You’re probably like most people and don’t think about your door locks until you need them.
But what happens when you do need them and don’t know which type of lock to buy?
It can be really confusing trying to figure out what type of door lock to buy, especially if you’ve never done it before.
There are so many different types of locks keyed entry, deadbolt, knob-lock, lever-lock, etc. – and each one has its own unique benefits and drawbacks.
Our guide on What You Need To Know Before Buying A Door Lock is the perfect place to start.
In this guide, we’ll teach you the basics of door locks so that you can make an informed decision when it comes time to buy one.
What Are The Basic Types Of Door Locks?
- Key-Entered Locks:
Keyed locks are great for homes because they offer a high level of security. They’re also simple to use, which makes them popular among many people who don’t have a lot of experience with door locks.
Pros: Keyed locks offer a high level of security. They’re also simple to use, which makes them popular among many people who don’t have a lot of experience with door locks.
Cons: Unfortunately, key-entered locks can be easily duplicated by anyone who has the proper tools and knowledge. The only way a thief is going to break a key-entered lock is if he tries to pry open your door or picks the lock – both difficult tasks. But it doesn’t take much know-how to make a key, so these types of door locks aren’t nearly as secure as other options.
- Combination Locks:
Combination locks are more secure than key-entered locks because they utilize a password as opposed to a physical key.
Pros: Combinations can be changed as often as you like, and some only allow three or four incorrect attempts before the door is locked for good (which means your intruder won’t have enough time to guess your combination).
Most combination locks also deadbolt locks, which means they’re able to withstand more pressure than other types of door locks.
Cons: Of course, any lock that uses numbers can be beaten by people who know how it works – especially if there are no fail-safes in place. That being said, there are so many combinations available that even if someone does figure out how the system works, he would still have to have a solid amount of time to guess the right combination.
- Keyless Locks:
These types of locks work differently than keyed entry and combination locks because they don’t use a key or a specific code at all. Instead, you have to have an electronic fob or card that accesses the lock.
Pros: Keyless door locks are great because they provide high levels of security as well as convenience.
No one is going to be able to cut off your house key and open your door without an alarm sounding, so if you’re going out of town there’s no need for extra safety measures like giving a neighbor a spare house key or changing the locks when you get back home.
Cons: The biggest drawback with these types of door locks is that they’re not nearly as secure as other options. The door can be opened by anyone who has the right fob or card, so a determined thief will eventually find a way inside – it’s just a matter of time.
- Deadbolt Locks:
Deadbolts are extremely strong and impossible to pick open without the proper tools because they have a hardened steel rod running through their center.
They’re great for even commercial buildings, and some companies actually require them in places where security is important (like storage units).
Pros: The biggest advantage deadbolt locks offer is their strength and durability. No one is going to be able to kick your door down with this type of lock installed because there’s no room for it to budge – and thieves can’t break in using other methods like prying open the door or breaking a window.
Most deadbolt locks also have a high level of security because they use anti-pick pins and shielded cores to prevent tampering, so if you’re looking for something strong, this is it.
Cons: Deadbolts might be too strong for some homes and businesses where there’s a need for frequent lockouts (e.g., the elderly who forget their code), but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t install one somewhere else on your property.
The only thing not to like about them is the fact that they require an additional 30 seconds to lock and unlock as opposed to keyed locks.
- High-Security Locks:
High-security door locks are very similar to deadbolt locks when it comes to both looks and function. The main difference between them is the material used to make the lock, which is usually solid steel with reinforced plating.
Pros: These types of door locks offer the same benefits as traditional deadbolts (strength, durability, etc.), but because they use different materials in their construction, they’re even stronger than your average deadbolt.
They also tend to be more resistant against wear and tear – like rust – which means you’ll never have to worry about replacing them for quite some time (if ever).
Plus, if you need an extra level of security on a regular basis or just want peace of mind that your door will get kicked down no matter what, a high-security lock is a great option.
Cons: The main drawback of these types of locks is their cost.
They’re not too expensive when it comes to installation, but the materials required to make them are both costly and difficult to procure.
That means that you could be paying twice as much for one as you would for a regular deadbolt. Of course, if the price is no object and you want the ultimate indoor protection, this type of lock is definitely worth your money.
FAQs About What You Need To Know Before Buying A Door Lock
What type of door lock is most secure and reliable?
Locksmith believes that deadbolt locks are the most secure – and they offer a good level of reliability.
That’s because they don’t allow any room for leverage, so if someone wants to steal your property they’ll have to pry the door open with a crowbar or kick it down.
Keyless entry systems aren’t as secure because someone can easily hack into them with an electronic fob or card, but deadbolts might be enough for some users depending on what you’re protecting (e.g., an apartment versus a house).
How much do high-security door locks cost?
The price depends on where you live, but the average cost of a high-security lock is usually about twice as much as what you’d pay for a regular deadbolt.
Which are more secure, keyed locks or electronic locks?
Electronic door locks are generally much less secure than their mechanical counterparts because they’re dependent on batteries to run.
That means that if your battery dies, there’s no way to open or close your door until you replace it – even if the person on the other side isn’t trying to break in – which makes it easy for thieves to sneak by undetected with your valuables.
It also doesn’t help that this type of lock can be hacked into using an electronic fob or card, so once again, deadbolts tend to be more reliable.
Which door locks are the most durable and long-lasting?
Deadbolt locks can last for years because they use anti-pick pins and shielded cores to prevent tampering.
However, because high-security ones also use different materials in their construction (e.g., steel with reinforced plating), they’re even stronger than your average deadbolt.
Do you know what to look for when buying a door lock?
There are many different types of locks, and each one has its own benefits. You’ll want to make sure that the lock you choose is right for your home or business.
We can help! Our technicians have years of experience in the industry and will be able to give you honest advice about which type of lock is best suited for your needs.
Whether it’s a deadbolt, knob set, or something else entirely – we’re here to help!
If you need new locks installed on your doors at home or work, our team can do it quickly and efficiently so that you don’t have any downtime.
We also offer emergency service 24 hours a day so that no matter what time it is – if there was an intruder trying to break into your house or office building – we would come out immediately and get everything fixed up again as soon as possible.
