Various Kinds of Locks

Depending on the purpose that you want your lock to serve, there is a huge variety that is available in the market. From commercial building managers to private residence owners, everyone requires locks that serve the purpose of locking a door. Security may not be the primary focus in searching for the right kind of lock and they serve the basic role of closing a door. Various kinds of basic door locks may not be very secure but some may be heavy-duty locks that also provide a certain level of security. The purpose that you seek the lock to serve will impact your choice in the kind of lock that you choose. Since the market is saturated with all kinds and varieties of locks, it can be confusing to decide which one to go for.

Padlocks. The most common kind of lock is the padlock. This kind of lock can be used for any door and these varieties can be removed from the door when you unlock them. Padlocks come in various sizes and the one that you choose will most likely depend on the kind and size of the door on which you want to use them. Padlocks are immensely convenient since the only requirement for them is that the lock should be able to hoop through a hook installed on the door. This makes them portable, and if you are moving or need to use the lock for another door, you can easily make the shift since the key and the padlock can be taken with you. You may need to install hoops for the lock to go through. However, that is relatively quick and easy to do. Padlocks come in two varieties.

 Combination padlocks, as the name suggests, are padlocks that are opened with a dial. Although this makes them safer than a traditional padlock, they can be hacked, so to speak, by a seasoned burglar. Keyed padlocks are unlocked with a key. Rekey able and non-rekey able padlocks differ in a way that the former kind can be customized so that you can access the padlock with a multipurpose key – for instance, you can have the keyhole changed so that it unlocks with your house key or car key. Key-retaining and non-key-retaining padlocks differ in a way that the former does not allow the key to be removed while the padlock is unlocked.

Deadbolts. Such locks are usually used for reinforcement or for bigger doors that need additional security. These kinds of locks come in three main varieties. Single cylinder deadbolts have a lock on the inside and outside. The inside usually only has a knob or lever while the outside has a lock cylinder. The cylinder can be turned using a key to get in but only the knob or lever has to be turned from the inside to get out. This is convenient but also a drawback. If a burglar climbs in through a window, they can easily unlock the door from the inside. Double cylinder deadbolts mean that the lock has a key cylinder inside and outside. Although an advantage of this lock is additional security, the drawback is that you will always have to unlock it using a key even from the inside. This can be stressful in emergency situations that require instant evacuation.

For home owners, it is advised that they should leave the key in the lock so that they can evacuate quickly if the need arises. The third kind is a lockable thumb turn deadbolt. This functions both as a single- and double-cylinder deadbolt, with the added benefit of it offering higher security. The thumb turn inside works like a single cylinder deadbolt but can also be
locked with a key. Once it is locked from the inside, the thumb turn is also locked and cannot be opened from the inside without a key. This is ideal for when residents are in their home since it can be left unlocked. However, it can be locked when the residents are not at home, making it difficult for a burglar to unlock such a lock from the inside. A lockable thumb turn deadbolt is the best in terms of security and should be used if security is a concern for someone considering a deadbolt lock. Deadbolts cannot always be rekeyed; therefore, it would be ideal to ask for advice from a licensed locksmith so that you can make a choice that suits your needs best.

Knob locks. These kinds of locks are usually only used on residential properties on all kinds of doors. They are used as a basic lock, and although they offer a certain level of security, they should definitely not be the kind of lock you rely on for additional security, especially on doors on the exterior of a building or home. The cylinder of the lock is inside the knob which means that it can be broken and the lock cylinder will come off entirely. If you are using knob locks, use them as basic locks with heavier locks installed for additional security.

Lever handle locks. These kinds of locks are used in commercial buildings and the handle only needs to be pushed down to open the door. This is of importance in buildings that provide access to people with special needs. They do function like regular locks and can be unlocked with a key.

These are the various kinds of locks that can be used in commercial and residential buildings. The preference of the buyer depends on the function it serves and the level of security it offers. You can get in touch with a local locksmith if you need any advice regarding the kind of lock you should choose according to your lock and security needs.