When thinking about securing one's house or work premises, it is important to get the right Door Lock. Different types of door locks exist with varying levels of security, convenience and functionality. This guide will discuss some common types of door locks thus helping you make a choice.
1. Deadbolt Locks
Deadbolt locks are amongst the most secure types of door locks available. They can be found in three main forms:
Single Cylinder Deadbolt: It uses a key from the outside and a thumb turn on the inside, suitable for most home front doors.
Double Cylinder Deadbolt: These need keys for opening both from outside and inside thereby enhancing its security but making them inappropriate during emergencies.
Keyless Deadbolt: This combines safety and ease because it has an access code entry system using either a keypad or touchscreen.
2. Knob Locks
Knob locks are commonly used at homes especially on interior doors or together with deadbolts on outer doors. The knob itself is where the locking mechanism is thus making them less secure compared to deadbolts that cannot be easily forced open.
3. Lever Handle Locks
Lever handle locks are typically used on commercial interior doors where knob locks would be impractical. Such locks can operate conveniently especially for physically handicapped individuals and they have different designs to suit your taste.
4. Mortise Locks
Mortise locks refer to strong duty ones that are installed within a pocket in the door itself hence being very durable; hence they are often used in commercial buildings and high-security residential homes. They usually have two parts: a latch and a dead bolt which boosts their level of safety.
5. Smart Locks
Smart lock brands such as Schlage, Yale or August provide more sophisticated security measures tied into smart home systems. These can be controlled using mobile phones, keypads or biometric sensors.
6. Rim Locks
Rim locks are surface-mounted locks that are employed commonly with old doors or other conventional varieties of doors. Essentially, they have a lock attached on the inner part of the door and a latch or bolt to hold the door shut.
7. Padlocks
Padlocks are portable and can be used for various things like gates and storage units. They come in two main types:
Keyed Padlocks: Require a key to unlock.
Combination Padlocks: Are opened by typing in numbers in a specific sequence.
8. Cam Locks
Cam locks are frequently used to secure cabinets, Mailboxes, as well as lockers; they have an arm made of metal (the cam) that rotates either to open or lock the drawer/door.
9. Euro Cylinder Locks
Euro cylinder locks are commonly found in European countries and known for their versatility since they exist in different types such as single, double and thumb turn cylinders. These locks can easily be replaced or upgraded for better ones.