Parts, boxes, rails and mounting · Rolling Shutter Guide
How do rolling shutters lock? Key, thumb-turn and slide locks
A manual rolling shutter locks at its bottom bar, which locks into cut-outs in the guide rails. The usual types are a slide lock worked by a knob, a key lock, and a thumb-turn lock turned by hand from one side. Motorized shutters normally have no bottom-bar lock: the motor holds the curtain down.
Key facts
- Roll-A-Shield offers bottom-bar locks on manual (strap, crank and spring) shutters only, not on motorized shutters. Roll-A-Shield data
- By slat: 38 mm insulated takes a slide lock, 63 mm single-wall takes a key or thumb-turn lock, and the 55 mm insulated shutter has no lock option. Roll-A-Shield data
- A spring shutter cannot be ordered without a lock whenever a lock is available for its slat. Roll-A-Shield data
- Each lock ships with two keys, and a key can only be copied from an original. Roll-A-Shield data
- The lock goes on the box side or the back side of the curtain, chosen when the shutter is ordered. Roll-A-Shield data
Applies to: Manual rolling shutters (pull strap, crank, crank wand and spring) of any make with a lock in the bottom bar; Roll-A-Shield 38 mm insulated and 63 mm single-wall manual and spring shutters. Motorized shutters are covered only where noted.
"How does it lock?" is one of the first questions people ask about a rolling shutter. The short answer depends on how the shutter is operated: manual shutters lock at the bottom bar, and motorized ones are held closed by the motor. This page covers the lock types, which shutters take which, and what to do about keys.
Where does a rolling shutter lock?
At the bottom. The lock is built into the bottom bar (base slat) of the curtain and locks into cut-outs in the guide rails; on Roll-A-Shield shutters those cut-outs are machined into the rails in the Tempe shop, and the shop checks them before a locking shutter ships.
The lock sits on one face of the curtain, the box side or the back side, and you choose which when the shutter is ordered. Think about which side you will be standing on when you lock it.
What kinds of lock are there?
Three types.
| Lock | How you work it | Key? |
|---|---|---|
| Slide lock | A knob on the bottom bar that you slide to lock and unlock | No |
| Key lock | A keyed cylinder in the bottom bar | Yes |
| Thumb-turn lock | The same lock as the key lock, with a thumb-turn in place of the key; worked by hand from one side | No |
The key and thumb-turn locks are built the same way and differ only in the cylinder: one takes a key, the other has a thumb-turn.
Which lock goes on which Roll-A-Shield shutter?
The slat decides it.
| Shutter | Lock options |
|---|---|
| 38 mm insulated, manual or spring | Slide lock |
| 55 mm insulated | No lock option |
| 63 mm single-wall or perforated, manual or spring | Key lock or thumb-turn lock (not with a black or metallic bottom bar) |
| Any motorized shutter | None |
A spring shutter cannot be ordered without a lock whenever one is available for its slat. The 55 mm insulated shutter is built only as a motorized shutter, which is why it has no lock option.
Do motorized shutters lock?
Not with a bottom-bar lock. Roll-A-Shield does not offer these locks on motorized shutters, and the measure sheet marks key and slide locks as unavailable on them. A closed motorized shutter is held down by its motor instead.
If what you want is to open a motorized shutter from outside with a key, that is a control, not a lock: see Key switch, wall switch and keypad options. For how manual and motorized shutters compare on security, see How rolling shutters resist break-ins.
Why won't my lock engage?
One cause is that the bottom bar is not all the way down. On a spring shutter the curtain must stay down at the bottom when closed for the lock to engage; if it creeps up, the spring is set too tight. See Spring shutter is too heavy, flies up, or won't stay down.
Do not fit a U-channel under a spring shutter that has a lock: it tends to stop the lock engaging, which is why Roll-A-Shield's spring shutters get an L-angle at the sill instead. If the key itself binds in the lock, do not force it; call (480) 921-0200. Roll-A-Shield tests every key for smooth action before a keyed shutter ships.
Can I copy a key, or replace a lock?
Each lock ships with two keys. Roll-A-Shield does not keep copies, so have spares cut at a hardware store or locksmith from one of your originals; a key can only be copied from an original.
If every key is lost, the standard bottom-bar lock cannot be rekeyed, so Roll-A-Shield supplies a new lock plate for the bottom bar. Locks already in the field come in more than one version: on some the keys can be copied, on others the cylinder has to be changed, so call (480) 921-0200 with your order details before ordering extra keys. The full procedure is in Lost keys and rekeying a shutter lock.
Frequently asked questions
Can I lock a manual shutter from outside?
On a Roll-A-Shield 63 mm single-wall manual or spring shutter, yes: it can take a key lock in the bottom bar (not with a black or metallic bottom bar). The 38 mm insulated shutter takes a slide lock instead. Whether the lock sits on the box side or the back side of the curtain is chosen when the shutter is ordered.
Can I get spare keys from Roll-A-Shield?
Roll-A-Shield does not keep copies of customers' keys or stock spare keys. Each lock ships with two keys; have copies cut at a hardware store or locksmith from one of the originals.
Can I add a lock to my motorized shutter?
Roll-A-Shield does not offer bottom-bar locks on motorized shutters. A closed motorized shutter is held down by its motor.
Why won't my spring shutter lock?
A spring shutter has to stay down at the bottom when closed for its lock to engage. If it will not stay down, the spring is set too tight; see the spring-shutter troubleshooting guide or call.
Parts and next step
Need a part or a hand?
Choosing a lock for a new shutter, or need a key or lock replaced on an existing one? Tell us the slat type and operator, or send a photo of the bottom bar. Call (480) 921-0200; the factory answers technical questions for any rolling shutter, not only ours.