Popular Door Locks and Keys
In order to make informed choices, it is important to know the types of locks and keys available. Ottawa Locksmiths has been helping homeowners and commercial enterprise managers make the right choices in locks and keys, you must contact a professional locksmith before making a choice too.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Door Lock
When choosing car door locks, the first step is to determine what type of lock you would like to install—or if you are replacing a lock that is already in place. Next, consider two things: the quality of its components and extra features, as well as its installation requirements.
Type
Deciding what to look for in a new door lock can be tricky. There are many different designs to choose from, and no two locks are exactly the same. Here are some of the most important things to consider when choosing a new door lock:
Single cylinder locks- Single cylinder locks are popular for the convenience they offer to residents. The single cylinder opens with a key from the outside and operates inside by turning a thumb-knob. In addition to the exterior keyhole, some newer single cylinder locks feature a keypad that permits residents to enter a numerical code to unlock the door. A keypad makes it handy for family members who wish to avoid fumbling for keys in their purse or pocket.
Double cylinder locks- Double cylinder locks are designed to make inside access as convenient as outside access. Unlike the single cylinder lock, which requires a key for both locking and unlocking, our double cylinder locks open from the outside with a key, but use the same key to lock and unlock from inside. This makes it easier for families with children at home to give kids limited access without allowing them to carelessly lock themselves out!
Vertical locks- Vertical locks feature a vertical bolt that extends through a set of rings to secure the door. A steel strike plate that mounts inside the door frame interlocks with additional steel rings on the lock itself when the door is closed. Vertical locks can be ordered with either single-cylinder or double-cylinder configurations and are most commonly used in commercial applications such as hotels, multi-tenant apartment complexes, and schools.
Smart Locks- Smart locks allow homeowners to keep their keys and lock combinations with them, yet also securely give access to guests. Homeowners can also program in a guest code that grants temporary entry, which is great if you have roommates or house-sitters who might not have an actual key to your home.
Other types of locks
The locks are generally divided into three categories, which are; the modern locks, the traditional locks and other types. The other types of locks include; the padlocks, deadbolts, Knob locks, lever-handle locks, Cam locks and Rim/mortise locks. These padlocks are standalone lock types that are not attached to anything. The deadbolts have been designed for external doors, but they can sometimes be installed on internal doors as well. The options of a deadbolt are normally in three versions which are; single-cylinder versions, double-cylinder versions and thumb-turn versions. It is recommended that you go for the double-cylinder type if you want maximum security for your gate or door system.
Lever handle locks are commonly found in commercial premises, as they are more ergonomic than knobs. They have a longer push down lever which makes them more convenient to use. Cam locks are often used on filing cabinets and mailboxes. Rim/Mortise locks are mounted on the inner part of glass doors, normally found in commercial properties.
Lock Quality
Locks come in many different styles, and you want to choose an option that will keep your home or office safe. To help you find the best lock for your security needs, the National Standard Locksmith Association (NLSA) has a rating system that lets you quickly see how well a lock will perform over time.
Grade 1 – Grade 1 is the highest rating a deadbolt can receive. Grade 1 locks are commonly used at industrial facilities but in recent years, more manufacturers are producing grade 1 locks for residential applications. Grade 1 locks can withstand 10 strikes of 75 pounds of force and one million opening and closing cycles.
Grade 2- A Grade 2 lock is a high-quality product designed to prevent forced entry through doorways, windows and sliding doors. Most of today’s locks are Grade 2 regardless of their type. These locks feature high-quality steel construction and are designed to deter most attempts at forceful entry. Unless you have high-security needs, a Grade 2 lock is probably sufficient. Grade 2 locks can withstand 5 strikes of 75 pounds of force and 800,000 opening and closing cycles.
Grade 3- A Grade 3 lock is strong enough to withstand being attacked with a hammer or other device, but it may contain substandard components that will not hold up to a determined intruder. It won’t last as long as a higher-quality lock – many Grade 3 locks can withstand 2 strikes of 75 pounds of force and 800,000 opening and closing cycles.