When you are lock shopping, should you buy a knob lock? A deadbolt? A patio door lock? a lever lock? Or go completely electronic and keyless? Choose the best lock for your needs by first understanding how each type of lock works. Atlanta Experts Locksmith explains:
Knob Locks
Knob locks have a knob handle on both sides of the door. One side has a keyhole, while the other side has a turn button lock. The lock cylinder is inside the lock and not inside the door. Knob locks are used with success for interior doors but are not recommended for exterior doors unless it is a modified version, or simple passage knob, that includes a deadbolt lock because they can easily be jarred loose with a tool as basic as a hammer.
Deadbolts
A deadbolt provides extra security by adding a metal bolt that slides into the door jamb. The bolt turns by a latch or a keyhole. Deadbolts are common, extremely effective, and cost-effective in securing external doors. Though, they may also be used well for locking cabinet drawers or doors. There are several types of deadbolts. They typically are available in two types – single cylinder or double cylinder. A single cylinder requires one key. A double cylinder requires a key no matter which side of the door you are locking or unlocking. The strike plate, the rectangular metal piece in the door frame, helps to keep the bolt secure and keeps it from ripping through the frame.
- Single-A single deadbolt has a keyhole on the outside of the door and an affixed thumb turn on the inside.
- Double-A double deadbolt has a key cylinder on both sides of the door instead of a thumb turn on one side.
- Captive – A captive deadbolt is a double deadbolt that has a key which looks like a thumb turn hidden on the inside.
- Jimmy Proof – A jimmy-proof deadbolt is a surface mount lock that works well with double doors. The deadbolt interlocks with the jamb bracket, which makes it almost impossible to pry apart or to remove from the outside.
Electronic Keyless Entry
Keyless locking systems are basically deadbolts that use a numbered keypad instead of a key. Get the code right, and the deadbolt slides open. Electronic keyless entry systems are more expensive than other locks and feature two main types of keyless entry pads – A touchpad, or a card tag system. They work well when more than one person has access to the lock.
Patio Door Locks
Sliding patio doors, often made of glass, require a special kind of lock. They need to secure the door while taking into account the style of the door. The patio door locks don’t get in the way when trying to open and close the door. Patio door locks come in deadbolt style for hinged single and double doors, cam style for hinged doors that requires a bored hole through the glass, keyless or combination style locks for sliding or hinged doors which are less obtrusive than typical combination locks, and ratchet style locks that are designed specifically for sliding glass doors and require a key to open.
Lever Locks
Lever handle locks are often used in commercial settings on the interior doors. These locks are easier to open than knob locks because they have a large pushdown style handle that is easy to press or lift. They are often used when handicap accessibility is an issue of importance.
Still don’t know what type of lock to choose or what lock brand to buy, give us a call at (678) 942-6714 before changing your locks, we will be happy to guide you.