It’s no secret that people rely on locks to protect their property. But did you know that there are different types of locks? Each type of lock has its own unique purpose and offers a different level of security. Here is an overview of the most common types of locks.
When choosing locks for your home or business, you might get overwhelmed by the number of options out there. There are different security factors you need to weigh, aside from the different functions that different locks serve.
Types of locks
The most common types of locks are padlocks, deadbolts, knob locks, and lever handle locks. These different types of locks serve different purposes.
Padlocks
Padlocks are some of the most recognizable and commonly used locks out there. They come in a wide range of sizes and in two varieties: keyed and combination. Keyed padlocks can either be re-keyable or not re-keyable— depending on the kind you get. Combination locks come with a series of number dials that become unlocked when the correct combination is entered.
Deadbolts
Deadbolts are usually installed on exterior doors and are a little more complicated than padlocks. There are three main types of deadbolt locks: single, double, and lockable thumb-turn. American households typically use single-cylinder deadbolts.
Knob Locks
Knob locks are very frequently installed on exterior doors along with deadbolts, and sometimes are used as the main security source for doors. In reality, knob locks really shouldn’t be used for security on exterior doors. These can easily be broken off using a hammer or bypassed with a wrench or pliers.
Lever Handle Locks
Lever handle locks are more secure than knob locks and are typically used on exterior doors. They are harder to break into than knob locks and can’t be easily bypassed.