A home is supposed to be a place of safety and security. But when you’re not there, it could feel like an open invitation to thieves who are just waiting for the opportunity to break-in. They might enter through unlocked windows or doors, or they might find their way inside through an unsecured garage door.
And once they’ve made their way inside, you’ll never know until it’s too late. That’s why it’s so important that your locks are always in good working condition – even if you’re only going out for a few hours!
This blog post will tell you all about how locks work and what kind of locks should be used at every entrance point into your home.
What are the different types of locks?
There are all sorts of locks in the world. The type you use on your front door, back door, and garage will depend on many factors: whether or not they’re in a high crime area, how much time and money you want to spend, and the level of security you actually need. Here is a quick breakdown of the different types being used in the United States.
Universal Cylinders
Manufacturers are constantly creating new locks, but there are only a few different types of cylinder locks on the market. As an example, if you lock your front door with a pin tumbler lock or tubular lock, it’s the same mechanism inside.
Most people use these universal cylinders because they’re practical and affordable, but installing them can be a little more time-consuming because they require drilling into the door. It’s also possible to get these locks rekeyed, so it’s not necessary to switch out the entire lock.
Cylinder Locks
These cylinder locks are usually installed on external doors that require more security than standard pin-tumbler locks would provide.
You might be surprised to learn that these locks are not actually manufactured by any kind of industry leader. Many manufacturers use cylinder locks as loss-leaders because they’re relatively inexpensive.
They have many different names, but the technology behind them is the same – and they come with a lot of security problems, too!
Universal Systems
Universal systems are often used for commercial buildings because they have special features that make them more secure than standard cylinders. They can be difficult to install in non-commercial applications, though, and sometimes require drilling into the door.
These systems are also inaccessible to homeowners who do not have a high level of technical skill.
Pin Tumbler Locks
This is the oldest and most popular lock in use today. It’s also the easiest to install, making it perfect for DIY projects. The mechanism works by lifting up the pins inside the cylinder so they align perfectly with the metal key.
However, if one of those individual pins isn’t lined up exactly right, the lock won’t open. Pin tumbler locks are not foolproof because it’s possible to pick the lock – but only if you have the right tools and a lot of patience!
Warded Locks
This lock is the oldest in the world, and it’s still in use today. It doesn’t require a key to open – all you need is some kind of tool with a thin edge that fits into the grooves inside the lock.
The problem with warded locks is that they’re easy to pick, so if you only have one point of entry, your home isn’t very secure at all!
Disc Tumbler Locks
Disc tumbler locks are often used as deadbolts and can be found on both commercial and non-commercial applications. They’re easy to install, but it’s impossible for them to be rekeyed, so if you lose your keys, they’ll need to be replaced.
Pin Tumbler with Disc Lock
Though this type of lock is relatively new, it’s an improvement on the more traditional pin tumbler locks that require drilling into your door. A disc lock cylinder fixates a rotating metal disc into place – which makes them harder to pick or bump open. That’s why many businesses use these locks on their front doors.
They’re also perfect for people who rent because they can be easily removed without leaving any trace of damage – and you won’t need to call your landlord to install them, either!
Rekeyable Locks
These locks are almost like universal cylinders in that they have a lot of benefits and very few downsides. They’re easy to rekey, so they’re perfect for families or people who move frequently – all you have to do is take out the old pins and put in new ones.
Because they don’t require drilling into the door, they can be installed quickly and easily by almost anyone. Rekeyable locks are also extremely secure because the pins are keyed completely differently from one another – but you can’t bump or pick them.
Key-in-Knob Locks
Many homeowners opt for key-in knob locks because they have a low price point and are very easy to install. They’re often found on non-commercial applications with exterior doors that don’t require much security, but some of these
Cylinder-less Locks
Knowing when you will or won’t be home is extremely important in determining which type of lock you should employ.
Cylinder-less locks are usually best for renters who have no idea how long they’ll be living in a place and for people who travel frequently and don’t want to pay for double-keyed locks.
Keyless Entry Locks
These locks only require you to touch or bump them with your wrist or an electronic sensor in order to get into the home. They are convenient, but not all that secure – especially if someone knows how to pick or bump the lock.
Deadbolt Locks
These locks are placed on both sides of the door frame and fasten with a key from both inside and outside of the home. They’re considered very secure because it takes more than just strength to quickly break them down. These locks usually last longer than the others, but they are also more costly.
What’s the Best Lock for My Home?
So, what type of lock should you use on your front door or back door? The answer to that question all depends on how much time and money you want to invest in order to increase security. Locks alone cannot provide total protection, but they can act as a deterrent and can buy you enough time to seek help.
If you’re in an area that is not prone to high crime, a simple cylinder lock with a key will be more than enough. These locks are usually cheap and less time-consuming to install, so they can quickly be swapped out for new ones if necessary. They even come with the option of using a key-code instead, which has the same effect.
If you’re living in an area where break-ins are more common, cylinder deadbolts should be installed at every entrance into your home. They cost a little more than regular locks but their real benefit is that they can’t be pried opened or quickly jimmied open. You’ll also want to invest in a peephole, some decorative screws for the deadbolt, and an upgraded cylinder lock with security pins.
It is recommended by most home protection specialists that just one type of lock isn’t enough on its own (one exception would be if you live alone). The more locks your home has protecting it, the better. If you can afford to do so and your front door opens up to a small foyer or porch, consider installing a secondary lock on the inside of the home as well.
The type of locks you choose for your home is determined by the level of security you need. If you’re looking to protect against break-ins, installing a deadbolt lock will help deter thieves and make it difficult for them to open or jimmy your door. You should also consider other types of locks as well – like keyless entry locks if possible. Keyless entry locks can be convenient but they aren’t always secure because someone could pick or bump one with enough time on their hands. Overall, it’s up to you which type of lock is best for your needs based on how much money and effort you want to invest in protecting yourself from crime!
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