Door locks are essential in protecting our homes, businesses, and other properties. They act as the first line of defense against intruders, burglars, and thieves, providing peace of mind and security. Knowing the differences between the different types of door locks can help you make an informed decision when selecting one for your property or business.
Knob Locks
Knob locks are the most common type of door lock and provide basic security for most residential doors. The lock cylinder is located within the knob itself, making it easy to open by simply turning. While this may be suitable for internal doors, external doors should not be equipped with knob locks since they lack durability and can be easily broken into using basic tools such as hammers or wrenches.
Cam Locks
Cam locks are a type of fastener that allow storage to be kept secure without affecting the overall appearance of the cabinet or furniture piece. These locks come with sets of furniture or cabinet kits and feature a cylindrical body with a metal tube containing a hole on one side for positioning the bolt that is inserted into it. Depending on the model, cam locks may completely secure cabinet doors, making them an attractive option for safeguarding sensitive materials. Cam locks utilize various tailpieces or “cams” which create a locking mechanism when properly aligned.
Deadbolt Lock Types
Deadbolts provide superior protection against burglaries and break-ins due to their unique locking mechanism that resists physical attacks, battering and even drilling attempts. Deadbolts come in three varieties: single-cylinder deadbolts, double-cylinder deadbolts, and vertical deadbolts.
Single-cylinder deadbolts are activated from one side using a key while double-cylinder deadbolts require a key from both sides; both types offer flexibility and increased security compared to knob locks. Vertical deadlocks are mounted at the top rather than on either side of the doorframe for additional protection against prying tools used by burglars attempting to gain entry into your property or business.
Padlocks
Padlocks belong to the free-standing lock category since they are portable but not permanently affixed onto any door or other object that uses them. Padlocks come in two main categories: keyed padlocks which require a key to open them and combination padlocks which rely on dials or numbers set by users which allow access after the correct combination is entered correctly; keyed padlocks alone come in several variants such as those that can all be opened with one single key (keyed alike) as well as those where each lock has its own individual code (keyed differently). Padlock shackle shapes can also vary depending on their purpose; bolting shoulder shapes raise up sides of shackles so bolt cutters cannot easily cut through them while more traditional “U” shaped shackles are lightweight solutions ideal for low security applications such as securing bicycles or gym lockers without requiring excessive strength to break them apart.
Mortise Locks
Mortise locks are heavy duty door locks typically used on external doors but available in light-duty models suitable for interior usage as well; they’re actually part of larger lock sets than just standalone locks due to their complex internal systems comprised of knobs or levers along with cylindrical bodies threaded together utilizing mortise components embedded within wooden doors. Mortise boxes house these components within deep recesses found at edges of doors while set screws combined with cams form locking mechanisms once correctly aligned during installation processes; cylinders can range in size according to usage requirements so proper measurements must be taken before purchasing mortise lock sets otherwise they may not fit properly within pre-existing doors thus requiring replacement installations altogether.
All Locked Down
Other door varieties exist besides those listed above including lever handle door locks which function similarly to knob locks but feature ergonomic designs allowing easier manipulation when opening/closing along with ensuring better grip when unlocking/locking via keys while also evaluating backseat measurement standards since sizes may need adjusting depending upon previously installed locksets among other factors such as handedness (i.e., right vs left). All in all, there’s certainly no shortage when it comes down to selecting safe & secure door solutions so taking time necessary researching what best options suit particular needs helps bringing peace & comfort knowing one’s assets remain protected owing much thanks towards reliable hardware designed specifically safeguarding what really counts most – peace & safety above all else!
