Lock Types and Their Uses

Locks and keys are a part of our everyday lives. They play a central role in securing our homes and personal assets. Different lock types have different uses. Depending on your needs, you may require higher security locks or simply a different type. The following article will briefly describe the most common types of locks homeowners use and how they might help you increase your own personal security.

Deadbolts

Most people are familiar with deadbolt locks. They are a requirement for residential properties, such as apartment complexes, and most homeowners prefer them. Single-cylinder deadbolt locks are the most commonly used type of deadbolts. On one side of the lock, there is a key slot. This side goes on the exterior side of the door and allows homeowners to use a key to lock and unlock their front door upon coming or going home. On the interior side of the deadbolt lock is a latch that one can turn and use to lock the door once inside of their home. Single-cylinder deadbolts are great and provide enough security necessary for a typical apartment dweller or homeowner. Single cylinder deadbolts can easily be paired with a chain or latch lock to provide an extra layer of home protection.

Knob Locks

Knob locks appear as traditional doorknobs, except there is the option to lock the doorknob in place. On the interior side of a knob lock, there is a small latch that sits right in the center of the doorknob. When this latch is turned, the doorknob will lock in place and the door will then essentially be locked. 

These locks are best used for privacy rather than security purposes. Their intent is not to stop intruders since their primary use is for interior rooms such as bathrooms and bedrooms. Knob locks merely alert other family members or roommates in your home that a given room is in use and to not come inside. Knob locks should only be placed on exterior doors if they are paired with a deadbolt lock. By themselves, knob locks are not effective for entrances and exits. They can easily be broken into and are only safe to have on interior doors unless an exterior door has a deadbolt lock also.

Chain and Latch Locks 

Chain locks and latch locks are most commonly placed on front doors. These types of locks are considered additions to any entrance or exit. It is not recommended that they replace deadbolts or other high-security locks. Both chain and latch locks are highly affordable and can provide an extra layer of security to your home without breaking your budget. Chain locks are ideal if your front door does not have a peephole, since they allow you to open your door and see who is on the other side without having to unlock the door completely.

Cam Locks 

For other areas of your home, such as your office, you may need locks desks, cabinets, or other furniture. In this case, you would want to install a type of lock known as a cam lock. Cam locks are not meant for high-security purposes, but they can successfully help keep important items and documents away from other family members or children. 

Smart Locks

The best locks you can purchase if want to ensure the best possible security for your home are electronic or smart lock models. These locks are superior to any other kind of lock you can purchase. Tampering with smart locks is nearly impossible. Many models come with alarm systems that will sound and alert homeowners if the wrong keypad combination has been entered in wrong too many times. Most criminals will not even bother to tamper with these kinds of locks in the first place, making them a great deterrent in general.

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