When it comes to home security, the first thing most people want is a good alarm system. But have you ever thought about the importance of the best home security locks to protect your home and belongings?
It’s hard to imagine a home where locks are not present. From keys, handles, and hinges to padlocks, latches, and chains, doors usually have one or more locking mechanisms on them that allow for closure while keeping people out. But these locks are also meant to keep people in when necessary. For centuries, humans have been using locks to protect their property, and in the modern era, locks remain an essential part of home security.
Types of Home Door Locks
1. Deadbolt Lock
One of the best ways to deter burglars or intruders from entering your home is to install a deadbolt lock on your door. A deadbolt lock is a locking mechanism activated by a key from the outside and a knob or lever from the inside. It is much more difficult to break into than a traditional doorknob lock.
Types of deadbolt locks:
- Single cylinder
- Double cylinder
While installing a deadbolt lock is not too difficult for somebody with basic knowledge of tools, it is best to seek professional residential locksmith services if you are not familiar with installing them. In fact, it is cheaper, in some cases, to have a professional locksmith install your deadbolt than trying to do it yourself. If you want further protection from intruders, be sure to install an alarm system in your home as well.
2. Door Knob Locks
A doorknob lock is a door lock that allows for the door to be locked and unlocked from the exterior through a key while allowing free egress at all times. The door can also be locked and unlocked from the inside without a key because it has spring-loaded bolts, which automatically secure the latch when shut (locking out the exterior key). Locking out the interior allows for privacy and security while allowing a passkey to open the door from the outside. The standard doorknob lock can be vulnerable to forced entry.
Doorknob locks have been used since ancient times, with each culture creating some type of locking mechanism that is more secure than merely using a peg or latch. The Egyptians were among the first to develop a locking mechanism using a wooden bolt that slid into a door frame. This wasn’t very secure as Egyptian locks only had pins on one side of the door that didn’t allow for a keyhole on the other side for an additional locking method.
3. Handlesets
A door handle set is a type of lock for hinged doors, which requires both a key and a knob or lever to be operated. The door must have:
- Hinges that are located on the right-hand side of the door opening if you are looking at the closed door from inside the room.
- An edge with space to attach locks.
- A hole to accommodate the handle set or lock.
- All of these parts must be on the same side of the door.
The door handle set consists of a handle and a lock cylinder. The handle is attached to one edge of the door with three screws (or more), while the cylinder part attaches to another end of the door. The cylinder may be visible or not, depending on the type of handle set used.
The lock cylinder part consists of two components: plug and shell. Plugs are often changed for aesthetic purposes, but if your key broke in the lock known as “shell,” you will have to replace both pieces at once. Left-handed and right-handed plugs differ by shape and match the shell.
4. Lever Locks
A hand lever lock, also known as an “L-handle” lock, relies upon the rotational action of the key to operate. The key has a small protruding bar on the top that will push up against a series of levers inside when inserted into the lock. While each level is pushed into place by that protruding bar, it will catch on another part of the cylinder housing and rotate the inner barrel.
This action is not unlike using one’s index finger to rotate a circle along its top axis to open something akin to a combination padlock or safety deposit box at one’s local bank. Each time you push down on one side of what’s known in a combination padlock as a dial, you’re pushing in a series of levers that will then allow the inner barrel to be turned.
5. Barrel Bolt
A barrel bolt is a type of locking device typically used as a door bolt. This mechanism consists of a pivoting bolt, and it can be locked by means of a padlock or key.
Barrel bolts are composed mainly of two parts: the movable assembly and the fixed part. The part that is moved to lock and unlock the door is called the movable assembly, which is composed of the bolt itself and its keepers (the U-shaped part attached to the surface).
The fixed part keeps both components together, and it is responsible for preventing them from separating (it also prevents access to the locking mechanism).
The components are:
- Spring latch with telescopic arm
- Spring latch with telescopic arm in glass door
When the spring bolt is in the unlocked position, its hook is engaged to the small hole of a steel plate that differs from one execution to another, and it usually has two or three holes. The steel plate serves as an anchor for all types of locks and fasteners.
6. Cam Lock
You see them on every door handle in the world – from your house to a government building. They are one of the most basic locking devices, yet their use reaches far and wide. Does this mean they are the best possible locks?
The reason why many people choose lock picking as a hobby is because of how easy it is. It can be done with a few simple tools and some patience. There isn’t much effort required since there aren’t any complicated mechanics involved in the process. Once you have everything prepared, all you have to do is pick into its respective part of the lock and turn the tension wrench simultaneously. The process doesn’t require a lot of force, but it can be slow going for beginners.
7. Electronic Locks
An electronic lock is a type of locking device with many different forms and works in different ways. Its purpose is to prevent or control access to a specific area, often using a keypad for people who have permission to enter the locked area. Electronic locks are found on everything from houses to padlocks, but they can also be used as security devices on vaults, safes, doors, and much more. These types of locks are pretty common today because they don’t require any keys, which allows people to quickly gain access by remembering passwords or patterns without having extra items occupying space.
Electronic locks are made up of three main sub-components: unlocking mechanism (inside knob), exterior control panel, and locking bolts. The lock’s primary mechanism is inside the knob that can be turned to open or close the lock. Turning this internal part only releases the bolt from the strike plate on the door frame, allowing someone to walk through. To relock it, one would need to turn the knob again until a click is heard, meaning it has been re-engaged with a pin in place.
8. Circular Padlocks
Circular padlocks have a shackle that locks in place, but the lock itself is round. The lock’s body may be made from brass or nickel-plated brass for rust resistance. These types of locks can be known by various other names, such as barrel locks, disc tumbler padlocks, and even puzzle locks.
When you are looking for a padlock, security is at the forefront of your mind. Many factors contribute to the level of security provided by padlocks, including their build quality and lock mechanisms. One of the most critical factors contributing to a padlock’s security is the thickness of the metal used in its body that affects how difficult it is to cut or snap open by force. Whether you need home or commercial locksmith services, contact Tampa Locksmith now for quality locksmith services.
