Types of Locks for Residential and Commercial Use

It can be overwhelming attempting to find the right commercial or residential locks since there are so many to choose from. However, you’re in luck if you live in Dorchester, MA because Dorchester Locksmith can advise you on the type of lock that would be most appropriate for your needs. It can often be helpful when someone simply spells things out for you. Below you will find a few of the most widely used types of locks used today for both commercial and residential use. Even though you may already be familiar with the most common locks used, such as deadbolt, lever locks, padlocks and knob locks, you may not be familiar with how they work. Knowing how these and others actually work, may help you narrow down your options.

1. Deadbolt Locks

Most people don’t realize that there are three different types of deadbolt locks, double, single and thumb turn deadbolt locks. Single cylinder deadbolt locks are used most commonly in homes. This is when a key cylinder is used on the exterior of the door with the thumb turn on the interior of the door that allows you to open the door. The only downside to this type of lock is that you will always have to have the key to open from either side. This could pose a real safety threat because if you’re unable to locate the key, you won’t be able to unlock the deadbolt. Having a key on the inside of the door is recommended in cases of an emergency. The thumb turn deadbolt offers both the single and the double cylinder. The thumb turns inside functions like a single cylinder deadbolt. The only difference is that a thumb turn deadbolt can be locked with the key. Maximum security is offered when you sue a thumb turn lock.

2. Padlocks

A padlock is a secure lock but it isn’t permanent. They come in various sizes and easily be moved to wherever they are needed. There is a combination padlock or a keyed padlock. When you purchase a combination padlock, you use a sequence of numbers to unlock and lock the padlock. A keyed padlock is offered in rekeyable and non-rekeyable. When you have a non-rekeyable lock, you are not able to change the lock. A key-retaining lock will not enable you to lock the door when the lock is open.

3. Rim/Mortise Locks

You will often find these types of locks are used for commercial doors and in apartments. These two locks are similar in certain areas but use different hardware. The rim cylinder lock is placed on the inside of a door. It has a long metal piece that goes into the back of the lock, which eventually connects with the lock mechanism on the opposite side of the door. A mortise lock has hardware on the inside of the door. The lock uses a cam to connect the locking hardware and is held together by a setscrew. These types come in different lengths and are offered with a different cams depending on the type of mortise hardware that is used.

4. Knob Locks

The knob locks are typically found on the exterior of the home door. These types of locks should not be used as your primary lock. The lock cylinder on a knob lock is situated inside the knob and not inside the door. This means it is easy to break the knob and gain access the lock and unlock features. This type of lock is a lot more useful for doors inside your home and should be used in addition to a deadbolt lock, if used as a primary lock.

5. Lever Handle Locks

The lever handle lock is often installed on the interior door of commercial businesses. They provide easy accessibility by simply pushing down on the handle to open. The lever handle lock makes your business handicap accessible.

6. Wall Mounted Locks

These types of locks are also used for commercial businesses. The come in handy for more than just security. They are also used to store keys used for the business. It isn’t unusual that this type of lock is also used as a safe. The wall-mounted lock is often installed while the building is being constructed. Some wall-mounted locks feature alarm sensors that are able to detect entry that has not been authorized.

7. Jimmy Proof Deadbolts

These types of locks can generally be found on apartment doors. You are not able to make many modifications to the door that this type of lock will be installed on. Since the lock connects to the jamb bracket, it is very hard to force apart. It is easy to install since it screws right into the inside the door. Only a hole needs to be drilled through the door in order to install the rim cylinder.

8. Rim Latch Locks

This lock has a rim cylinder on one side and surface mount latch on the other. This is another lock that is primarily used on apartment complex doors. Again, this wouldn’t be the type of lock that you would want to use as your primary lock without using another more durable type of lock, such as a deadbolt.

9. Interchangeable Core Cylinder

Mostly found on the doors of larger businesses, this type of lock is known for their ability to easily open and rekey. Re-keying this type of lock can occur without taking the lock apart. The only thing that needs to be changed is the core. Two different types of keys will open an interchangeable core cylinder, a standard key and control key. This lock is useful because you don’t need to change the locks hardware in order to change the lock.  The lock can be upgraded at any time. You cannot, however, install this type of lock with a deadbolt lock or locks that do not work with interchangeable core cylinders. This is identified by the figure eight on the outside of the lock.