It won’t be easy to find a residential property that does not have locked doors. The unsafe place is evidence of the negligence of the occupants or the possibility of a utopia that we have just discovered.
Door locks are an essential part of any domestic and commercial space. They are the main components in the protection of a property.
Most people are aware of this, but they are not very familiar with all types of door locks. Choosing the right lock from whatever is available on the market is essential.
The reason is simple. Some locks work best in any given situation.
Basic awareness of the types of residential locks will help landowners and managers choose the best lock at all times. Let’s get started!
1. Deadbolt lock
Deadbolt locks are the most popular type of lock. They are extensively used in the residential sector.
Due to their popularity, they are also common in commercial places.
Most homeowners are familiar with the single-cylinder deadbolt lock, which is considered a subcategory of deadbolt lock.
There are several types of deadbolt locks that can be used in a residential setting.
As a type of lock, deadbolts are used to secure exterior doors.
There is no law to prohibit their use indoors, but other types of locks are more appropriate. Remember that the Deadbolt does not use any spring mechanism to activate the lock cylinder, hence the term “deadbolt.”
The main reason that deadbolt locks are among the most popular types of locks is that they are very secure.
However, not all deadbolt locks are created equal.
A gradation system has been developed to give an idea of its resistance to force.
The main types of deadbolt locks are single cylinder and double cylinder. The difference is simple: the single-cylinder fits on one side of the door; the double cylinder has a cylinder that fits on either side of the door.
Single-cylinder locks are much larger, but some owners choose the double cylinder for added protection. Remember that some are more appropriate for certain situations? Some homeowners realize that the double cylinder can hurt in an emergency where you need to get out quickly.
To avoid endangering your life in an emergency, you could choose to add layers of security to your single cylinder lock.
Instead of using a double or single cylinder, some prefer a deadbolt lock that resists the crowbar.
This type of lock is found in apartment blocks or as a device on double doors.
Don’t be surprised if you’ve never heard of the term Jimmy proof Deadbolt. Common people don’t use that term. But it is almost certain who you have come across this type of lock.
It’s an unpretentious lock. Its unique construction provides better security against presser foot attacks.
This lock is installed on the surface of the door. It is secured by a bolt and the body of the lock.
While it is more resistant to jimmying, it is not invincible against all attacks.
2. Locks on Door Handle / Door Knob Lock
If you were to find a doorknob in 30 seconds, you’d probably know where to look. While you may not be able to reach the handle in the given time, you will know precisely where it is and how to get there.
Door handle locks are easy to find and are used for internal protection purposes.
We sometimes see them installed on exterior doors, but this is a bad idea.
Among the types of locks, door handle locks are always associated with interior doors.
Door handle locks are not ideal for outdoor use due to the limited degree of security.
Unlike those on the latch, those on the door handles do not resist force. Simply hammering it hard could destroy it.
After compromising the structure of the handle, the intruder will have easy access to the lock cylinder embedded in the handle.
Let’s add a pinch of salt to our statement on door handle lock resistance. They can be used on exterior doors as long as they are matched with deadbolt locks. However, it should be noted that if there is only a lock on the door handle, it is not for safety reasons.
These locks are ideal for interior use.
Entrance doors with handles allow easy access between the rooms of the house. In addition, they pose no danger when an emergency arises.
It is essential to recognize how a door with a handle works compared to other doors with locks. So you could determine the best places to install them.
Learning the vulnerabilities of the locks will help you make the right choice of lock and ensure good security.
3. Cylindrical Lever Locks
Similar to deadbolt locks, cylinder lever locks are used in the residential and commercial sectors.
But we interact with them more in commercial spaces. You might think this is because cylinder lever locks compete with doorknob locks in the home space.
However, other factors come into play.
Comparing the two locks, it seems that the cylinder lever lock is the easiest to use. The structure of the lock is more suitable for entry and exit.
Finally, people prefer locks on doorknobs to those with cylindrical levers when you might find both in residence.
Suitable for residential use, they do not offer a perfect solution for the security of your exterior doors, essential access points in your home.
Avoid these for exterior doors. There are better alternatives available to you. This caveat is based on the fact that this type of lock can be attacked without offering much resistance.
This type of lock offers interesting access points for a malicious person since the lock is compromised with just a little effort.
4. Mortise lock
Mortise locks are similar to cylinder lever locks. They are more common in commercial properties.
However, it is not uncommon to find them in residences.
It should be clear that several types of locks overlap the residential and commercial sectors by this time.
Most homeowners who’ve a mortise lock went out of their way to get them, or they were already installed on their doors.
The old houses that house them and the owners of these houses decide to continue using them for the sake of heritage preservation. You can’t blame them. There’re many benefits to be had from using a mortise lock.
Having mortise locks offers the chance to understand better this type of lock and how it works.
It consists of fine mechanisms integrated into the door itself. The main components of the lock are the threaded cylinder and the cam lock (which engages the lock and allows the latch to retract). The reason people want to keep them is their resistance.
Although Grade 1 deadbolt locks are known for their strength. Mortise locks command respect, too, considered by some to be the most reliable on the market.
They’re found in apartment blocks, such as deadbolt locks that resist crowbar attacks.
The presence of these locks denotes an excellent concern for security.
5. Smart and Electronic Locks
Electronic locks are frequently used on residential properties, both on houses and apartment blocks.
Often, we lump electronic locks and smart locks together in the same category, but this is a mistake. In fact, some of their characteristics overlap.
So, all smart locks are electronic, but not all electronic locks are smart.
There is a fine line between the two, but knowing the difference between them will help you search for the perfect lock for your property.
We choose to use smart or electronic locks on residential property when we need better access control or to install a lock that looks more efficient simply.
What sets a smart lock apart is that it must be given a set of instructions for a locking device. These instructions are transmitted wirelessly and adhere to wireless communication protocols.
Electronic locks do not depend on these communication systems to lock. Electronic locks only depend on the current to activate the lock.
It is of utmost importance that any homeowners thinking about installing electronic locks in their homes understand how they work and their vulnerabilities.
With this knowledge, the owner will be prepared if a security breach arises in the system.
For example, the homeowner who installs electronic locks should be prepared in the event of a power outage.
Electronic and smart locks can be fitted with deadbolts and mortise locks.
However, it was necessary to create a unique category since they have characteristics that other groups do not share.
If you’re considering replacing your home lock after becoming the victim or want to install high-security locks just to enhance security, Count on our Residential Locksmith in Tampa. We assure you, our qualified home locksmith will give you blown away services to make you satisfied.