What Type Of Door Lock Do I Need?

Door Locks are a fundamental component of our homes and offices. They are what keep your home, family, and belongings safe from trespassers, burglars, and a manner of environmental hazards. Choosing the right style for you depends on a number of factors such as size, shape, and design. But there are a vast variety of door locks and handles available on the market. This guide is meant to take you to step by step through the process of choosing the right door lock for your space.  Which door lock is suitable for your home?

But First – what are the different parts of a Door Lock?

Cylinder 

The Cylinder Cover is where the key is inserted. Operation requires a key that fits the cylinder perfectly otherwise the lock will not budge. Even a slightly misshapen key can prevent unlocking! A number of spring-loaded pins within the cylinder move as the correct key are inserted, allowing unlocking by opening the bolt. Some locks may be single cylinders, others double. Single variations only allow locking and unlocking from one side of the door, the other end will have a twist knob. The keyed side is installed on the external end of the house whilst the twist knob is on the inside to allow for locking without a key. Double cylinders require a key on either side. This type is usually found in public spaces where you don’t want anyone to be able to lock from the inside without a key.

Bolt or Latch

This category can be further subdivided into two types: Deadbolts and Spring bolts. As will be mentioned later, once a key fits into the cylinder, the pins move and engage the bolt of the lock. The part is usually contained within a hollowed-out space in the door called the box.

• Dead Bolts must be locked manually with a key. This type is far more secure and durable than a spring bolt.
• Spring bolts are engaged using a key in the cylinder much like a deadbolt. However, the pins move to compress a clip that unlocks the door. Closing the door is enough to decompress the clip and lock the door on its own.

Strike plate

This keeps the door in position when locked and is installed on the door frame. As it is screwed on externally, it is easy to replace if damaged.

Box

A square, hollowed-out space within the door frame is designed to fit the bolt on the door for proper latching motion.

What are the different styles of Door Locks?

Knob Locks – In this style of Door Knob, the locking cylinder resides within the knob instead of within the door. They can have a single or double cylinder and so allow locking from the inside if required. This is one of the most common styles of door knob used for securing most doors. The construction of this style limits it to indoor installation, as it can easily be broken into using tools such as wrenches and hammers. They are more suited to bedrooms and bathrooms unless paired with deadbolts or other more secure locks.

Deadbolts – A large number of home and property owners choose to install both door knob locks as well as deadbolts as an added layer of security. This in turn reduces and prevents the risk of intruders. Deadbolt Locks are separate from doorknobs and create a secure lock system that is very difficult to break into. Double-cylinder variations of this style offer even greater levels of security than the single-cylinder variation.

Cam Locks – A cam consists of a fastener with an attached arm that allows locking through rotation. Cylindrical in shape, they fit into a metal tube with a circular hole on one end which helps to position the bolt-on insertion. It is a less common lock mostly suited for cabinets and desks rather than doors.

Handle Sets – These consist of a Door Handle paired with a keyed opening or twist knob utilized for locking from the internal side. It features a deadbolt, which allows for extra security and hence can be installed on the exterior of homes.

Hand Levers – These are an excellent option for internal doors such as basements or closets. A simple handle lever is installed on one side of the door and a twist knob on the other. Although this style provides less security, it allows for greater ease of use and fast opening or closing.

Barrel Bolt – Commonly referred to as a sliding bolt. It is installed on the inner side of the room. It consists of two parts, one which is installed on the door frame and the other which is the main locking counterpart installed on the door itself. You may wish to install a barrel bolt both at the top and toward the bottom of a door for added safety.

Chain Lock – This type is commonly used on the inside of hotel doors. Like the barrel bolt, the device consists of two parts, the catch being installed on the door frame and the main locking counterpart on the door itself. This style is particularly useful for allowing the user to greet the visitor without allowing access to the room. The person won’t be allowed inside until the door closes and the chain is released from the lock.

FAQs about Door locks

How does a portable door lock work?

This is a locking device that is used by travelers and renters for an added layer of personal security. It can only function if the individual is within the room they are locking. This is good to keep in mind if there are others sharing the accommodation as there is no way to access the lock from the outside.

How long can I expect a front door lock to function?

This is usually outlined in the manufacturer’s guidelines. However, on average, a lock can be expected to work for seven years with proper maintenance.

How can I measure for a Door lock?

For this, you will need to inspect your door by considering the backseat. This is measured from the center of a lock’s hole to the edge of a door. The most commonly used measurements are 2 ¾ inches and 2 ⅜ inches. Additionally, you should consider the locking bore, which is the diameter of the hole where the lock sits, as well as the lock spacing, the distance between two holes of locks if there is both a deadbolt and a doorknob lock.

Door handling is another important factor to consider in order to ensure the lock you purchase faces the right way. This term refers to which way your door opens. A quick way of figuring this out is by checking where the door hinges are. If they are on the left side of the door, a left-handed lock will be needed, and vice versa.

Door Locks are usually classified into grades ranging from 1 to 3. These numbers represent how well you can expect a lock to function over time. Lower-grade locks wear out faster but are less costly. Grade 1 locks will provide high security whereas Grade 3 is for basic security.