With such a wide variety of door locks on the market, AA Locksmith has put together a guide on door locks and how to choose the right ones for your home.
Common Types of Door Locks
Cam Locks
This type of lock is comprised of a fastener that has an attached cam or arm that rotates to lock. These locks are cylindrical and feature a metal tube with a hole in one side that positions the bold when it is inserted.
Smart Locks
These locks are electronic door locks that allow you to control the lock using a phone or a key fob. You can also still control the lock from a keypad or through the keyhole. There are also many smart locks on the market that can connect to Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and can also be connected to home automation services. You do need to power these locks with batteries which need to change regularly.
Knob Locks
These are one of the most common types of door locks and are the main security method for most doors. The lock cylinder for a knob lock is located within the knob itself rather than inside of the door. We don’t recommend using knob locks on extenral doors as they can be easily broken into using a tool such as a hammer or a wrench.
Deadbolt Locks
This type of lock is known for providing strong proection against a break-in. The deadbolt features a lock bolt that moves with the turning of a knob or a key without a spring. This unique locking mechanism is better equipped to resist tampering, such as battering or boring. This makes them less likely to be broken with a tool or knife.
Keypad Locks
Rather than using a key, a keypad lock is opened by entering a numerical code on a keypad. You can choose between battery-powered locks or mechanical ones. This lock typically features a deadbolt lock, mortise lock, or knob lock. Many also contain an alternative keyhole you can use to unlock the door in addition to the keypad.
Mortise Locks
This type of lock is generally recommended for external doors due to its reliability. It is available in light or heavy-duty models to meet your needs. A mortise lock utilizes an internal system which makes them more of a lockset than just a lock.
Their locksets tend to house either levers or knobs and provide added security. These locks are threaded and use mortise components that are added to the door. The box lock is set within the mortise or deep recess at the edge of the door. It is then secured using a set screw and a cam. This creates the locking mechanism. The cylinder component of this lock is available in a variety of lengths and heights to suit your specific door.
They are most commonly used on entry glass doors, apartment doors, and commercial doors for added security.
Choosing the Right Door Locks for Your Home or Business
There are other types of locks in addition to what we have detailed above. When choosing a door lock, you need to consider whether it is an internal or external door and which type will best prevent theft or vandalism.
To help you choose the right door locks, contact the experts at AA Locksmith today!