Door locks are an important part of a building for real security. Well, many people know this, but a lot of them are oblivious to the fact that there are different types of door locks that can be used for optimal security and house-fitting. There are many types of entry door locks, so selecting the right one from the varied options is a task that must be taken seriously.
This is why smart lock company BE-TECH, an expert in making all types of door locks have written this post addressing the need to have a basic understanding of all kinds of door locks and their most appropriate applications.
What are the Different Main Door Lock Types
Now, let’s examine the type of main door locks available.
Digital or Smart Locks
The invention of digital locks is a result of advancements in technology. These types of door locks don’t use keys. They function with the help of electrical currents and can be unlocked with authentication methods like PIN codes, passwords, biometrics, RFIDs, Bluetooth, wifi, and specified smartphone apps.
To use these types of door locks without keys, you must not forget or misplace the authentication code to gain access, and be careful of typing the wrong code many times so that you won’t be flagged as an intruder.
A good smart lock manufacturer will provide you with several authentication methods so as to have backup solutions in case the preferred door entry option is faulty. In fact, if you are out and forget to lock your door, you can simply close it with a single click of a button on your smartphone via the door lock app. Digital locks are more than just locks. They can be designed to be part of a full system that performs audio and video monitoring of the home.
Examples of these locks are the Fingerprint & Touchpad Digital Door Lock, Wifi Smart Deadbolt Lock, and Premium RF Card Lock.
Electronic Locks
These are the new-age types of door locking mechanisms. Electronic locks are similar to smart locks in the sense that they don’t use keys, rather they come in form of keypads, biometrics, codes, and card lock management system, and other advanced authentication methods. Examples of these locks are the Visual III RFID, BASE RFID, and Guardian Elegant RFID.
These electrical panel door lock types are commonly used in offices and hotel rooms. A good fingerprint door lock supplier and hotel lock supplier prefers providing electronic door locks as they make the door locking system easier to access and regulate.
Many electronic locks are designed to be easily convertible to mechanical locks as they feature a regular key just in case the user has an issue using his access code.
Sliding Door Locks
Sliding door locks, as the name implies, mean that the door will slide open when accessed. These are trendy door lock designs that are used in the modern age. However, they have a predominant downside, which is the fact that the factory locks that come with sliding door locks are not strong. Burglars believe that homes with these front door lock types are easier to break into.
Replacement of the factory locks attached to sliding doors with smart locks or two-bolt locks improves the security level of your sliding doors. Smart locks strengthen the security system as they can be remotely operated, while two-bolt locks strengthen door frames by sliding steel bolts into them.
Deadbolts
Asides from door knots, deadbolts are generally recognized as another security system. In fact, most times, they are paired with doorknobs. Many of them are designed as cylinder locks, which are noted by a cylinder that surrounds the lock itself and extends through the door. These locks are manufactured to work with only one type of key. They cannot be opened without this key, which is customized to fit into the sequence of the pins inside the lock.
For optimal security, deadbolts are installed on the door surface or on the inside of the door. Most common deadbolts are those that are installed inside the door because they offer more security and more variations.
Magnetic Locks
Magnetic locks are one of the types of locks in doors that don’t use keys or combinations to be opened, nor are they manufactured to have interlocking parts of any kind. These locks function by using magnetism powered by a 12 to 24 volt and DC current.
Magnetic locks are referred to as fail-safe locks since they require live current to prevent doors from being unlocked. When installing a magnetic lock in the entrance of your home, ensure you include a backup system because of power outages that can cause the door to stop functioning.
Euro Cylinder Locks
Euro Cylinder Locks, as the name implies, are kinds of door locks that are commonly used in Europe. They are wooden door lock types that secure patio doors and function as a door lock solution for interior double doors. The main reason why euro cylinder locks aren’t suitable for outside doors is because they are prone to damage over an extended period of time.
The lock’s design is not fit for security purposes, and they can be easily snapped, leaving your house vulnerable to burglars. However, some people still see it as a good choice for their homes since they have other security measures in place.
Single-Cylinder Lock
This is a form of deadbolt that only has a space for a key on one side. It’s the most popular deadbolt type used today. The door is locked from the other side with a twist knob. The key side stays on the outside of the door, while the knob stays on the inside, allowing you to lock the door from the inside without using a key.
Double Cylinder Lock
Just like a single-cylinder lock, the double cylinder lock is installed in the door itself. The only difference between the two is that instead of having a twist knob on the inside, the door requires a key to lock and unlock it from both the inside and outside. This is a safer system in some ways as it stops a thief from shattering a piece of glass in your door to enter and unlock the deadbolt from the inside.
However, some people are of the notion that a lot of time will be needed to find the key to unlock the door in the event of a fire hazard.
Padlocks
Padlocks are seen as different locks for doors as they are not permanently attached to the door or piece of furniture. They are easy to install and detach; all you need is a shackle for them to function. Padlocks are commonly used to close sheds, lockers, and luggage. While padlocks are popular, they are regarded as weak locks because they can be easily broken with bolt cutters, cutlass, drills, or hammers.
Cam Locks
Cam locks, because of their names, shouldn’t be confused with locks that operate with cameras. They are only named cam locks because of their appearance. They are mostly used with mailboxes, cabinets, lockers, deposit boxes, and so on. They have a flat or tubular shape and are quite simple to use.
When compared to other door lock types in terms of security cam locks are on the lower ends of the security scale, however, they are very effective in their applications. They are ideally used to lock safes, boxes, lockers, and cabinets that don’t contain extremely valuable properties that should be in a more secure location. An example of a cam lock used for cabinets is the Cyber Digit Slim.
Door Knob Locks
Door knob locks are well-known lock systems. In fact, these days, you can practically find them in 90% of every home around you. They are used together with deadbolts for optimal safety and security; door knob locks are installed on the outside of the door.
However, door knob locks are not the most secure lock system, as a burglar can break off the knots by using hammers or other heavy objects. But when deadbolts are used in conjunction with them, a higher level of security is guaranteed.
Door knob locks are not the best front door lock types; they are more ideal for interior purposes.
Lever Handle Locks
Lever handle locks and door knob locks are closely related in the sense that they both have a small knob on one side and a key cylinder on the other side. These types of door locks are commonly used in commercial and government establishments as they are easy to turn, thus benefiting disabled people and kids. The door lock is also applauded by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
However, just like door knob locks, lever handle locks are a weak security against intruders. For optimal safety and defense, they should be used together with deadbolts. Some levers are ‘clutch’ levers; they simply turn without much pressure on the lock.
Rim or Mortise Locks
These locks are similar to cylindrical lever locks in the sense that they are commonly used in commercial buildings, although they are also found in many households. Mortise locks are made up of intricate hardware that are installed inside the door. Amongst the parts of the mortise lock are the threaded lock cylinder and the cam. These two key components engage the lock and allow the latch to be removed.
The strength of these locks is one of the many factors that has popularized their effectiveness over the years. Just like deadbolts, mortise locks are considered to be one of the most reliable locks available.
Barrel Bolt Locks
Barrel bolt locks, which are also known as sliding bolts are made up of a single bolt that’s fixed to the door, which is then slid across to fit into a catch on the door frame. These locks are attached to the back of the door and are used to keep you safe when you’re at home. However, some people attach theirs at the top or bottom of the door for extra safety.
Barrel bolts are classified as one of the oldest traditional locks, yet, they remain one of the safest locks to use indoors to date. They are commonly used for additional security and main security for bathroom doors in some homes.
Latch Locks
Latch locks are very common types of door locks. You must have seen them outside of someone’s house. In these locks, when the key is inserted into the cylinder, the internal components move, engaging the latch of the door. This is the part of the lock that moves in and out, then rests on the carved part of the door frame, which is known as the box. There are two major types of locking mechanisms in the latch lock – the deadbolt and the spring bolt.
A deadbolt is a lock that you must manually lock, and it can only be opened with the right key. Most houses use deadbolts or a combination of deadbolts and spring bolts since they are believed to be safer and more durable than spring bolts.
Spring bolts, on the other hand, are held in place by a tiny clip. The small clip compresses when the key moves the pins in the cylinder, thereby unlocking the bolt and allowing it to go back into the lock to open the door. And when you close the door, the spring gets released, allowing the latch to return to its original position to keep the door closed.
Door Chain Locks
These are commonly used in hotels and on main doors of home residences. Just like barrel bolts, these locks feature a catch on the door frame and a primary locking mechanism on the door, but instead of the cylinder component, they use a chain to lock the door.
Asides acting as a protective device, chain locks allow you to open the door slightly to see who is outside. Despite the fact that the door is open, the person won’t be able to enter until you release the chain completely.
Furniture Locks
These types of door locks are used in many applications, such as cabinets, sliding doors, and desks. Furniture locks can easily be installed into existing hardware that doesn’t already have a lock. There are two major types of furniture locks. They are bolt type and push-button type.
The bolt furniture type features a piece of flat metal that extends outside the lock to secure the device.
Push-button furniture type, on the other hand, features a rod that extends from the back of the lock and is used to secure items in place. Whenever the lock is unlocked, the rod pops out and retracts into the body of the lock. When the lock goes into its shell back, the device is locked. This type is commonly used for sliding doors and filing cabinets.
Vending or T-Handle Locks
Just as the name implies, these locks are commonly found in vending machines and T-Handle locks, as well as other applications. T-Handle locks are very simple to replace because when you open the device, you are literally pulling it out.
T-handle locks are of two major types – spring latches and dead latches. Spring latches allow the device to be re-locked without the use of a key, while dead latches need a key before they can be re-locked.
Multipoint Locks
This is a different kind of door lock. It’s an innovative multipoint lock technology with a mechanism that uses a long strip to secure the door’s side. It’s named multipoint lock because it can be used at several points.
Multipoint locks are new in the market and they are popular for adding an extra degree of security and safety to large main doors. They are used for French doors, patio doors, and composite doors.
Disc Locks
Disc locks are as popular as circular locks. They are perfect for storage units and boxes. Disc locks are similar to a padlock in appearance and functionality, but they are more secure, thicker, and attached to the door. The major component in a disc lock is the curved bar, which protrudes from one side of the lock and moves towards the door handle before locking back. They are easily detachable.
Remote Control Lock Systems
This is a fully automated lock security system that allows you to control your door from anywhere, like the shower, the bed, or the sitting room while watching TV. Via the remote control, you will lock and unlock door locks without the need to go to the front door to open for who is at the door. This also reduces the hefty price spent on physical lock maintenance and replacement of damaged parts.
Factors to Consider When Buying Door Locks
When buying door locks, here is some basic information you need to consider when you get to a smart door lock factory.
- Ensure that the door lock is compatible with your door thickness. All interior doors are to have a thickness standard of 1⅜ inches and all exterior doors are to have a standard thickness of 1¾ inch.
- Note the lock’s required bore hole dimension. The size of the hole in the lock must fit your door, and to do this, it’s advisable that you use a hole saw for proper dimension. Deadbolts normally require a bore hole of 1½ to 2⅛ inches in diameter. A hole of 2⅛ inches in diameter is commonly required for levers and handle sets.
- Check for the backset required. This is the total distance between the edge of the door and the bore hole’s center. The usual sizes are 2⅜ inches and 2¾ inches, however, it can be different with some door locks. Ensure the lock you use is appropriate for your door.
- Know the bolt or latch setting. For round-corner and square-corner settings, a plate surrounds the latches or the bolts on the door’s edge. Drive-in lock settings don’t have plates around them. Knowing the setting of your bolt or latch beforehand saves you from making the wrong decision.
- Make sure the lock is designed specifically for the needed purpose. There are different kinds of door locks and each of them has their specific applications, so don’t use them wrongly. For example, a barrel bolt lock is primarily used as a secondary door lock and for privacy lock purposes in bathrooms. It is not one of the front door lock types.
- Check for the security grade of the door lock. Based on the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) security grades, there are three major levels. Grade 1 is the highest and offers the most security solutions. Grade 2 provides mid-level security, and Grade 3 provides basic security.
- You can operate different door locks with the same key. But you won’t be able to do so if you buy the locks from different manufacturers.
- Choose designs that are strong and durable to resist all illegal door entries like theft, picking, bumping, prying, and drilling.
FAQ
Are there any Locks that Come with Cameras
Yes, the new sets of smart locks have a few models that have cameras attached to them. This improves security surveillance and protection.
Conclusion
This is exclusively a beginner’s guide on the different kinds of locks that are used for doors, and their specific applications. Apart from the types of door locks mentioned above, there are other door lock types that exist. However, the ones we described above are the most popular and best options available. This is just to show you that there is a pool of door locks to choose from and they all have unique constructions and functions.
Blogs you may be interested in:
- How does RFID door lock system work
- What is the electronic smart lock
- Buying advice on Bluetooth door lock
- Guide to different types of deadbolts
