Door locks are essential when it comes to adding safety and security to your residential or work spaces. They help in maintaining privacy. Millions of residences are broken into each year and as the cases increase at an alarming rate, we need to be ensured about the efficacy of the door locks being used. Many people may not have idea about the door lock types and their uses. When it comes to door locks, some locks work better in a particular situation where others may not. There needs to be a good knowledge about the types of door locks so that you can have a better understanding about the type of lock which will suit your facility. So in order to make the best decision, let us see the different types of door locks which are present in the market.
Parts Of A Door Lock
For a better understanding of the type of locks, it is best to have an idea about the parts of a door lock pre-hand. Based on the type of the door lock, there may be slight changes in the parts. But below are some of the standard parts of the door locks.
Cylinder
When key fits properly in the cylinder, the lock will open. The spring loaded pins in the cylinder move when the key is placed inside. On the insertion of the correct key, the movement of the key will result in the movement of the pins, thereby unlocking the lock. There are two types of cylinders: Single cylinder and Double cylinder
In case of single cylinder locks, they have a single key side on the external part of the door. While, the other side has a twist knob which locks the door from the other side without a key.
Double cylinder locks have two key sides and do not have a twist knob. They are best suited in spaces like public restroom, where you do not want anyone to lock the door from the inside without a key.
Bolt/Latch
Bolt/Latch is the part of the door lock that moves in and out. When the door is locked, they rest in the box of the door frame so that they remain in place. The two main types of bolts are: Dead bolt and Spring bolt.
A deadbolt requires to be locked by you. They are more safe and durable when compared to spring bolts. While in case of spring bolts, it is a small clip that holds them in place. The compression of this clip as a result of the movement of the pins in the cylinder unlocks the bolt which moves back inside the lock so that the door is opened. When the door is closed, the spring will release so that the bolt is moved back in place so that the door remains closed. The spring bolt locks lock on their own.
Strike Plate
The lock attaches to the door frame at the strike plate so that the door is kept in position when locked. It can be easily replaced on damage by being screwed to the door frame.
Box
The box is the part of the door frame and it is where the bolt latches. As bolts are mostly of similar size, the box are also of similar size so that it can fit in most locks.
Types Of Door Locks
There is difference in the type of doors based on the purpose for which they are used. For example, locks used on doors leading to the outside should ensure more safety by keeping away from the intruders than those used inside.
The different types of locks are listed below.
Handlesets
They are mainly used in exterior doors where you require keyed entry ensuring security. They add a more traditional look to your entry doors. The design is such that at the external side there is a handle. The internal side may have a twist knob or a keyed opening for locking purpose. They have a deadbolt lock offering more security. They are also easy to install.
Schlage Handlesets
Hand levers
Hand levers are best choice of door locks for inside doors. They come with a simple design with the hand lever on one side and hand lever or twist knob on the other side. They are quick entry doors with less security and hence not ideal for outside entry usage.
Mega Handles Hand Lever
Simple Padlocks
Padlocks are one of the simplest types of door locks, mostly seen in shed and storage unit doors where you do not need high security. They can be broken easily. They are usually square or rectangle-shaped with a U-shaped bar. They lock into themselves. One end of the U shaped bar will stay in the lock but can move up and down allowing the other side to lock and release. They come in both small and large sizes.
Master Lock Padlock
Disc Padlocks
A disc padlock, also known as circular padlock can offer more protection to your shed or storage. They are thicker compared to simple padlocks and cannot be broken that easily. The curved bar protrudes from one side of the lock, which then moves through the handles of the door, locking back into itself, prevent the door from opening.
Master Lock Discus Padlock
Deadbolt locks
Deadbolt door locks are the most popular door lock type. The Deadbolt door locks offer an additional layer of security. The secure lock system can keep you off from burglars. Single cylinder and double cylinder models are present with the double cylinder model offering much more protection. Single cylinder deadbolt door lock has a single keyed cylinder on one side whereas double cylinder counterpart has keyed cylinders on both sides. They are not a good choice as emergency doors as you don’t want to be stuck spending too much time opening the door in critical situations.
Amazon Basics Deadbolt Single cylinder
Doorknob Locks
Doorknob locks are the most common type of locks used in inner doors like bathrooms and bedrooms. They can also be used in residential areas installed in addition to deadbolts on exterior doors. However they are never used alone in exterior doors. The locking mechanism is present within the door lock. The knobs can be present on either side of the door with single and double cylinders based on whether you want the door to be closed from both outside and inside.
Probrico Doorknob Locks
Cam Locks
Cam locks are mostly used for low-security applications. They are used mostly in filing cabinets and mailboxes. The cam locks are simple locks requiring a key to turn a cam, thereby locking and unlocking it. Cam locks are usually flat or tubular, with keys of the same shape so as to open them.
Kohree Cam Lock
Sliding Bolt Locks
Sliding bolt or the barrel bolt has two pieces: one piece on the door frame and the other piece is the main locking assembly on the door. The latter has a cylindrical lock that you can slide into the latch locking the door from the inside. For extra safety, you could install one at the top of the door and another at the bottom of the door.
Cranach Sliding Bolt Lock
Chain Locks
They have a catch on the door frame, with the main locking assembly on the door. Similar to sliding bolt door locks, but using a chain to lock the door in place of the cylinder piece. Now the mechanism is such that they allow you to greet someone with the door slightly opened. But the person won’t be able to come inside until the chain is released after closing the door. After that the door can be opened all the way. This type of door locks are mainly seen in hotel doors.
Jack N’ Drill Chain Door Lock
Electronic Locks
Electronic locks are keyless and they usually operate on batteries. The doors usually lock automatically. They use card system using special codes to unlock the door. They can also come with key system in combination so that even if you forget the code, you have keyed means to have access to the door. Biometrics can also be incorporated in these models.
OrangeIOT Electronic Door Lock
Smart Locks
With the advancement in electronic technology we have access to smart techniques being incorporated in locks. Smart Locks are electronic locks, which allow the use of smartphones and computers to have remote access to your home from anywhere in the world. They also come included with keyholes so that you can access it that way when you are home. Smart doors are usually based on any of the three technologies namely, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or Z waves. These can also come integrated with biometric fingerprint technologies.
Smart Locks Based On Bluetooth
Here the locks are connected directly to smartphone via Bluetooth without the requirement of any hub. The lock senses the Bluetooth device automatically when in range allowing it to unlock on your arrival. Range issues are associated with Bluetooth technologies. So you won’t have control over the lock once you are out of range.
ULTRALOQ Smart Lock with Bluetooth
Smart Locks Based On Wi-Fi
Smart Locks based on Wi-Fi or Wireless Fidelity allows you to control the lock if you are connected over the internet. Wi-Fi connections increase the range of the smart locks. You can let somebody inside your home even if you are at work. But they can drain your batteries more requiring frequent battery change.
eufy Security Smart Lock with Wi-Fi
Smart Locks based on Z- waves
The smart locks incorporating Z-waves require hub so as to allow connection between lock and the phone with internet connection. They are range specific. If the hub is not within the range, then you may need to take the help of signal range extenders. Overall, the system seems complex.
Schlage Smart Lock with Z-wave