When it comes to the security of your home and the safety of your family, you never want to compromise on the locking mechanisms for your home. Some locks can be easily picked or manipulated into unlocking. That’s why it’s important to know all of the door lock types available to you and which types of door locks are the best choice for particular situations.
In this article, the expert locksmiths at Rapid Locksmith Ottawa have combined their knowledge to run down the most common types of locks homeowners may want to install, including the pros and cons of each.
Deadbolt Locks
When it comes to home security and types of locks for doors, deadbolt locks are that added layer of security against potential intruders and unwanted visitors. A deadbolt is engineered to be much stronger than a traditional spring-bolt lock thanks to its innovative features and durable construction.
While spring-bolt locks can be easily compromised by tools such as a crowbar or other implement, a deadbolt lock is made from a metal bolt that drives into the door frame, providing added stability and strength. There are different types of deadbolt locks in terms of how they are operated. Some are turned with a knob from inside the home, or engaged by a key from the home’s exterior.
One reason why so many homeowners pick deadbolt lock types is because of their ruggedness and ability to defend against tampering. Typically, deadbolt locks cannot be easily sawed, cut, or pried apart. That means someone who wants to get inside your home would have to spend a lot of time trying to break in, increasing the risk of getting caught. So these locks are a major deterrent for burglars.
Even criminals with advanced skills to break into homes will have a difficult time manipulating a deadbolt lock. This front door lock type is resistant to lock picking or bumping — which is when the unwanted visitor uses a special key to align the pins inside your deadbolt lock to gain entry. Again, this makes deadbolt locks a big turnoff for would-be burglars.
As you decide on different types of locks for your home, take time to think about how the quality of lock you want to buy is directly correlated to the deadbolt’s durability and strength. Also, make sure it’s the right size of deadbolt so it can properly reach from your door and into the door frame.
Knob Locks
Knob locks consist of door knobs that come with a locking mechanism built right in. This means the door can be locked from the outside with a key or the inside by the turn of the knob or the push of a small button. Knob locks are commonly found on interior doors such as bathroom or bedroom doors. Sometimes they are used alongside a heavier-duty locking mechanism — but never as the single means of locking an exterior door. And that is simply because knob locks are too weak for exterior door usage.
Designed for the convenience and privacy of homeowners for primary use on interior doors, knob locks were never meant for high-security, exterior door use. That’s because all a burglar has to do is break the knob itself to damage the cylinder and bypass the door to enter your home. However, knob locks are the perfect solution for many applications including the security of interior doors. Carefully think about each room’s security situation to decide what type of locks are best suited for your home.
Smart Locks
Smart locks are convenient, innovative, flexible security locks for doors, and they offer superior control over your home’s security. In a revolutionary way, smart locks introduced advanced technology into the traditional lock which remained relatively unchanged for many years. A homeowner can operate smart locks using voice commands, keypads, key fobs or even smartphone apps. With this lock, you can lock and unlock the door from anywhere. You even get to decide who has permanent or temporary access, such as friends, family, the local handyman and more.
One of the main reasons that homeowners love smart locks so much is that they can always stay updated through smartphone alerts. You will know who is entering your home and when they are doing it. Take that up another level, and you will find smartphones with integrated cameras you can see who’s at the door and even communicate with them through an audio speaker.
The next generation is keyless but in many ways, that’s a good thing. You don’t have to worry about losing keys, searching for keys, or hiding keys for other people to find when they visit your home. It’s easy to program your family into the lock’s system so everyone has their code. You will have full control over lock privileges at all times.
However, beware because not all safety door locks including smart locks are created equal. Make sure you do your research before buying a smart lock. Carefully review instructions and information to find which locks come with authentication features and advanced encryption methods. If you already have a security system, see if one brand of lock is a better fit to go along with it.
If you want to enhance the security of your home and be able to manage it all in a modern way, then smart locks would offer you the right combination of flexibility, convenience, and control. No more lost keys and real-time notifications — who wouldn’t want that?
Keyless Entry Locks
These are among the most secure door locks. There are even more locks that don’t rely on traditional key systems to operate. They are just as secure for your home and still allow you to be more efficient and manage your locks more easily.
With no keys required, you gain access to your home using a keypad — tactile or touchscreen, as well as through the use of a fingerprint scanner. There is no Wi-Fi connectivity, but it does allow you to come and go without worrying about losing or remembering a key.
Another major upside to keyless entry locks is a major reduction in break-in possibilities. Nobody can copy your key. There may also be tamper alarms included. Do your research about the most trusted models and brands of keyless entry locks. Search for information specifically on battery life and user-friendliness.
When considering keyless entry locks for your home as your preferred door safety locks, it’s important to choose a reputable brand and model that aligns with your security needs. Look for features such as durability, battery life, user-friendly interfaces, and compatibility with your home automation systems if desired.
Mul-T Lock Systems
In the world of locks and locking systems, Mul-T Lock Systems is one of the most trusted names in residential security. They offer first-rate security systems and a multitude of advantages for homeowners who don’t want to compromise the safety of their families and belongings.
Engineered through advanced craftsmanship and patented technology, Mul-T-Lock was driven to design a lock that defended itself from all types of intrusion. Multiple components work together in this one-of-a-kind locking mechanism that is designed with cylinders that are drill-resistant and pick-resistant mechanisms. Additionally, hardened steel inserts make it impossible for most intruders to break or weaken the lock, denying them any unauthorized entry into your home.
Offering all types of locks from traditional locks to padlocks and even smart locks, the Mul-T-Lock advantage is key control. Nobody can make a copy of your key without your official authorization. This means you will have 100% control over who gets a copy of your key. On the smart lock side of things, Mul-T-Lock systems incorporate the latest remote locking and electronic monitoring technologies on the market. They are a great addition to many other security systems.
Mul-T-Locks are also designed with mother nature in mind. Built to withstand the harvest weather and consistent use, it can resist almost any abuse you throw its way, all while still lasting you for many years of service. Some locks can be DIY projects for homeowners, but at the end of the day, it’s always simpler to hire a certified locksmith to install and teach you about your high-security door locks. A locksmith can also give you good advice on which type of locks are best suited for various situations throughout your home and exterior property.
High-Security Padlocks
A padlock is one of the most popular lock types used around the world. We use padlocks to connect chains and lock fences, gates sheds and much more. It’s an easy and effective way to increase security around your desired space.
As one of the oldest lock types on the market, it’s now possible to obtain padlocks in a multitude of styles, designs, and even colours. And don’t forget the sizes. Large padlocks offer heavy-duty security coverage for big office spaces and industrial properties, while tiny padlocks could be used to lock a suitcase or a diary.
Here’s a look at the various types of padlocks available to homeowners and business owners alike:
Keyed Padlocks: A simple key is used to open the padlock. As a high-security measure, some padlocks come with a feature known as key-retaining, which means the key stays in the keyhole after it unlocks the lock. Not all padlocks are re-keyable, so if that’s something you desire, be sure to read the manufacturer’s information carefully before you purchase the lock in question.
Combination Padlocks: Another popular choice for padlocks that doesn’t involve using a key, combination padlocks have spinning dials with numbers or letters on them. Lining them up in the right combination opens the padlock. A combination padlock offers several advantages including not having to worry about losing a key or getting it stolen. It would be nearly impossible for someone to guess the right combination and open the lock.
While padlocks may serve as a good deterrent for would-be thieves aiming to get their hands on whatever it is that you’re guarding, these padlocks are not immune to tampering. Like any physical lock, it can be picked. Also, padlocks can be cut by bolt cutters or other power tools. If you’re trying to protect something very sensitive, it’s better to have multiple locking systems or simply a more advanced one.
Conclusion
With so many locks to choose from, there are also many considerations for you to make when deciding which of the locks we’ve learned about is the right lock for your home in particular situations. Nearly every homeowner has a deadbolt mechanism installed in their door, and if you don’t it’s highly recommended as it’s one of the strongest residential locks you can. Then you have to think about how you would like to operate the lock. Do you want a traditional key system? Or do you want to go the route of the smart lock or electronic lock, swapping out that key for a six-digit code or the push of a smartphone button? The choices are truly endless.
Knob locks would be the preferable choice for bathrooms, bedrooms, and closets — or anywhere else in the home that you’re seeking to create a certain degree of privacy. You could use a knob lock on the front, but it’s recommended that would be in conjunction with a deadbolt. As for padlocks, they can be very useful to secure garden sheds and outdoor storage containers. They can also be used to secure gates. However, it’s important to know the limitations and vulnerabilities which padlocks can possess.
It’s always preferred to consult a certified, professional locksmith who can properly measure and analyze your property to accurately diagnose all of your locking needs. Locksmiths are trained and insured to work on your home. It’s an important job and they’re trained well to do it. Remember, think about the reason why you need the lock and consult a professional before buying the lock from your local hardware store or another licensed dealer of high-quality locking systems.
Rapid Locksmith Ottawa is the city’s most trusted locksmith service because of our extensive knowledge of working with all types of locks. We will work together with our clients to diagnose every locking need within the household or business. Contact Rapid Locksmith today to book your appointment.
