8 Types of Locks and Which to Choose

Odds are, before now, you didn’t take your time to study what different kinds of  locks there area. That’s fine, because we are going to look at a few of the numerous types of locks in the market. And the security factors to consider which will help you decide the type of lock your home needs if you are interested in changing the locks in your home.

1. Knob Locks

Although these locks are not to be used for security on external doors, they are most frequently used as primary security or along with deadbolts. The problem with relying on these locks is that the locking mechanism or lock cylinder resides in the knob and can be easily compromised by determined burglars with a hammer, pliers, or a wrench. When considering the types of locks for your home, if knob locks are currently being used on the external doors, you should consider replacing them. Simple passage knobs are good replacements in this case. Use them along with deadbolts and they will provide adequate security.

2. Deadbolts

They are the most sought after for external doors and are basically of three types of locks: Single Cylinders, double cylinders, and lockable thumb turn.

Single Cylinder: The easily recognizable features on this deadbolt are the tapered cylinder and rotatable thumb turn. They are however easily opened from the inside using the thumb turn.

Double Cylinder: Unlike the single cylinder, it features two key cylinders on the outside and inside that helps it solve the problem (easily opened from the inside) the single cylinder has. In succeeding to solve that problem, however, it requires a key each time the door needs to be opened from the inside – this slows or halts escape in case of emergencies.

Lockable Thumb Turn: Being a mix of the preceding two deadbolts, the thumb turn can be left in an unlocked position if the room is occupied so that it is easily opened from the inside. The thumb turn can also be put in a locked position if the house will not be occupied for an extended period. A key will be needed to open the deadbolt from the outside or inside.

3. Cam Locks

Cam locks are most frequently applied in cabinets and mailboxes. The cams (otherwise called tailpieces) they feature are used to interface them with another locking mechanism. The cams are also of different types and lengths and are able to rotate in both directions of their axis at maximum angles of 90° or 180° depending on the type. When discussing the different types of locks, it’s important to note that cam locks provide a secure and versatile solution for various applications.

4. Euro Profile Cylinders

As the name partially suggests, these locks are frequently used in Europe. They are also used in other parts of the world. There are three kinds of the Euro Profile lock: single, double cylinder, and single cylinder with thumb turn. When exploring the different types of locks, you’ll notice that these follow a fairly standard form of design. Although it has varying lengths of the exterior, the dimensions of other parts are quite standard. The problem with this lock is that it can be removed, though with some effort, owing to the fact that it is held in place by a screw that runs through the center of the cylinder. To prevent this, the lock has to be properly reinforced.

5. Padlocks

Featuring a U-shaped shackle, a body, and a locking mechanism in the body, padlocks are one of the most easily recognized locks. You may not know this, but they are the only kind that isn’t permanently attached to whatever it is securing. They also come in different sizes for locking possessions as small as backpacks to objects as large as a boxcar. As long as there are two or more holes through which the shackle could go through, a padlock is the one for it. When considering the types of locks, padlocks could be an ideal choice for various situations.

Keyed

Keyed padlocks could be

• Keyable. As their name boldly suggests, their keys could be changed from the factory default to a custom key
• Non-re-keyable.

Combination Locks

These have dials that unlock the shackle if and only if the correct combination is imputed

6. Lever Handle Locks

Lever Handle Locks are the most commonly used locks for doors within a residential and commercial building. They are all opened by pushing down on the lever. These are just one of the many types of locks available and can be changed for left-handed or right-handed people. These locks are easier to open than knob locks, making them a practical choice. So that handicaps could find it easy to gain access to what’s behind the door.

7. Wall Mounted Locks

Wall mounted locks are easily recognized as glass lidded or steel boxes mounted on a wall. But there are more of these kinds of locks than those that look like boxes on a wall. These are just one of the many types of locks available. They are mostly used to store keys or other important possessions. They are mostly found in large businesses as emergency access to the establishment’s keys. Some of these wall mounted locks are installed in the wall at the time of the construction of a building, but they can also be installed in already existing buildings.

8. Jimmy Proof Deadbolts

As they are just mounted on a surface and require minimal surface modification, they are the most preferred in apartments and double doors. They feature a deadbolt, jamb bracket, surface mount lock, and shutter guard. These locks are very secure since they can’t be pulled apart or forced open from the outside. This is made possible by the deadbolt, which interlocks with the jamb bracket, so if entry is forced from outside, there will be little or no budge at all. When considering different types of locks, if you currently have a Jimmy deadbolt installed, you need not replace it with any other lock except the rim cylinder to improve your security.

For additional info, you can always contact Alcatraz Locksmith. Interested in any of the locks treated so far or do you want additional information and security bits of advice? Call us on 602-677-5045