Are you looking for the best locks to use in your home or business? If so, you’ll want to consider security keys, cylinders, and deadbolts.
These devices are all used as door locks in residential and commercial properties respectively. When it comes to picking out a lock for your property, there are many factors that will influence your decision. For example- some people prefer traditional keyed locks while others may like electronic access systems like biometrics (fingerprint recognition).
Security is a top priority for homeowners, renters, and business owners alike. And while locks are an important aspect of security, so too are keys or keyless entry systems. In this blog post, we’ll uncover the secrets behind one popular type of lock: the cylinder lock.
We’ll also explore how to choose between a traditional deadbolt and a cylinder-deadbolts combination. Finally, we’ll discuss why cylinders can be vulnerable to tampering even if they have been installed correctly by a professional locksmith.
This blog post will cover:
- What is inside your door’s lock?
- Cylinder vs deadbolt – pros and cons of each system
- Are cylinders vulnerable to tampering?
- How secure are locksmith-installed locks?
When it comes to picking the right lock for your home, there is no perfect answer. Each system has its pros and cons. Before you decide on a cylinder or deadbolt system, you should weigh all of these factors. Let’s start with looking inside the lock.
What is inside your door’s lock?
Depending on your specific type of locking system, there are several different parts that make up a lock you can see. The first component inside the door is called the shell. This part of the lock attaches directly to your doorframe and is responsible for holding all other components tightly in place.
The second part of your lock is the housing. This piece of metal is placed inside the shell and allows key pins to move up and down freely. In terms of construction, locks are typically made from either thermoplastic or metal materials.
As for the third part, that is the actual bolt or latch. This bar can slide in and out of your doorframe. When a key is turned inside the lock, this bolt will either retract or extend to secure or unlock your door from its frame.
Your deadbolt may also have a cylinder component that inserts into the housing at one end. The cylinder is like a donut- it has an inner and outer edge. When unlocked, the key can move freely around the lock’s cylinder housing.
Cylinders come in different sizes, shapes, and colors depending on your needs as a homeowner or business owner. For example- if you’re a renter living in a studio apartment, you might want a small, compact cylinder so that the lock doesn’t take up too much space on your door’s surface.
On the other hand, if you have an industrial shop with large metal gates out front- then a larger cylinder would be more appropriate. In terms of shape and color- cylinders can be either rectangular or round. Finally, there are several different types of locks that can be attached to your door’s cylinder.
Expert Locksmith Tip: Different types of locks have different-looking parts on the outside, but all share these same basic components within the lock itself.
Cylinder vs deadbolt door locks – pros and cons of each system
Let’s move on to cylinder locks specifically. These types of locks are not only found on exterior doors but can also be featured on some interior doors as well.
When the tumblers inside the cylinder lock slide, they change the path of a bolt and give you access to whatever is protected by that particular lock. Although these systems are fairly reliable and secure, there are some downsides. For example, if your key breaks in the lock, it can be difficult or impossible to open from the inside of your home. Also, most cylinder locks don’t offer a secondary lock for deadbolt use.
Now let’s look at deadbolts. Deadbolts are also found on doors both interior and exterior, and they can often be used in combination with a cylinder lock system.
If you’re looking for a lock that can be easily opened from the inside in case of an emergency, a cylinder-style deadbolt might be a good option.
Deadbolts offer added security in that they not only have locking pins but also a separate metal bar extending to the floor and back into the doorframe. In addition, a deadbolt does not require a key to enter from the inside of your home, but it can be locked from the outside. These types of locks are typically stronger and more durable than cylinder locks because they have one less component that can fail.
Still, there are several downsides to deadbolt systems as well. For example, most homeowners find them harder to lock and unlock. Also, they can be more difficult to change if you lose your key or buy a new house. Finally, deadbolts are not ideal for use in areas with high levels of humidity because these systems are susceptible to rusting.
Deadbolts feature completely different parts than cylinders do; the most noticeable difference is the lack of a keyhole.
One big advantage of deadbolts is the fact that they can be locked from the outside or inside: if you’re away and want to secure your home, simply engage the deadbolt and no one will be able to enter through that door.
Are cylinders vulnerable to tampering?
Cylinders are often tampered with, but it’s important to understand another reason why they can be targeted for tampering: lack of security.
The National Hardware Show conducted a study that revealed that 78 percent of door installs were done incorrectly by locksmiths or installers. This means that if you have had your home rekeyed or have had some other kind of housing or shell replacement, your locks might not be as secure as you think they are.
If a cylinder has been made incorrectly, it can allow criminals to easily break into your home. If you have experienced any of the following issues with a lock on your door, it’s possible that someone has tampered with or replaced the cylinder:
- Keys slipping in or out of the lock easily
- Locks that are hard to open or close
- Locks that do not align properly with the strike plate
How secure are locksmith-installed door locks?
Locksmiths are skilled individuals, but they rely on the specifications of manufacturers when installing parts. Just like you can’t assume all locksmiths do an excellent job with every lock installation, you cannot assume they’ll install your new cylinder back into your door properly either.
When it comes to picking the right lock for your home, there are many options to consider. Good locksmiths suggest that the best security locks are typically deadbolts. If you’re looking for a door lock that can easily be opened from both the inside and outside, then a cylinder should do the trick. Thanks to advancements in technology, there are cylinders available with added protection features like pick-resistant pins.
As you now know, keyless locks are available in both cylinder and deadbolt styles. If you own a business that requires daily entry and exit for employees, then having a keyless system with keypad features will be your best option. These systems come with improved security features like anti-bump pins and pick-resistant locks. They also have an added feature that allows you to set temporary codes for certain employees.
We hope this article was helpful in guiding you as to which type of lock will work best for your home, business space, or other areas where you need a secured entryway! And always remember that if you are interested in upgrading your locks or practicing more security, it’s always wise to consult with a trained and professional locksmith.
Also, if you would like help finding the best locks for your home or business, feel free to send us an email any time at manager@kingdoorandlock.com!