Are you looking for a secure lock for the main door, but finding it hard to choose the right one? Are you confused between a deadbolt and a mortise lock? Well, then you've certainly come to the right page. Here is an insight into the world of door locks, and what are the different types.
Did You Know?
A deadbolt is called so because the bolt cannot be pushed back and forth manually, but only with the help of a key.
A house should be secure enough to prevent burglars and other miscreants from breaking in, in the absence of any residents. For this, the most important thing is to have a secure locking system on the main door. While there are several types of locks available in the market, one should be well aware to choose the right lock for the house.
For example, not all of us need to install expensive keyless locking systems on the main door of our residences, and not all doors in the house require the same kind of locks. So, how would you know? Just go through this piece to find out the various types.
Different Types of Door Locks
Privacy Locks
The purpose of this lock is to offer privacy, and is used on bathroom and bedroom doors, where security is of little or no concern.
These locks are available in a variety of designs and colors to match the color theme and décor of your home. They have no slot for inserting a key, and can only be locked by pressing a button placed at the center of the knob, from the inside. These locks can also have a lever instead of a knob.
Wondering, what to do if someone is trapped inside? Well, in case of an emergency, the door can be opened by inserting a small piece of metal through the small aperture on the outside knob. They are the least expensive of all door locks.
Knob Locks
Knob locks mostly comprises a lock that is built within a door knob.
However, in some models, the lock is installed above or below the door knob. The key knob lock looks similar to a privacy lock, but has a slot for a key on the outside knob. A common modification of the knob lock is designed such that it opens when a card is swiped and the scanner recognizes the card key.
Knob locks can also be designed to serve as safety locks to restrict the entry of children in certain areas. Simple knob locks are reasonably priced, but they can be easily broken or tampered with.
Deadbolts
Deadbolts are the most secure locks available, and are more expensive than other locks. There are only two ways to operate the lock―with a key or by turning the lever from the inside.
Wondering, why these locks are so secure? Well, it's because these locks function by securing the door with the surrounding wall, thus, preventing the door from being broken into. These locks are useful on wooden as well as metal doors, and you can easily get them in different sizes.
A double-cylinder is operated using a key on both sides, and are meant for doors made from fragile materials such as glass. However, this can pose a safety hazard in case the key is lost
Mortise Locks
More popular in England, mortise locks are slowly gaining popularity in the U.S. as well. This type of lock has the body installed inside a pocket or mortise that is cut into the door. The parts of the lock include the lock body, the strike plate, lock trim and levers.
The major disadvantage of using a mortise lock is that it may reduce the strength of the door. The standard specifications of the mortise lock varies across countries. The keyhole is present on one of the two face plates, the other one bearing the knobs.
The mortise lock serves as a combination lock as it comprises both, a deadbolt and a latch bolt, both of which can be operated using a key.
Keyless Entry Systems
Keyless entry systems are quite common in areas with restricted entry. In addition to offering higher levels of security, these locks also allow you the convenience of not having to carry the keys around. These locks operate with the finger pressed against a sensors that detects your fingerprint which has already been stored in a database.
Once your fingerprint is scanned, access is granted within seconds.This type of locks are probably one of the toughest locks to break.
Combination Locks
These locks find their application in areas that demand high security, and can be operated by entering a secret code, instead of keys. This code comprises a combination of numbers that one is required to enter on the keypad in order to open the door.
These locks are nothing but a deadbolt programmed to open on entering the correct code. While these locks offer the convenience of not having to carry your keys around, just like other keyless entry systems do, they can be difficult to break open in case you happen to forget your passcode.
Nightlatch
A nightlatch is a type of door latch that is installed on the inside of the door. It is characterized by a spring that automatically locks when the door is closed. Note that it is a latch, and hence, there is no key. To open the door, all one needs to do is turn a small knob.
However, a nightlatch alone is not enough for the main door of a house, and hence, must be used in combination with more secure locks, such as the deadbolt
Lever-handled Locks
Lever-handled locks are similar to privacy locks, but have a lever handle that can be turned up and down. Just like a privacy lock has a small button on the inside to lock the door, a lever-handled lock has a small knob that can be twisted to lock the door.
However, these locks are best suited for doors within the house, and not for the main door, simply because they can be easily broken into, and hence, not secure enough. However, they are aesthetically pleasing and also easy to use.
Cylinder Locks
Cylinder locks are highly secure and come in three types―single cylinder, double cylinder, and double cylinder with thumbturn. These versatile locks are available in many sizes and you can choose one that best fits your door.
These locks work on cylinder mechanism, wherein a cylinder is located at the center of the lock. The main advantage of these locks is that they can be easily rekeyed by replacing the cylinder. These locks are vulnerable to snapping, which means breaking of the lock into two pieces. However, the advent of anti-snap cylinder locks have countered this problem.
Padlock
When talking about locks, the good old padlock can't be far behind. The padlock is the most common type of lock found on front doors, and is the easiest to use. These locks are detachable, unlike the more advanced types of locks that are fixed to the surface of the door.
However, since these locks can be easily snapped, they are slowly being replaced by more advanced lock systems for higher levels of security.
So, you see there are different types of locks out there, and when you choose a lock for your main door, choose one that fits your budget, and at the same time, provides you with the security you desire.