Metal doors are strong, durable and secure, but only if you pair them with the right locking system. Whether your metal door is on a home, flat, shopfront, warehouse, office, or commercial building, choosing the correct lock is essential for safety, insurance compliance and daily usability.
This guide explains the best door locks for metal doors, what to avoid, and which products from WME (West Midland Electrics) offer the highest performance for UK homes and businesses.
Why Metal Doors Need Special Locks
Metal doors behave differently from timber or uPVC doors, meaning standard lock types may not fit or operate correctly.
Metal door locks need to be:
- Strong enough to resist force
- Compatible with steel or aluminium frames
- Suitable for drilling or mounting on harder materials
- Weatherproof (for external metal doors)
- Resistant to warped frames or vibration
- Suitable for commercial high-traffic use
This is why many installers choose magnetic locks, electric strikes, or heavy-duty smart locks instead of basic mechanical options.
The Best Types of Door Locks for Metal Doors
Below are the lock types most suitable for a metal door, with WME product recommendations.
1. Magnetic Locks (Best for Commercial Metal Doors)
Metal doors and magnetic locks are a perfect combination. A strong electromagnetic lock can secure the door with 300–600kg holding force and integrates easily with access control systems.
Why they’re ideal:
- No mechanical latch required
- Works perfectly on steel and aluminium doors
- High holding force
- Easy to pair with keypads or fobs
- Excellent for shops, offices, apartment blocks, warehouses
Best WME Recommendation
CDVI Magnetic Locks
These provide:
- High-strength hold
- Brackets for metal frames
- Compatibility with access controllers & keypads
- Durable commercial-grade design
2. Electric Strike Locks (For controlled access on metal doors)
Electric strikes replace the traditional strike plate and allow remote unlocking of the metal door, usually from a keypad, card reader or intercom.
Perfect for:
- Metal security doors
- Commercial entrances
- Controlled entry for staff or residents
- Doors requiring “buzz-in” access
CDVI Electric Strike Lock at WME
3. Smart Locks (For Residential Metal Doors)
Many homeowners want a keyless smart lock for their metal front door. The key is choosing a model that supports metal door thickness, internal reinforcement, and drilling patterns suitable for non-timber construction.
Best WME Option:
WME DL2 Smart Lock — Metal Door Compatible
Perfect for metal entrance doors because:
- Fits door thickness 35–65mm
- Full metal alloy body
- Fingerprint + PIN + app + card + physical key
- Weather-resistant
- Auto-lock ensures security on heavy metal doors
Great for homes, flats, garages, side entrances and small commercial units.
4. Mechanical Cylinder Locks (For metal doors with existing cutouts)
If your metal door already has a multipoint system or euro-profile cutout, the best option is upgrading to a stronger high-security cylinder.
Choose anti-snap, anti-drill and anti-bump options.
5. Keypad & Card-Entry Locks (Metal Door Friendly)
Whether you’re protecting an office, apartment block, or retail space, keypad locks offer an easy, keyless entry solution that keeps your property secure and your access simple.
These are excellent for:
- Internal metal office doors
- Staff rooms
- Workshops
- Storage rooms
- Apartment service areas
Best Lock for a Metal Door at Home
For a residential metal door (composite-like or aluminium), the best options are:
1. WME DL2 Smart Lock
Best all-rounder for homes & flats.
2. High-Security Euro Cylinder
If your metal door uses a multipoint locking strip.
3. Digital Keypad Lock
Good for garage metal doors or side doors.
Best Lock for a Commercial Metal Door
Commercial and industrial metal doors require higher strength, audit trails, and controlled access.
Top choices:
1. CDVI Magnetic Lock + Door Closer
Strongest solution, perfect for aluminium shop doors.
2. Electric Strike Lock
Allows staff entry via fob or keypad.
3. Access Control Keypad/Reader
PIN code or card-operated entry for offices, gyms, clinics, schools.
Comparison Table — Best Door Locks for Metal Doors
| Lock Type | Best For | Metal Door Compatibility | WME Products | Security Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magnetic Lock | Commercial entrances | Excellent | CDVI Maglocks | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Electric Strike | Offices, flats | Excellent | Access Control Systems | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Smart Lock | Homes & small businesses | Very good | WME DL2 Smart Lock | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Cylinder Lock | Existing cutouts | Good | Euro Cylinders | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Keypad Lock | Internal metal doors | Good | Digital Keypads | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Can You Install a Smart Lock on a Metal Door?
Yes - if the lock is designed for metal doors.
The WME DL2 works on timber, composite and metal doors.
Smart locks are ideal for:
- Flats
- Apartments
- Commercial units
- Student accommodations
- Garages
- Side doors
Extra Security Tips for Metal Doors
✔ Add an access control keypad
✔ Use a door closer for secure closure
✔ Install a door viewer or CCTV camera
✔ Add reinforced screws and hinge bolts
✔ Fit a wireless door sensor
Securing a metal door requires choosing the correct type of lock, whether that’s a magnetic lock, smart lock, electric strike, or high-security cylinder. Metal doors are only as secure as the hardware installed on them.
WME offers strong, reliable options for both homes and commercial metal doors, making it easy to upgrade your security with professional-grade equipment.
Explore the full range:
🔐 Smart Locks & Access Control
🔑 High-Security Cylinders