

Designs at the lower end of the price spectrum are made of zinc alloy or iron. Preferred for its malleability, the former is easy to die-cast into complex shapes.

High-end models come in brass or stainless steel, both of which are durable and corrosion-resistant.

Although steeper in cost, the latter is popular among suppliers because it can protect better against boring, prying and sawing.

Stainless steel, in fact, is favored in the production of locks for glass doors. It is employed for both the body and the mounting clip.

Surface treatment materials also vary across market segments. Low-end designs are usually electroplated in nickel, while chrome is used for midrange models. In the high end, options include gold, silver and brass.

Accounting for 70 percent of per-unit cost, materials greatly influence pricing. At present, companies are striving to keep quotes stable amid the metal cost fluctuation.

Copper, the main component of brass, increased to $4,330 per ton in January then slid to $3,940 the following month.

After rising to $1,850 at the start of the year, zinc dropped to $1,660 per ton.

China has been manufacturing mechanical door locks for more than 40 years.

Currently, the industry has up to 2,000 suppliers, 90 percent of which are locally owned. The rest are mostly Taiwan- or Hong Kong-invested.

Approximately 800 companies engage in export trade, often with OEM and ODM clients.

Based on customs fi gures, the country shipped 170 million kilograms of mechanical door locks or $812 million worth between January and November 2008.

Almost 40 percent of exports came from Guangdong province, where midrange and high-end models lead the selection.

Within this hub, production is concentrated in Zhongshan. The city is home to more than 500 suppliers, a number of which operate on a large scale, generating at least $10 million in sales annually.

Zhongshan’s strength lies in its potent support system. The well-developed hardware industry in the city provides companies with easy access to lock parts and components.