Common Lock Types for Homes and Businesses: Which One Is Right for You?
- alvishgajera
- 3 days ago
- 7 min read
Security is always a fundamental concern for both homeowners and business owners. Whether you are thinking of safeguarding your family or protecting your valuables, a protected house always remains the most secure place. Picking the right type of locks is the first step. Modern smart locks for business and residential property hold various functions. For analyzing the smart door locks for your property, you have to evaluate lock types and compare the functions of the different security locks for homes.
There are many types of door locks available; it’s difficult to determine which door lock type is suitable for your requirements. In this blog, we will explore the most common types of locks for homes and commercial properties. The advantages and disadvantages are there along with all practical tips on selecting the right one for your property.
Why the Right Lock Matters
Door locks are more than just physical barriers. Locks are the primary line of defense against any unauthorized access. Installing the wrong lock may leave you vulnerable to break-ins, lock picking and signs of forced entry. Conversely, selecting the appropriate types of lock can offer a sense of security and demonstrate proactive security measures.
How to pick a lock and why do types of locks for doors matter? Different lock types are made with different mechanisms. For picking a suitable lock for your property, here are some factors that you must evaluate first.
Understand the property types from home, apartment, office, retail stores and warehouse.
Levels of security requirements based on access control and high-security zones.
Understand the budget for locks like the advanced electronic system, which are costlier than any standard locks.
Measure your convenience and understand which door lock types are suitable for your property.
Understand the mechanism of different parts of a lock.
Different Types of Locks For Home
Here are some of the common door lock types for your home.
1. Deadbolt Locks
Deadbolts are one of the most trusted and common locks for residential security. Deadbolts do not function based on a spring mechanism; instead, they require a key or thumb turn to rotate the lock cylinder. Deadbolts provide strong protection against any forced entry. Deadbolts are available at affordable rates and are also compatible with many door features. These door locks are suitable for main entry doors in residential homes.
Single-cylinder deadbolts can be operated with a key from the outside and a thumb-turn facility is available from inside.
Double-cylinder deadbolts need a key on both sides. It works as an extra security measure but is less convenient for handling any emergency situation.
Lockable thumb-turn deadbolts have a hybrid design that allows the inside thumb-turn to be locked with a key.
2. Knob Locks
Knoblocks are suitable for residential interior doors and sometimes property owners install them on front doors by combining them with deadbolts. These are easy to install at a low cost and widely available in different designs. How to pick a door knob lock for your property?
These security lock types for homes have a lock cylinder present in the knob, making them vulnerable to brute force attacks. They are not strong enough for exterior locks but convenient for interior doors like bedrooms and restrooms.
3. Lever Handle Locks
These types of locks have a lever without a knob. Making them easier to operate. They are useful for households with elderly family members and people with multiple disabilities. The ergonomic designs and easy-to-use features are suitable for any elderly person’s restrooms.
Lever handle locks come up with different designs and features and are also suitable for the interior doors in an office or office property.
4. Mortise Locks
Mortise locks are heavy-duty locks that are embedded within the door itself. These door locks have excellent durability and strength. Mortise locks are compatible with high-security locks and options for homes. The long-lasting garage doors are also resistant to any kind of tampering and available with multiple locking functions. Mortise locks also serve the purpose of being the best types of sliding glass door locks.
Mortise lock types are pricier than any standard lock, but only professionals can perform their installation. Mortise locks are suitable for main entry doors, especially suitable for the older and traditional style homes and doors.
5. Smart Digital Door Lock
These are the best smart locks for home. They are convenient and powered with multiple advanced features. Property owners can operate the smart locks and update the features from their smartphones and designated apps. The features, like voice commands, are present in the basic function.
The keyless entry system reduces the risks of lost keys. Remote access monitoring features can integrate with the home automation systems. Upfront costs are much higher, as it needs electricity or a battery for operations.
Different Types of Door Locks For Commercial Property
Here are the best commercial property lock types, which are widely popular among business property owners.
1. Locks With Keypads
Property owners can access keypad locks through numerical codes. For the door function, you have to insert the number in the keypad. It’s more secure than a physical key, making it a popular door lock option for business areas. Keypad locks are secure, and property owners can restrict the room's access by sharing codes with specific people.
Property owners can share the specific codes for specific access. Property owners don’t need to manage physical keys, and they can easily change access codes for preserving the property security. Locks can be installed in offices, retail stores, and warehouses.
2. Cam Locks
Cam lock types are commonly found in filing cabinets and other office furniture. Cam locks use a key to rotate a cam, which secures the door or drawer. Cam locks are simple and cost-effective locking solutions.
Compact designs are easy to replace, offer limited security, and are unsuitable for external doors. Cam locks are installed in cabinets,mailboxes,lockers and other office storage systems. Cam lock types of window locks are suitable for secure property.
3. IC Locks
IC locks allow you to quickly and easily replace the lock core without changing the entire locking system. IC locks are convenient for businesses with frequent key changes. These locks are cost-effective and increase the overall security.
For IC locks, compatible hardware and professional handling are a must. IC locks are suitable for large office complexes, schools, and hospitals; however, their installation costs are significantly higher than those of traditional locks.
4. Magnetic Locks
Maglocks work by using an electromagnet to keep doors securely closed. If the power goes out, the lock will release, allowing the door to open. Magnetic locks are strong and can hold force; they are also going to work well with access control systems. These locks are suitable for high-traffic areas, but for proper functioning, they require constant power.
Compared to mechanical locks, magnetic lock types are a more expensive locking option. Magnetic locks are suitable for high-security businesses, data centers and industrial facilities.
Advanced Locking Systems
Here are the two advanced lock types that are suitable for property.
1. Biometric Locks
Biometric locks use unique biological features, such as fingerprint recognition, retina scans, or facial recognition, to grant access. Biometric locks are high-security solutions that eliminate the requirements of physical keys and codes. Property owners can share specific access with the people they want, but these locks are way pricier than any other locks.
Like other technical gadgets, biometric locks also have issues with face recognition in certain conditions. Regular maintenance is required. These lock types are suitable for high-security offices, smart homes and government facilities.
2. Key Card & RFID Locks
Key card locks operated by cards,fobs and RFID tags for entry and exit. Key cards are often integrated into access control systems and access can be restricted and revoked easily. Convenient for managing the large groups of employees, time tracking and security systems are present.
Key cards can be lost or stolen; the initial step-up costs are much higher. These types of key cards are suitable for hotels, office buildings and high-security educational institutes.
How to Pick a Door Lock?
For picking the proper door lock for your property, you have to analyze a few factors. Carefully evaluate the points to understand how to pick a doorknob lock.
Measure the security level of the property.
Consider two factors like initial investment and long-term maintenance.
Understand how many people need to access the lock and the frequency of use.
Businesses must comply with safety codes for fire exits and other accessibility.
Pick the lock type that matches the property style.
Analyze the future scalability of the lock system and understand whether it satisfies your needs.
How to Maintain a Door Lock Mechanism?
The best maintenance tip is to hire the professionals to maintain the door lock. Murray Avenue locksmith professionals offer maintenance services for door locks by contacting (412) 422-2004. Basic maintenance like surface cleaning and close observations can be done by the property owners.
Murray Avenue locksmith professional door lock experts are providing the following lock maintenance services.
Proper lubrication to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation.
Professional locksmith experts will resolve the misaligned linked door issue.
Property owners often upgrade access systems after major break-ins, employee turnover, or incidents involving lost keys.
Look for signs of wear, tear, tampering, or any major malfunctions.
Professional lock services are required for all types of door locks. If you find any signs of misalignment or detect faulty areas, then it’s the right time to call the Murray Avenue locksmith professionals and resolve it.
In Conclusion
For picking the right lock types for your home or business, you have to analyze a few factors first, like the purpose of the lock and how many people are going to access the doorknob. The business often gets the benefits from advanced systems like keypads, biometric access and other high-security locks. The right lock type, selection depending on the security needs, and budget. A professional locksmith can evaluate your specific situation and, based on these requirements, determine which type of door locks are suitable for your property.
FAQS
What are the differences between residential & commercial locks?
Residential locks focus on usability and convenience. The commercial locks are made from stronger materials rated for heavy traffic. The features of commercial locks include features like master keying and electronic access control.
Which lock is easiest to pick or bypass?
Standard spring latch locks and knobs can be picked fairly easily, but they do require some force to open. For enhanced security, it's a good idea to pair them with deadbolts and upgrade to high-security locks.
How can you determine if your locks need to be replaced?
Our experts will reach your place and evaluate the signs of damages. Typically, old locks need to be replaced; however, upgrading damaged locks does not affect the door and is compatible with modern home security standards.
Is spending on high-security locks worthy?
High-security locks powered with features like drill-resistant cylinders and restricted keyways. They are an excellent choice for any property that needs top-notch security. Investing in the smart locks is worthy. These types of locks are suitable for homeowners who want the best protection for their property.
Should I rekey my locks or replace them?
Rekeying the locks is necessary when the internal pins are malfunctioning. This is a cost-effective option if you have lost a key or moved into a new house, where you want to restrict access without replacing the entire lock.
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