When securing your property, you need to be sure you’re using the right locks for the job. A lock is only as good as its ability to protect you from burglars and intruders, so you need to choose locks that are strong, reliable, and difficult to break.
Not all door locks are created equal. There are many different types of locks you can use to secure locks in your home. It’s important to understand the differences between these locks and how they work to choose the right option for your home.
Here’s a look at some of the types of door locks commonly used on residential properties:
Deadbolt Locks
Deadbolt locks are among the most popular and effective types of locks on residential properties. They provide additional security to your home as they are more difficult to break than other locks, such as knob or lever locks.
Deadbolts have a variety of different features, including single-cylinder deadbolts and double-cylinder deadbolts. Single-cylinder deadbolts are easily operated using a key from the outside while a thumb turn is used inside.
Whereas double-cylinder deadbolts require a key to be used from both sides of the door as there is no thumb-turn present. It would help if you used double-cylinder deadbolts for doors with a glass nearby, as thieves could smash the glass and then reach in and operate the thumb-turn.
Padlocks
Padlocks are also very common. They are portable, easy to install, and can be removed when not in use. There are many types of padlocks, including keyed and combination lock types.
Padlocks are often used for outdoor storage units or sheds where a lockable door isn’t available. Still, an object that needs to be secured is present.
Padlocks usually have steel bodies with hardened steel shackles that can withstand cutting and sawing attacks from tools such as bolt cutters and hacksaws.
Mortice locks
Mortice locks are made specifically for houses that have a door thickness of 1 3/4″ thick—in other words, they’re not meant for all residential doors. Very few modern residential doors come with a mortice lock.
So unless you’re moving into an older home with original hardware, you’ll unlikely need this type of lock. Mortise locks have a lever inside the door that needs to be lifted before the door can be opened from either side.
Chain Locks
Chain locks are great for extra security in residential applications with a deadbolt or other locking mechanism. These locks mount to the door and frame with screws, providing easy installation.
Since their design consists of a short chain that attaches to the door and frame, they offer little value on their own as a security device. However, when paired with another locking system, they can provide extra protection by preventing the door from being opened more than a few inches unless it is unlocked.
Door Knob Locks
Doorknob locks are normally installed on both sides of a door, so they can be locked from both sides. These locks have been around for a long time and are still used today.
Doorknob locks are mostly found on interior doors inside a house, such as bedrooms or bathrooms. Still, they can also be found on exterior doors too.
Doorknob locks typically have no bolt or latch and instead rely on a simple rotation of the doorknob to lock them in place. This makes them fairly easy to pick or bypass using common tools such as credit cards and hairpins.
Single-Cylinder Locks
Single-cylinder locks are common door locks that are used on exterior doors and sometimes sliding glass doors. The single-cylinder design means this type of lock has a keyhole outside and a knob or handle inside for locking and unlocking.
A single-cylinder lock operates because when you turn the knob or door handles from the inside, it will lock or unlock the deadbolt. These types of locks are very popular because they allow you to use a key to lock and unlock them from the outside, in addition to using the inside knob or handle.
Double Cylinder Locks
As you may have guessed, these locks have a double cylinder (two of them) instead of one. It doesn’t have a thumb turn on the inside of your door, meaning they can only be unlocked with a key from either side.
Because they have no thumb-turn, someone on the other side can’t get in through the window if it’s open or broken or if you’ve left it open for some reason.
Electronic Locks
Electronic locks can be a smart choice for the modern home. They are typically powered by batteries and include an automatic locking feature to ensure security. Many models feature a keypad that can be programmed with multiple lock codes for various users or even a remote control for easy unlocking.
Electronic locks are getting more popular as the price gets slightly lower and the technology improves. They can be opened with a card or key fob or via an app on your phone.
Coded locks are also considered to be electronic. However, they are a lot easier to pick than other types of electronic locks. I’ve heard that some people even use remote car door openers as keys!
Smart Lock
Smart locks have all sorts of features which make them very attractive: you can unlock the door using your phone or give access to someone when you’re not there.
You can have automatic locking enabled so that if you forget to lock it, it will do it for you after a certain amount of time has passed. You can even get alerts when people come and go! Smart door locks are certainly something I’d like to have in my next property!
Barrel Bolt
Barrel bolts, or mortice latches, are the simplest and most common door locks used on residential properties. They consist of a bolt that slides into a receiver in the door frame and is usually operated manually by a lever or knob.
It consists of a spring-loaded piece of metal that slides into an eyelet attached to the frame when closed, which can then be locked with a padlock. It is mainly used as a secondary lock and is ineffective as a standalone security measure.
Barrel bolt locks are rarely used as the only locking device on residential properties, except for internal doors. They can be opened easily by lifting the door of the adjustable latch if the hinges are exposed.
Euro Cylinder Locks
Euro cylinder locks are commonly found on uPVC and aluminum doors and on wooden doors fitted with multipoint locking systems. They have a bolt at either end operated by an external key and thumb turn on the inside of the door.
Grading scale
When grading locks, you’ll sometimes see them rated as ANSI Grade 1, 2, or 3 (ANSI/BHMA A156.2). Grade 1 locks are considered “highest residential security.” They include a deadbolt lock with a one-inch bolt and a latch protected by a bolt that extends more than one inch into the door jamb.
Grade 2 is “better residential security” with an extended bolt but no deadbolt. In contrast, Grade 3 is “good residential security” with an extended bolt and deadbolt but less than one inch into the jamb.
Fingerprint and retinal scanning door lock
These are the most advanced locks available on the market today. They scan and store your fingerprint or retina and use that information to unlock when they sense you nearby.
This type of lock has been used in large buildings for years, but it’s still fairly new for home security. Some models allow users to program up to 100 fingerprints or retina scans. This is useful if you have small children or elderly parents who may have trouble getting inside when they’ve forgotten their keys.
The downside of this type of lock is its price—they’re not cheap! And if you want something that looks more traditional, these aren’t it—most models are designed in a way that makes them stand out from other locks on doors.
How many types of door locks are there?
There are many different types of door locks, but the most common for homes are:
- Knob lock
- Deadbolt lock
- Leverset lock
- Mortise lock
- Padlock
- Ranging lock cylinder
- Locks for external doors
The best type of lock to buy depends on what you’re protecting and how much you’re willing to spend.
What is the safest lock for the front door?
It depends on the kind of vulnerabilities you’re looking to prevent. Still, some common ones cover a lot of ground. Deadbolts are a popular way to add an extra layer of security to your entry doors.
If you’ve ever seen a key inside a lock, that’s a deadbolt—it’s separate from the doorknob. It, therefore, helps keep someone from being able to break in by turning the doorknob itself.
Which lock is best for the main door?
The main door of your home is one of your house’s most important entry points. It’s the first thing you see when you come home and keeps your family safe and sound inside at night.
For that reason, an effective lock is essential; deadbolt locks are the most powerful locking key, and they’re usually found on the front door. Deadbolt grades vary from grade 1 to 3 and are available in single- and dual-cylinder variants. The highest rating, Grade 1, ensures the greatest amount of difficulty.
Are you looking for professional locksmith help?
If you wish to get your home a brand new intercom system and are looking for locksmith help, call Flat Rate locksmiths on 678-686-7426. They will help you get another key for your home and replace the lock if needed.
Whenever stuck in such a situation where you feel the need for a professional, don’t give a second thought before calling Flat Rate locksmiths. We install premium high-tech security locks at a reasonable price to help you avoid all kinds of theft. Call us at 678-686-7426 and learn more about pricing, discounts, and offers.