Unlocking the World of Door Locks: A Comprehensive Guide

Door locks play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of homes and workplaces. While there has been a decrease in the number of burglaries committed in the United States over the past decade, there were still over 900,000 reported cases in 2020 according to the FBI. This highlights the importance of having the right door lock to deter potential intruders and safeguard personal and sensitive materials.

There are several types of door locks available on the market, each with its own unique features and benefits. Understanding the differences among them is essential to selecting the right one for your facility. Let's explore seven common types of door locks, their functions, and when to use them.

Knob Locks: The most common type of door lock, knob locks have a lock cylinder located in the knob itself. They are suitable for internal doors, but should not be used on external doors as they can be easily broken into with basic tools.

Cam Locks: These locks consist of a fastener with a rotating arm or cam that locks in place. They are commonly used in vending machines, file cabinets, desks, and display cases to prevent unauthorized access.

Deadbolt Locks: Offering stronger protection against burglary or break-in, deadbolts have a unique locking mechanism that resists physical attacks and is less susceptible to knife or hand tool attacks. They come in three primary types: single-cylinder, double-cylinder, and vertical.

Padlocks: Unlike other types of locks, padlocks are freestanding and portable. They come in keyed and combination models and are commonly used to secure gates, storage containers, and lockers.

Mortise Locks: These locks are powerful and commonly used on external doors. They consist of an internal system and can house knobs or levers to provide more security than cylindrical locks alone.

Keypad Locks: These locks can be opened using an attached numerical keypad rather than a key, offering enhanced versatility and enabling entry without a key. Many keypad locks allow for multiple custom codes, so building managers can easily restrict access.

Smart Locks: These locks are electronic and offer various ways to lock and unlock a door, including through a phone or key fob. Many are also Wi-Fi or Bluetooth enabled, allowing them to connect to home automation services.

In addition to the type of lock, it is also important to consider the door itself. The backset measurement, which is measured from the center of the lock's hole to the edge of the door, is critical to ensure that the lock fits properly. Door handedness, or the direction the door swings when opened, is also crucial for lock installation.

Overall, selecting the right door lock for your facility requires careful consideration of several factors. It is important to invest time in proper research to ensure that you select a lock that best suits your safety, security, and privacy needs.

At Competitive Choice, we offer a wide range of safety and security products, including high-quality door locks. Our door locks come in various designs and sizes, suitable for both residential and commercial properties. As a leading provider of security solutions, we understand the importance of keeping your premises secure, and we take pride in offering reliable and durable products. Our team of experts can assist you in choosing the right type of lock for your property, ensuring maximum protection and peace of mind. We are committed to delivering excellent customer service, and we stand behind all our products with a warranty. Trust Competitive Choice for all your security needs.