A Guide to Various Lock Types

Your locks have the tough job of protecting your property from unwanted invasion, so it’s important to make sure that they’re up to the task. Unfortunately, many homes and businesses today are outfitted with inferior locks. Innovations in lock security, from tamper-resistant locks to keyless entry systems, are being developed all the time. When looking to replace or upgrade your existing locks for your residential or commercial property, it’s best to consult with a qualified professional locksmith company. In Carmel, IN, Carmel Locksmith Stars can assist you in determining the best kinds of locks for your property and security goals. 

Since locks form the basis of the security of your property, it’s crucial for them to be in optimal working order. Worn down or damaged locks could be putting your property at risk. Criminals know what to look for and the techniques necessary for defeating many different types of locks. That’s why a professional security evaluation of your property can be very helpful in determining the best type of lock protection for your individual circumstances. 

Hardware Lock Types

This section deals with physical lock and key security hardware. These types of locks require a key to open them in most cases, and are the most commonly found type of lock around. However, they are slowly being overtaken by the other type of locks we will discuss below, digital and keyless locks. 

• Knob Locks: Knob locks are the standard on most residential exterior and interior doors. Their prevalence is due to their inexpensive cost, but they are easily defeated by criminals utilizing lockpicking, brute force, or other tampering methods used to defeat the locks. Knob locks utilize a pin and tumbler system inside that can be rekeyed if the need for a key change arises.
• Deadbolts: Deadbolts are a relatively inexpensive yet study protection against unwanted entry. If the entry doors to your home have knob locks, they are best paired with deadbolts as the latter cannot be easily defeated. What makes deadbolts so study is that the lock hardware is installed into the door itself and requires a key to open. Deadbolts come in single-cylinder, double-cylinder, and thumb-turn lock. 
• Jimmy-Proof Deadbolts: This type of deadbolt belongs to a category all its own. It is mounted on the door itself and interlocks with the door bracket, which makes it very strong against brute force attacks. This type of lock is found in apartments and certain commercial properties. 
• Lever Handle Locks: Lever handle locks are almost always reserved for interior doors in commercial buildings to provide access for everyone, even those that are differently abled or otherwise have difficulty using knob locks. Lever handle locks are convenient, but this convenience comes at a price—they are very vulnerable to brute force and criminal tactics. 
• Padlocks: Padlocks come in many shapes and sizes and have an equal number of diverse applications. Padlocks can be used to secure lockers, bikes, storage units, lockboxes, and much more. There are two general types of padlocks—those that have keys and those that have combinations. Keyed padlock models either have the option of being able to be rekeyed or not. 
• Mortise Locks: Mortise locks have been around for many decades. They have achieved their longevity by being a very secure type of lock due to their specific construction. A hole is cut into the door during installation, called a mortise, and the lock placed inside. Mortise have recent seen an upsurge in popularity due to their secure nature. 
• Cam Locks: This type of lock is found generally on lock boxes and filing cabinets, as well as some types of desks. A cam lock consists of a flat metal piece—the “cam”—into which a key is inserted. The key twists the cam in and out of a cylinder in the door. They are easy to pick, however, which makes them unsuitable for any door or drawer that needs stronger security. 

Digital and Keyless Lock Types

• Combination Locks: Combination locks are available on many different devices, including padlocks, safes, and lockboxes. Since a specific code has to be input in order for the user to gain access to the contents of whatever the combination lock is protecting, this type of lock can provide excellent security. 
• Digital Keypads: Digital locks can replace all of your worries about lost or stolen keys. These keyless entry systems are easy for a locksmith to install on your commercial or residential property, and require a code to gain access to the door. Physical keypads with physical input are also available.
• Smart Locks: Smart locks are a new innovation that allows you to lock and unlock your door using your smart phone. If you have people visiting your home, you can choose to grant them access via the app. Some smart locks actually attach to your existing door lock mechanism as an additional measure of security. 
• Fingerprint Locks: Representing the cutting edge of today’s lock technology, fingerprint locks are a form of what is called biometric entry that allows the owner of the building to program only certain fingerprints to be able to open the lock. 

How to Determine Which Type of Lock is Best

When attempting to determine the best lock types to install on your property, several factors should be considered. These include:  

• How much money you’re willing to spend
• Whether you prefer physical locks or a digital system 
• The level of security you’re looking to attain 

If you’re looking to outfit your home or business with new lock security, the best place to turn to for assistance is a professional locksmith company, such as Carmel Locksmith Stars of Carmel, IN. An experienced locksmith will know the pros and cons of each type of lock firsthand, as well as the best applications for each type. By consulting with and having your locks installed by a professional locksmith, you are ensuring that the foundation of your property’s security is as solid as possible.