What Are The Different Kinds Of Locks?

When looking for a lock for your house, your search may be overwhelming. This is because there are very many types. Up to two thousand different kinds. Your security purpose will determine the kind of lock for your residence. Having all these many different kinds, They can be categorized into four broad categories: levers, deadbolts, padlocks and knob locks. Padlocks come in various types according to size and shape.

The two main categories are keyed and combination. In keyed padlocks, we have rekeyable and non-rekeyable. Rekeyable can be opened using any other key while non-rekeyable you cannot change the key that opens that lock. We also have key-retaining and non-key-retaining. A key-retaining padlock will not allow the key to being removed while it is open. Keyable padlocks are considered to be safer than non-keyable because one has only to combine a set of numbers to open them. Deadbolts are the other type of lock. They are installed on external doors. They come in three varieties: double, single and lockable thumb turn.

Single deadbolts use a key cylinder on the outside and a thumb turn on the inside to lock and open. It is the one that is the most common. One major disadvantage about it is that once an intruder has access through say an open window one can open the door on the inside. It is therefore used in minor rooms such as bathrooms.

A double cylinder deadbolt, on the other hand, uses a key cylinder on the inside and the outside. Its disadvantage is that one always requires a key to open. This is dangerous in the event of an emergency such as a fire. A blend of both is the lockable thumb turn.

Knob locks are the other type of door locks. They can be used in garage doors, bedroom doors or front doors. They have knobs on both sides. One side having a key hole to unlock the door and the other a lock. It is not considered to be safe since it can be simply broken by a wrench, a rock or a hammer. It is therefore not advised to be placed on the front door. Lever handle locks are the last category. They are more stylish than any other locks and easily accessible to the handicap population, they are common in public buildings. They don’t require keys.

These locks may sometimes get stuck or broken. If such an incidence occurs, a skilled locksmith should be hired to fix the lock. Otherwise, things may just get worse and fatal if an accident occurs.

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