Locks are an important part of our daily lives. We use them on doors, gates, and cabinets to keep our homes and offices safe from intruders. But when it comes time to purchase locks for your home or office, there are many options available.
Some people think that the most secure option is a deadbolt lock; others would say that combination locks offer more security than keyed locks; still, others might argue that padlocks provide the best protection against theft.
The truth is that each type of lock has its own strengths and weaknesses-and what may be the most secure type in one situation could be less so in another. You’ll need to decide which type of lock will work best for you based on your budget, lifestyle, needs, and even your own preconceived notions.
You might think that locks are just for keeping people out of your house, but the truth is they’re also there to keep you safe.
A lock can help stop burglaries, fires, and other disasters from happening in your home. And if something does happen, a lock could make it easier for firefighters or paramedics to find you-or even save your life! That’s why installing locks throughout your property is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself and your family.
But not all locks are created equal and some may actually compromise the security of your home. Let’s look at some of the most common types of locks available.
Deadbolt
A deadbolt lock is considered by many to be the most secure option available, especially when installed correctly into a solid wood door with reinforced strike plates using strong screws. This type of lock has many advantages and disadvantages.
Deadbolts are generally constructed of heavy-duty steel, so they are unlikely to break or be cut off easily. However, they do take more time to lock and unlock, which could be a problem if your lifestyle requires you to access the lock frequently and quickly. The key used for this type of lock is generally separate from the locking mechanism itself, so there’s no risk of someone finding your key and gaining unrestricted access to your home. However, there’s always the danger that you could lose the key, and without a spare, you would have to drill out the whole lock or break your door down in order to get inside.
For commercial use, if you have a lot of turnover in terms of your staff you may have to worry about getting a spare key made, which can be costly and time-consuming.
The three primary varieties of deadbolts are single-cylinder, double locking type with keyed cylinders, and thumb-turns. Single-cubicle locks can be found on most American homes while the two other variations have keys or combinations that must be dialed in (call a local locksmith) in order to enter your dwelling safely after you’ve been locked out by mistake.
Jimmy-Proof Deadbolts
The “jimmy-proof” deadbolt is designed to be more difficult for a burglar to break into your home. It features a security plate to reinforce the strike plate, anti-drill protection, and an anti-saw shield (a small bar over the locking mechanism).
This type of lock could make it much harder for someone to break into your home, but those who have the proper tools and half an hour to devote to finding a way in will likely still be able to find a way around it. Jimmy-proof deadbolts are usually found in commercial settings where security is a priority.
Padlocks
Padlocks might seem a little outdated, but they’re quite secure. They come with either single or double locking mechanisms that prevent the shackle from being cut during a robbery attempt. A thief is going to have a very hard time defeating a padlock-even if he manages to get past everything else. Padlocks are incredibly durable and difficult to break, which is the main reason they are often used in combination with handcuffs. They’re best for securing items that will be kept outside but aren’t necessarily undefeatable. Many people use them when camping, boating, or putting belongings in storage.
While padlocks may offer a degree of protection, they are susceptible to “bumping” or picking. If you choose to use them on your home or business, be sure to keep the keys somewhere safe so that burglars can’t find them easily. Keyless padlocks are also available so there’s no risk of losing a key. However, if someone were able to bump the lock and open it without the key, they could easily access everything else and use brute force to break down your door later.
Combination locks
A combination lock is usually constructed of lightweight materials such as aluminum or plastic, so these types of locks are susceptible to being cut or pried off. However, due to their lower cost, they are sometimes used for lockers, sheds, gates, or storage units that are only accessible during the day.
Many people prefer combination locks because there’s no risk of losing a key or forgetting a code. They can be endlessly programmed and changed as needed. And if you live in an apartment building, under constant threat by burglars, change your codes often enough so that they aren’t guessable. A combination lock does have a few advantages over traditional locks. Aside from the two conveniences mentioned above, another benefit is if you’re looking for a more modern type of lock, combination locks are definitely an upgrade from traditional keys and keyholes.
Aside from those tips, combination locks offer a great deal of security and can be used anywhere.
A word of warning: make sure your combination is something that someone can easily remember but can’t be guessed or discovered without too much hassle; otherwise, you’re just making it easier for thieves to steal your belongings. Have your locks re-keyed or replaced if you suspect someone has managed to get ahold of the current key.
Knob Locks
Although knob locks may be fairly common and simple to use, they’re actually quite durable. The cylindrical lock can be used for exterior doors and will often provide the most secure means of entry in a home or business.
As with any type of locking mechanism, you’ll want to make sure that your doorknob set is resistant to bumping and picking. These locks can be bumped in the same way that tubular locks and barrel locks are, but they’re mostly built in a thicker and more durable way-so bumping and picking them is extremely difficult to do without advanced tools.
Bump Proof Locks
If you are concerned about theft or need a lock that can’t be picked, bump-proof locks are an excellent option. They are also much more long-lasting than the other three types of deadbolts since they cannot be pried open with simple tools.
They are made of high-quality materials, including both hard metals and solid woods, which makes it much harder to break into the lock in any way.
Mortise/Rim Locks
The most secure type of lock on doors requiring key access is mortise locks. These come in many different forms, but they are all extremely durable. They are normally made from high-quality metals and the strike plates are very thick too, to prevent door kick-ins or splitting of the door itself. Although they may be fairly expensive, that’s what you’re paying for quality and durability.
Rim locks are similar to mortise locks but there is only a small hole in the door to put the key into which makes it much easier, faster, and cheaper to install; however, they don’t offer as much protection as other types of deadbolts that require a hole in the door.
Rim Latch Locks
These are like rim locks because they can be installed into doors easily, but there is no need for drilling because the key will fit directly into the door. Although these may be cheaper than other types of locks, they’re usually not as durable or secure as mortise or rim locks due to their construction and ease of access if picked or bumped.
Lever Handle Locks
Lever handle locks are very similar to mortise locks. A cylindrical lock, typically brass, is screwed into the doorjamb and there’s a lever that you turn to lock the door. These types of locks are fairly simple, but they can be bumped or picked fairly easily.
They’re mostly used for convenience rather than security-but if your concern is with appearance, lever handle locks are popular because they look nice and give often doors an older style look.
Cam Locks
Cam locks are a great option for anyone looking to protect their belongings. They’re usually made of steel and have thick bolts that prevent them from being pried or hammered open. You can also change the code on these types of locks, so if you live in an apartment building, everyone will be able to find out your new code without fear of your code being guessed or found.
Euro Profile Cylinders
Euro profile cylinders are an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their security. They’re easy to bump and pick, but they do have a few benefits over other types of locks-they can be rekeyed easily if you want to change the code or add new people since there’s no drilling involved. They’re best used in commercial settings, so they can be replaced easily if someone does pick or bump the lock and enters your facility.
Wall-Mounted Locks
Wall-mounted locks are perfect for anyone who has multiple keys. These locks aren’t usually very secure, but they do provide you with another option if your other keys go missing or someone takes the key without your knowledge. They’re mostly used by hotels and other business establishments that may need to lock their customers out of certain areas or rooms temporarily.
Interchangeable Core (IC) Cylinders
An interchangeable core (IC) cylinder is an option that every home and business owner should consider when looking for a lock.
They can be changed easily if they’re lost or stolen, and you don’t need any special tools or knowledge to change them out. If you ever do lose your keys, it’s easy to replicate new ones-plus IC
Electronic Egress Control Systems
Although these types of locks aren’t too common yet, they’re an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their security system at home or in business. Electronic egress control systems allow you to connect doors to the internet which means you can lock and unlock doors with your smartphone, tablet, or computer. You can also set them up so guests can check in without needing to go through the front desk every time.
Electronic egress control systems are commonly used in large business establishments, but they’re also seen in hotels and conference centers. Just be sure to use top-of-the-line brands if you want them to withstand any outside tampering or interference since these are very common with electronic devices.
Key In Knob (KIK) Cylinders
A key in knob cylinder is a great option for those who want something easy to operate. These types of locks are perfect for anyone who’s reached an age where they can’t seem to turn the knob with ease anymore-and they’re easy to open and close even if you have arthritis or another condition that affects your joints or muscles.
Professional Locksmith Tip: When shopping for locks, the choice you have to make is based on your personal security needs and the level of protection that you’re willing to expend. If your budget allows, go with a mortise lock or cam lock since they will provide the greatest level of security. However, if you need an inexpensive option or live in an apartment building where individual locks aren’t entirely necessary, you can use rim locks or lever handle locks.
If you need a professional and trusted locksmith, call Pros On Call
If you’re ever curious about what kind of lock is best for your home or business, contact a locksmith professional for more information and advice on which option will be an asset to your property.
Today, locksmiths will install new deadbolts for you on-site if you need them. This is an important process since they must make sure to cut the right key and get rid of any copies that may still exist unless of course you still have the original key to your home or business. They must also make sure you are the only one with access to your new lock and that it cannot be picked or bumped open.
Professional locksmiths take this process very seriously, so if you’re interested in getting locks installed on your doors today, give us a call at (888) 601-6005 for more information.