Features of different security locks
Before you get a lock installed on your door, you have to know its merits and demerits. Different premises have varying security needs; hence, what works for one premise might not work on another. Every premises or home owner has to know the types of lock that would suit them. Below are some of the types of locks and their pros and cons.
a) Padlocks
Padlocks are the most basic types of door locks. They are unique since they do not need any form of attachment to a specific part; they operate on their own. They are portable, and can be incorporated into the most simple or the most complex of door systems. There are two categories of padlocks; the combination padlock and the key padlock. The combination padlock requires one to enter a set of their numbers, which unlocks the lock. A key padlock has a specific design of key that opens an individual padlock. There are key padlocks that retain the key until you lock them. These are preferred by people who are susceptible to losing keys.
Merits
• They need no special installation.
• They are affordable.
• There is a variety of designs to choose from.
Demerits
• One can lose keys for keyed padlocks.
• One can forget the password for the combination lock padlock.
b) Deadbolts
There are three major types of deadbolts.
1. Single Cylinder Deadbolts
These types of deadbolts are composed of a lock that is opened on the outside by use of a key and on the inside by means of a thumbturn.
Merits
• One who is inside does not need a key. This makes it convenient for when is stuck in the house during an emergency such as a fire.
Demerits
• If an intruder gains access to the inside thumbturn, they can unlock the door.
2. Double Cylinder Deadbolts
These deadbolts need to be opened on both sides by a key.
Merits
• In the event that an intruder gains access to the inside of the door, they cannot unlock the door.
Demerit
• It is very risky in the event of a fire or other emergency, as one will be stuck in the house with no way of getting out, unless they first search for their keys.
3. Three Cylinder Deadbolts
A three cylinder is a unique combination of the single cylinder and the double cylinder deadbolt. It allows for the use of a thumbturn when one is inside the house. When leaving, they can lock it so that it cannot be opened on either side without the use of a key.
Merits
• With a three cylinder deadbolt, you get the best of both worlds, security and convenience.
The major demerit of the deadbolt is that there are very few variations to it. It is quite standardised.
c) Knob Locks
They resemble the usual knobs that you hold and turn, only that there is a lock installed within it.
Merits
• They are efficient locking mechanisms for use alongside deadbolts.
• Simple to operate.
Demerits
• They offer very little security, given that the locking system is on the knob itself rather than on the door. Thus, if one can manage to pry out the knob, they can manage to unlock the door.
• They are quite cumbersome to grasp and turn, especially when one’s hands are full.
d) Lever Handle Locks
These are a modification of the knob handle doors. These allow someone to conveniently open the door by just pushing down the door level. In addition, there are special variations for the handicapped. They even allow for varying levers for the left-handed and the right-handed.
Merits
• More effective than knobs
Demerits
• ¬¬Can be broken through
e) Digital/ Electronic Door Locks
These are the most recent types of door locks. They open the door depending on the pre-set key, such as a code, biometric details (fingerprints, voice recognition) and many more. These kinds of locking mechanisms can even come equipped with an alarm warning, so that in case of an intruder, they sound an alarm to ward off the intruder.
Merits
• Very secure
Demerits
• Expensive
• Rely on electricity
With the above information about the pros and cons of every different type of door locks in hand, whenever you need security services in Melbourne, you have an idea on what kind of locking mechanism to get if you take your time to do good research using the right resources.
