Security and convenience are the top priorities when protecting homes, offices, and other commercial properties. Selecting a proper lock is critical to gain the desired security & safeguard property. This paper discusses the various types of door locks from conventional mechanical door locks to a digital lock for main door. Notably, this article analyzes different working principles of door locks while giving insights into their features.
Types of Door Locks
- Deadbolt Locks
Deadbolt locks are among the best and most popular lock types used indoors. These require a key or thumb turn for their operation and the kind that is placed directly on the door and protrudes into the door frame when locked. These locks come in three types:
- Single-cylinder deadbolts: It could be opened from the outside with a key and from within with a thumb turn only.
- Double-cylinder deadbolts: Both sides opening; A door requires a key to open from both inside and outside and may provide extra security but fast to open during an evacuation.
- Keyless deadbolts: In some cases, combined with computer technology and, as a result, completely replaced by it.
- Knob Locks
Knob locks are used most frequently on interior doors, and should be considered less secure than deadbolt locks. The locking system is placed where the knob is positioned and this makes the door prone to break-ins. As for the exterior doors, knob locks need to be used in conjunction with other types of locks.
- Lever Handle Locks
Lever handle locks are common for interior doors in commercial structures due to their correct handle form. These locks are easier to turn the handle than knob locks, thus it is good for persons with disability. Although they are not bad they are only moderate in terms of security and hence should not be used at main doors.
- Padlocks
Padlocks are locks that can be easily moved around and are commonly used for gates, lockers, or storage space. They come in two types:
- Combination padlocks: Demand a numerical code to get access.
- Keyed padlocks: Operated with a physical key.
- Digital Locks
Digital locks unveil the latest trends in security technologies; their functionality is coupled with industrial design. Suitable to install at the main door, convenience is assured because they do not require keys; instead, one can use codes, RFID cards, or even fingerprints. They frequently come with enhanced security, in the form of additional encryption.
- Smart Locks
Smart locks are a category of digital locks, but they have connectivity aspects that set them apart. Smart locks can be operated through smartphones or voice assistants connected with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. These are very versatile, and most will contain options such as the ability to issue a visitor’s pass or record of entry and exit.
Mechanisms of Door Locks
- Spring Bolt Mechanism
Spring lock bolts incorporate a spring holding the bolt in place until a key or handle is turned. Found in latch-style locks, this is fast to operate yet is insecure compared to other lock types as it can be opened by force.
- Deadbolt Mechanism
Deadbolts contain a rotating cylinder that must, be turned with a key or turned by its handle or thumb. If there is no spring, the bolt merely stays still bestowing far greater leverage against attempts at prying or kicking.
- Pin Tumbler Mechanism
The pin tumbler mechanism is among the most common lock mechanisms in the world today. It employs a sequence of pins that require the correct positioning of the shear line. A mechanical key-in-the-hole system which is the most common type present in most of the cylinder locks, is highly reliable.
- Wafer Tumbler Mechanism
Wafer tumbler locks work in ways to pin tumbler locks, however, instead of pins they have flat wafers. These locks provide little or no security but they are common in applications requiring low strength, such as the use in filing cabinets or interior doors.
- Disc Tumbler Mechanism
Disc tumbler mechanisms involve discs that need to sit in a particular position before they align with a cut-out in the lock. Popular in secure environments, these locks range from those that cannot be picked.
- Electronic Mechanism
Electronic modes of operation do not require the use of actual keys. Such systems employ code, fingerprints, or Electronic signals to allow entry into these systems. There are common smart locks & digital lock systems to meet the contemporary security demands.
Conclusion
These can be broken down into the following categories: Traditional Deadbolt Locks, Keypad/Smart Locks, Electronic Locks, Mortise Locks, Handlesets/Cylinder Locks, Emergency Exit Locks, and padlocks/Pad Bolt Locks. Understanding the mechanisms and the features of the traditional deadbolts and new forms of the systems: digital ones and smart ones is critical to making the right choice. Technologies such as smart lock features are revolutionizing how security is being administered today through convenience like none other.
