Door Locks
There are countless types, kinds, sizes, qualities, and variations of locks. Until about the last 25 years, when people referred to a lock, they generally meant mechanical locks. Mechanical locks are the classic type of lock that are opened and closed using a key. When the key is turned in the keyhole in a certain direction, it engages the bolts in the door to lock or unlock it.
They have a long history, do not require batteries, are durable, and easy to use. The latest versions may include an automatic locking function, meaning all bolts engage when the door is closed. Although it is considered an older technology, when the keys of double-ended locks are lost, the entire lock must be replaced. However, in cylinder locks only the cylinder needs to be replaced.
Types of Locks
1. Padlocks
Padlocks are common in the door lock category and come in various sizes. They may have U-shaped, bar-shaped, square, or rectangular forms.
One end of the shackle remains inside the lock while the other end moves freely up and down to lock or unlock the door. Padlocks are among the easiest types of locks to use and are suitable for offices, homes, workplaces, and lockers.
2. Knob Locks
These knob locks are quite popular and are commonly used in homes, offices, or apartments. They are installed on the exterior side of the entrance door and often have additional deadbolts for security purposes. One of the main advantages of this lock is that the lock itself stays in place and only the key needs to be carried.
They may have single or double cylinder mechanisms. However, they are not considered the most secure door locks, so it is always better to combine them with a deadbolt.
3. Lever Handle Locks
This type of lock is a popular choice for offices or interior doors in homes. It is commonly used in offices, stores, and commercial cabinets. It is generally not suitable for main or exterior doors but may be used for bathroom and bedroom doors.
4. Deadbolt Locks
Deadbolt locks provide stronger protection against forced entry or burglary. They feature a bolt that moves by turning a key or rotating a knob without the use of a spring.
Their unique locking mechanism offers better resistance against physical attacks. There are three main types: single-cylinder, double-cylinder, and vertical deadbolt locks. Single-cylinder deadbolts are the simplest and can be activated with a key from one side. Double-cylinder locks can be operated with a key from both sides, while vertical deadbolts function similarly to single and double deadbolts.
5. Cam Locks
Cam locks are commonly used in cabinets, safes, mailboxes, and many other applications. They are a simplified version of a door lock and operate by turning a cam that locks or unlocks the door.
6. Smart or Digital Locks
A smart lock is a modern technological device that allows doors to be locked or unlocked without using a traditional key. Instead, it works with a PIN code, card, fingerprint, or biometric system.
When using a smart lock system, it is important not to forget the entry PIN and to avoid entering too many incorrect codes. These are also known as digital locks.
There are three types of smart or digital door locks:
- Bluetooth
- Wireless Internet (Wi-Fi)
- Z-Wave
Bluetooth is the most common connection type for smart locks and connects directly to your smartphone without requiring a central hub. It can automatically detect the device when you are within range and unlock the door when you arrive. However, the lock cannot be controlled once you move out of range.
Smart lock manufacturers also use Wi-Fi connections to open and close doors. However, Wi-Fi locks drain the battery faster than Bluetooth connections.
Z-Wave connections link the lock to a hub that communicates with an internet-connected mobile device.
If the hub cannot be found within range, a signal extender can help strengthen the connection.
7. Chain Locks
Chain locks are typically used on hotel doors, terrace doors, and storage rooms.
They allow the door to be opened slightly to see who is outside without fully unlocking it. Similar to barrel bolt locks, they are attached to the door and allow the chain to slide so the door can be partially opened or secured.
8. Latch Locks
The key fits into the cylinder and the internal components move to engage the latch or bolt inside the door. This mechanism moves within the door frame to lock or unlock the door.
9. Mortise or Rim Locks
These locks are mostly used for large commercial doors, decorative buildings, or glass doors and are also known as rim locks. They are installed inside the door and appear as a long metal piece extending outward, offering high privacy and security.
10. Furniture Locks
Furniture locks are ideal for cabinets or desks and come in two types: sliding and push-button locks.
They consist of a flat metal locking mechanism that secures the furniture. Push-button locks have a rod that locks the mechanism when the internal button is pressed.
These locks are also suitable for sliding doors and filing cabinets.
11. Multipoint Locks
Multipoint locks are newer types of door locks and are popular due to their extra security and suitability for large entrance doors. They are ideal for French doors, composite doors, and patio doors.
12. Barrel Bolt Locks
Barrel bolt locks are traditional sliding locks available in different sizes and materials.
They help lock and unlock doors and consist of two components fixed to the door and the door frame. They also provide extra security for interior spaces and are commonly used in residential or public restroom doors.
13. Electronic Locks
Electronic locks are part of a new generation of locking mechanisms that do not require a traditional key or mechanical system to operate.
A keypad, card, or bar system is used to automatically open or lock the door. They are commonly used in offices, hotel rooms, restaurants, and homes. These locks also include a logging feature that tracks lock usage and access times.
What is a Smart Lock System?
A smart lock system allows the door to be unlocked without a key, using fingerprint recognition, mobile applications, or remote controls.
How Do Keyless Entry Locks Work?
Similar to the keyless entry systems used in vehicles, this technology is now widely used in living spaces.
The advantage of keyless entry systems is that they eliminate the need for physical keys and remove the need to copy or store keys for children, relatives, friends, or house staff.
Most of these electronic locks use a numeric code for access, while some use biometric scanners to read fingerprints. Once a user’s code or fingerprint is registered in the system, they can enter without a physical key.
Many keyless entry systems are also designed to integrate with home automation systems, allowing homeowners to see who locked or unlocked the door through a smartphone application. If someone forgets to lock the door, the owner can lock it remotely using the same application.
Since these locks use electricity, backup power sources must be considered.
If the lock system is not physically connected to the building’s electrical system, it operates with batteries. Since batteries do not last forever, it is important to pay attention to warning signals and replace them on time.
Electric Locks
In wired electric locks, a button sends an electrical impulse to unlock the door. A classic example is remote door opening.
The electrical mechanism can be activated via a keypad or remote control. These locks have a long history, are simple, reliable, durable, and easy to use. They may also feature automatic locking when the door closes.
Electronic and Motorized Locks
The unlocking system works instantly and integrates with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connections. The door can be controlled remotely via smartphone, key card, or transmitter.
Features include access control, door status monitoring, home automation integration, rapidly changeable credentials, and automatic locking when the door closes.
They operate either with batteries or direct power supply.
Magnetic Locks
This type of lock is extremely simple and consists of two basic parts: a positive and a negative magnet. One is placed inside the bolt of the lock and the other inside the strike plate on the frame.
They offer minimal wear, quiet operation, and ease of use, but have relatively low holding force and are typically used only for interior doors.
14. Disc Locks
Disc locks function similarly to padlocks and provide high security due to their weight and thickness. They consist of a curved shackle that moves toward the door handle and locks back into place.
15. T-Handle or Vending Machine Locks
The T-handle lock is widely used in vending machines and is very easy to operate. To unlock the mechanism, the T-handle is simply pulled.
These locks are commonly used in vending machines and are secured with a pin-tumbler tubular lock or a similar barrel lock.
They are also found in public telephones, ATM machines, computers, and high-security bicycle locks.