Various Lock Types & Their Uses

Your locks may seem basic, but they have a tough job to perform. As the basic foundation of your home or business’s security in Covington, GA, your locks are vital to keep unwanted intruders and other undesirable elements out of your property. Knowing the different lock types that are available can help you not only understand more about the locks on your home or business and whether they could use an upgrade, but also what options are available.

Manual Lock Hardware 

Knob Locks 

Knob locks are the most commonly found type of lock on residences across Georgia, including both interior and exterior doors. That’s no accident—knob locks are affordable, easy to install, and effortless to use. They can be purchased at a hardware store for a very inexpensive cost. However, the saying “you get what you pay for” really applies with most knob locks. These locks provide a very low level of basic security that is unfortunately quite easy to bypass, via methods such as lockpicking, “bumping,” or simple brute force. Some high security forms of knob locks exist that involve a more sophisticated pin system and additional security features, although they are more expensive than traditional knob locks. In general, locksmiths and other security experts recommend that you restrict use of knob locks to interior doors that need a low level of security, such as trying to keep your kids out of your office. 

Deadbolts 

Deadbolts should be on every exterior door for both homes and businesses. That’s because this inexpensive lock also provides very effective security. There are two main types of deadbolts, which can be either keyed or keyless (usually featuring a numbered keypad): single- and double-sided deadbolts. Single-sided deadbolts feature a lock cylinder on the outside and a thumb-turn mechanism on the inside. Double-sided deadbolts require a key on either side to lock and unlock the door.  

Combination Locks

These common locks are found in a wide variety of applications, such as lockboxes and safes. Instead of using a key, these locks feature a set of numbered dials that must be turned to display the correct code number to remove the lock. 

Keypad Locks 

Keypad locks are an increasingly popular form of locks for homes and businesses. Instead of having a key cylinder, these locks utilize a button keypad system. To be opened, you must input a pin number instead of inserting a key. These locks are very convenient and difficult to bypass. 

Padlocks

Padlocks are the only type of freestanding lock available, meaning that they are not permanently affixed to any one place. Padlocks can feature a combination or a key lock mechanism. These unique locks feature a shackle which is affixed to the place that is meaning to be locked up, and then hooked back into the body of the lock. Padlocks come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes for different applications, from protecting lockers to gates. Often insurance companies will recommend that you use a padlock for protecting certain items from theft. In general, padlocks are affordable and easy to use. However, if the key is lost, you may have to have the padlock cut off depending on the type. 

Electronic Locks 

Electronic locks are most often found on commercial properties but have been steadily gaining popularity for private homes. Electronic locks are more expensive than manual locks, but provide a higher level of security and peace of mind for property owners. Most people find electronic locks to be worth the higher price. Many types of this electronic form of access control allow you to track the comings and goings of people on your property, which can be useful in assessing for security vulnerabilities and honing in on problems.   

Digital Keypad Locks

Similar to their non-electronic counterparts, digital keypads usually use a four- or six-digit pin number to grant access. Digital keypads may have additional security features, such as a lockout timer if the wrong code is input too many times in a row. 

Smart Locks

Part of the technological wave of “smart” home products that were developed to improve security, access control, and energy efficiency. Smart locks are controlled using an app on your smart phone. They can usually be controlled and even monitored from anywhere using your phone, making them a convenient and highly secure option for your home.      

Key Card Readers

Key cards have long been used in the hotel and medical industries because they offer a wide-ranging form of access control. If you have a business with many employees that you need to keep track of, especially if you have a moderate to high turnover rate of staff members, key card readers are ideal. They allow you to easily grant and revoke access as well as to restrict certain areas of your building. 

Biometric Locks 

Biometric entry systems are an exciting innovation in electronic security that utilize physical data in place of keys, pin numbers, or other access credentials. They are the most effective entry protection systems on the market today, allowing you to control access to your building with ease. Types of biometric lock systems include fingerprint readers, retinal scanners, and facial recognition scanners. While biometric locks are more expensive than other electronic locks, they offer a nearly unbeatable level of protection. 

What to Consider When Choosing Locks

Whether you’re in the market to fully upgrade the security of your commercial property, or you just want to replace a few locks in your home, there are a few factors that are important to consider. What level of security is necessary for your property? While some areas require low to moderate protection, other areas, such as an off-limits area of your business, require highly secure locks. How many doors or windows are you looking to protect or upgrade? What is your budget? How convenient do you want your locks to be? Do you need any tracking information or access control features? Answering these questions will help you determine what locks are best. 

No matter the specific needs required in your situation, the best place to turn for information, repair, replacement, and installation of locks of all varieties, both manual and electronic, is a professional locksmith company. Certified locksmiths with a passion for this ancient field can advise you as to the best locks to choose for your property among the options available. Knowing your options and the pros and cons of each is useful in helping you determine which locks are right for your property in terms of security and convenience.