Types of Laminate Locks

The joints between the laminate panels are both the most vulnerable and the strongest part of it, so when choosing, care must be taken to select the most high-quality and effective locking system that ensures evenness of the coating and durability in its operation for many years. In addition, a competent choice of lock guarantees your floor protection from squeaking and suture discrepancies. The joints between the laminate panels are both the most vulnerable and the strongest part of it, so when choosing, care must be taken to select the most high-quality and effective locking system that ensures evenness of the coating and durability in its operation for many years.

In addition, a competent choice of lock guarantees your floor protection from squeaking and suture discrepancies. Currently, there are many varieties of fasteners, so the question inevitably arises for the consumer - which ones are better and which will suit his needs more? Such requests sometimes include not only durability, strength and evenness, but also the possibility of further dismantling.

What are laminate locks

Prior to their appearance, floor coverings were bonded together exclusively with adhesive compounds, which was long, inconvenient and fraught with deterioration of the quality of the coating over time. The invention of glueless lock technology in the 90s made a real sensation in repair work, as it greatly facilitated and accelerated the installation of panels, and also made it possible to quickly and easily carry out dismantling activities.

What are laminate locks and how do they work? Along the edges of the panels are special latches, or latches, the shape and material of which differ depending on their type. What is common to them is that the fastening takes place by a mechanical, so-called floating method, without the need for any other devices.

Types of Laminate Locks

In fact, despite the variety of varieties of castle laminate systems on the market, according to the principle of operation, they are divided into only two main groups - Lock and Click, each of which subsequently branches out into a variety of types.

Lock is a simpler and already aging type of lock, in which the tenon and the groove under it are complex figures that complement each other. Installation is carried out by horizontal pressing one panel into another until it clicks, ensuring their tight adhesion to each other, while dismantling without destruction will require considerable effort. The extreme canvas, as a rule, is additionally lined with a wooden hammer for greater reliability. In order to prevent abrasion and discrepancies of the panels, their locks are treated with sealant or adhesive. Currently, this species occupies only about 15 percent of the market.

Click - is a more advanced and popular version of the previous version. In addition to the fastening protrusions, the spike is also complemented by an additional hook, the shape of which follows the groove. Unlike the Lock system, installation is carried out at an angle, then the panel is lowered to a horizontal position until it clicks. It is possible to dismantle such a laminate without damage up to four times.

Types of locks - which is better

All other types of locks in one or another ratio combine both technologies, or take one of them as a basis and add any additional elements to it. Here are some examples.

• T-Lock is just an example of combining both options, moreover, the Click system is used during installation. Its main positive quality is maximum strength.

• 5G is an offshoot from the Lock system with an addition in the form of a plastic or metal “tongue” for a higher connection density. Easy to dismantle.
• Megalock - has an end insert, due to which installation is carried out in the shortest possible time. In addition, it is endowed with improved moisture resistance.
• ClickXpress - differs from the classic Click system with a rounded bottom spike, which repeats the groove.
• Uniclick - unique in that it can be connected both horizontally and at an angle.
  aluminum lock - the most reliable version, thanks to which the joints are almost invisible to the eye, and dismantling can be performed up to 5 times.
  Which one is better? Each consumer will give an answer to this question for himself, evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

As mentioned earlier, the Lock gradually leaves the market, since it is more susceptible to wear of the combs with the risk of further gaps, as well as a greater dependence on the evenness of the surface than Click. However, this is a more budget option, so when you buy it, you will save a lot.

The Click system is simpler and more reliable, however, and it affects the cost. Therefore, it is up to you to decide whether to invest in quality or save on it.