Home Lock Types and Their Purposes

We all have to deal with locks and keys in our everyday lives. The locks on our front doors and the keys we carry around with us symbolize security, protection, and control over our own safety. There are several different lock types that you may be unfamiliar, as well as some types you are likely well acquainted with.

When it comes to your home, having the right lock types on both your interior and exterior doors is especially important. If you own a home, you may want to consider the locks you currently have and whether or not it is time for a change. Read about the following lock types and examine whether or not your household could benefit from some kind of lock upgrade or installation using one of the lock types listed below.

Knob Locks

Simple knob locks are most often seen on bathroom and bedroom doors. They are intended to offer privacy, rather than high-security. Since knob locks belong on doors that are already in the interior of your home, it is not necessary to have locks on these doors that are unbreakable. Knob locks afford occupants within a bedroom or bathroom necessary privacy, but not protection from break-ins. This is why knob locks should only be used on doors inside of one’s home and for spaces that only warrant privacy and not necessarily high-security.

Deadbolt Locks

Most individuals know what deadbolt locks are and interact with them in some way every day. Single cylinder deadbolts are the type of deadbolts that you know of and see on homes, apartments, and other residential spaces. Single cylinder deadbolt locks have a latch on in the interior side and a key slot on the exterior side of the lock. They are great for securing one’s home while inside and when one leaves. Most homeowners find that a deadbolt lock is enough to keep their properties safe, but deadbolts can easily be paired with other locks for additional security and protection.

Handle Sets

Want something a little more decorative than just a standard deadbolt lock? You are not alone! Sometimes, especially for the exterior of one’s home, it is nice to have a more aesthetically pleasing kind of lock. This is why locks known as handle sets exist. Handle sets work just like deadbolt locks and are just as secure, except they come with a corresponding handle in place of a doorknob.

Latch Locks

A sliding latch lock is a good option if you want to increase security on a door that only has a knob lock or you want to reinforce the deadbolt lock that is already on the door. Latch locks are sliding locks that sit near the top of the door. They are only used for interior locking purposes and are not able to be locked from the exterior side of the door. They are great, however, for securing one’s home once you are inside of it.

Chain Locks

Simple chain locks are similar to latch locks and are placed in much the same way on one’s door. Chain locks, however, are great for doors that do not have peepholes. With a chain lock, you can open your door and prop it open a few inches without totally unlocking it. This is helpful when you want to see who is on the other side of your door without leaving yourself vulnerable to an intruder or invasion.

Electronic Locks

Electronic locks are more popular than ever. You may have heard electronic locks referred to as smart locks, because some models can connect to smartphones via a phone application. This connectivity capability allows homeowners to have the most control over their home security compared to any other kind of option. All from your smartphone, even while out and about, you can lock your doors, set timers for when certain doors will unlock to accommodate babysitters and other individuals, and you can even connect certain models to intercom and camera systems for even more control.

Unlike knob locks, or other smaller locks that you can install yourself, electronic locks will always require professional installation. Luckily, a lot of locksmiths are trained to install electronic and smart locks now and can offer their services for these more sophisticated installations. Be sure to let the locksmith you plan to hire what you are most interested in when it comes to the features inherent to electronic locks. You may be able to live without certain features and save some money by choosing one lock model over another, or you may prefer to have as many security options available to you and your family as possible.

Call a Locksmith Today!

Locks and keys are continually evolving. Just like other forms of technology, security measures are always improving and becoming more efficient. To stay up-to-date on the latest lock and key technology, be sure to work with a local locksmith in your area. This is especially true if you are a homeowner. Periodically upgrading your locks or reprogramming them will be important as technology continues to grow. Having a locksmith you can go to at any time in your area will help you stay on top of the latest updates and potential software changes that may apply to electronic locks or other security devices. No matter what kind of locks you choose to install, always be sure to work closely with a lock and key expert.