A lot of people simply do not have the time to do the research necessary to determine which locks are best for their doors. However, there are a few simple things you can do to make sure you’re getting what you need for your home’s security.
It is a no-brainer that a lock for a door is a crucial component of home security. When it comes to locks, there are many options to choose from. From deadbolts to handle sets, you have plenty of choices available. Yet sometimes, with so many products on the market for home security, knowing what to invest in can be a little overwhelming. That’s why you’ll want to make sure you know how to choose the best locks for your doors to help you make an informed decision with no buyer’s remorse.
How Do I Choose The Best Locks For My Doors?
First, make sure that you know how many different types of locks there are on the market. There are several different types of locks available. This includes deadbolts, mortise locks, rim locks, and more. Each of these types of locks has different benefits and drawbacks that may be beneficial or detrimental depending on your particular needs. The first step is simply learning what they are and how they work.
The second step is to figure out what kind of lock you already have. The easiest way to do this is by checking the keyhole on your door. If it has a square shape with one corner missing, then it’s probably a deadbolt. If it has a rectangular shape with two corners missing, then it’s probably a slide bolt or sash lock.
When determining how many locks you need on your home, the best thing to do is to consult an expert at your local hardware store or home improvement center. They’ll be able to tell you exactly how many locks will work best for your situation and help you determine what type of lock would be most beneficial for your situation as well as give recommendations based on price point and quality of the product.
Make sure that all doors leading outside have deadbolts installed and that they are locked at all times! You should also make sure all windows have security bars installed so no one can break in through them either.
Padlocks
Padlocks, also called hasps and shackles, are common security tools used to secure a variety of items. A padlock is usually made up of two parts: a case (shell) and a shackle. The case is where the locking mechanism is housed, while the shackle is attached to the object you wish to secure.
Choosing the best padlock for your security needs can be a challenging task, considering the wide variety that is available. Fortunately, there are various types of padlocks available in the market, available with a range of choices from security to durability and size.
Deadbolt
A deadbolt is a type of door hardware designed to lock or hold a door in place. The manner in which the bolt engages with the door stops it from being opened easily. From old-fashioned key locks to more modern keysets, there are numerous new features and benefits of using a deadbolt on your front door.
The first kind of deadbolt is a single-cylinder deadbolt, which is the most common style you’ll find in American homes. It has a cylinder that turns with a key from both sides of the door, allowing for locking and unlocking from either side. This type of lock also allows for keyed entry from the inside of your home, meaning you can lock yourself out if you accidentally leave your keys inside.
The second kind of deadbolt is a double-cylinder deadbolt, which has two cylinders that turn independently. The lock features two separate locks and two separate keys, so there’s no way to unlock it without both keys being present. This type of lock is extremely secure and provides an extra layer of protection against unwanted intruders or break-ins.
The last kind of deadbolt is a lockable thumb turn, which is a cross between a single and a double deadbolt. On the inside, it has a thumb turn that functions as a typical single-cylinder deadbolt. However, it can be secured with a key, meaning it cannot lock or unlock the door. As a result, in a domestic setting, the thumb turn can be left unlocked while people are still inside the home, and it will still function as a typical single-cylinder dead.
Knob Locks
Knob locks are regularly put on external doors in homes, and they are occasionally employed as the main form of door protection. The first important thing to note is that knob locks should almost never be utilized for security on outside doors. The problem is not with the door; it is with the knob, which contains the lock cylinder. They can nearly always be removed from the door with a hammer, or the locking cylinder may be fully bypassed using pliers or a wrench behind the knob.
Lever Handle Locks
Commercial settings commonly employ lever handle locks on interior doors. They have a big push-down type handle rather than a knob that one must grab and spin, making them simpler to open than knob locks. Lever locks are frequently utilized in situations where handicap accessibility is crucial. It’s crucial to take the right backset measurements before buying replacement levers for your commercial garage door or gate operator system.
Cam Locks
Cam locks are used to secure a door or other object. They may be employed in many different applications, but most typically they are used in file cabinets, mailboxes, and OEM uses with lesser levels of protection. They are available in a range of lengths and may interact with various locking mechanisms using a variety of tailpieces or “cams.”
Euro Profile Cylinders
In most standard cases, Euro profile cylinders are used with mortise locksets or deadbolts. These devices are installed directly into the edge of a door and are secured by several screws that pass through each side of both devices simultaneously. In these cases, only one screw passes through each side of both devices at once. This makes them much stronger than regular mortise locksets and deadbolts since they have more points of attachment to each other as well as their host doors.
Interchangeable Core (IC) Cylinders
Larger institutions and corporations typically utilize interchangeable core cylinders because of how simple it is to rekey the lock by just switching out the core without disassembling the lock. The conventional operator key locks and unlocks the lock as usual in an I/C Lock. However, when the control key is used, the lock’s whole core may be removed without removing any screws. Being able to upgrade locks while leaving the door hardware alone makes this option highly helpful. The door may be modified in a matter of seconds by simply replacing the lock cores with new ones. Best, Yale and Schlage are three of the most widely used I/C Lock brands.
Vending/T-Handle Locks
T-Handle locks are a type of locking mechanism that is commonly used in vending machines. Although they are occasionally employed in other applications, they can be seen in other types of doors as well. Since you take the T-Handle lockout when you open the device, T-Handle locks are typically quite simple to repair. The update may be finished by simply shutting the device and inserting a new T-handle lock. T-Handle locks typically come in two varieties: a dead latch that needs a key to re-lock the device and a spring latch that can be re-locked without one.
Rim Latch Locks
A surface mount latch lock is located on one side of a rim latch lock, which also contains a standard or bespoke rim cylinder. Some apartment buildings choose rim latch locks because they automatically lock the door once you go. When used on an external door, rim latch locks, which are often not designed to withstand a lot of force, can be combined with other locks.
Jimmy Proof Deadbolts
Surface-mount products called Jimmy Proof Deadbolts are typically seen on double doors and in residences. Due to the minor door adjustments needed, they are occasionally selected by customers. Additionally, they are distinctive in that the deadbolt interlocks with the jamb bracket to prevent it from being readily pushed or pulled apart from the outside. When a lock is surface-mounted, it is screwed into the inside of the door as opposed to having a complicated drill pattern like a typical deadbolt. Jimmy-Proof Deadbolts simply need a straight-through door hole to be drilled for the rim cylinder. You can often increase security by replacing only the rim cylinder on an existing Jimmy-Proof Deadbolt.
Furniture Locks
The locks included in this category are sliding door locks, desk locks, and cabinet locks. Bolt style and push-button style are the two main types of furniture locks. Bolt-style furniture locks fasten the object using a piece of flat metal that protrudes from the side of the lock. Despite being employed in a broad range of different devices, bolt-style locks are frequently seen on desks, cabinets, and drawers. A rod that protrudes from the rear of push-button locks is used to hold objects in place.
Takeaway
There are a few simple changes you can make to your home security to keep it safe and secure, so make sure to incorporate some of these security elements. And if you haven’t already done so, now would be a good time to plan for securing your home properly. For assistance with all your home locksmith and security issues, don’t hesitate to call Locksmith Knights! We are Raleigh, NC premier locksmith service provider, providing professional residential and commercial services to thousands of homes and businesses in the area. We will be pleased to guide you through the procedure and make your house as secure as we can!
