Secure Your Home with These Top 7 Locks

The first step to a safer home is getting the right locks. Whether you’re looking for something to secure your front door, or need a lock for an outside shed, we have them all.

There are many different types of locks and keys these days, but it can be hard to know which one is best for your needs. That’s why we offer free consultations where our knowledgeable staff will help you find the perfect solution.

This blog post will give you all the information you need about choosing and installing locks that keep your family safe and secure in their own home: from picking out the right lock type (keyed entry vs keyless) to helping with installation (do I need a professional?). We even go through some emergency lockouts, just in case the worst should happen.

 

Top Door Lock Type #1: Deadbolt Lock

A deadbolt lock is a locking mechanism that secures your exterior doors. It’s locked and unlocked with a key from the outside, which sets it apart from other locks that can be accessed via a handle or thumb-turn on the inside.

Deadbolts are excellent for homes with children since they are very difficult to break into. Our deadbolts have high-security cylinders which make them difficult for thieves to pick open even if they use crowbars or other tools to break in. They all come with standard keys as well as emergency keys should you lose your primary key.

Installing a deadbolt lock is easy and only takes about fifteen minutes per door: first, remove the old cylinder, then install the new one, insert 2 AA batteries into the keypad, program your desired security code, and you’re finished! If you need any help or have questions about installation, don’t hesitate to call us.

 

Top Door Lock Type #2: Keyed Entry Locks

Keyed entry locks are considered the most secure type of exterior door locks. They’re used for both your front and back door. When the door is closed, the keyed entry lock allows you to engage/disengage the deadbolt from the inside – preventing burglars from breaking in through a window. When the door is open, you can turn the handle to disengage the deadbolt, giving residents easy access.

Many keyed entry locks can be opened with a code instead of a physical key, which reduces the hassle of keeping up with multiple keys and gives residents convenient entry without having to carry around a bunch of keys. The one-touch, keyless deadbolt lock is also a great option.

Here are some tips for installing a Keyed Entry Lock:

1. Make sure there is enough space behind your doorjamb for the lock to be mounted. This usually requires the removal of trim or molding around your exterior door hardware. You can also use an adhesive mounting bracket in lieu of removing trim/molding if that’s what you prefer.
2. Remove the exterior doorknob, if applicable. If you want to keep the exterior doorknob in place, look for a lock that has a built-in adapter.
3. To be sure your new keyed entry lock looks good, choose from one of our many different finishes and designs!

 

Top Door Lock Type #3: Keyless Entry Locks

Keyless entry locksets are perfect for homeowners who want the convenience of leaving their keys somewhere safe when coming and going from home.

You can do this by programming a code into the lock and using it to open/lock your door. No more fumbling for your keys or losing them! This is especially helpful if you have a lot of family members, like children home alone, who need to get in and out of the house regularly.

Keyless locksets are also great for renters who want to make it easier for their landlord to come into the property while they’re away on vacation. So, you can get up to speed with just about any locksmithing skill level, even if you’ve never installed a lock before.

How to Install:

1. Remove your existing doorknob or handle. If you want to keep the exterior doorknob in place, look for a lock that has a built-in adapter.
2. Insert two AA batteries into your keyless entry lock and program it with the current code.
3. Reattach the cover plate, align the doorknob or handle, and tighten the screws.

 

Top Door Lock Type #4: Retrofit Entry Locks

Retrofit locks add an extra boost of security to your home by letting you lock/unlock the door from the inside with a push-button. This is especially useful if you want to give family members or guests easy access while also protecting your family from potential home invasions.

If you’re not sure which retrofit lock is right for you, our expert technicians can help figure out the best solution based on your budget and security needs. And remember that we offer an industry-leading lifetime warranty with all our locks! If anything goes wrong, we’ll fix it or replace it free

 

Top Door Lock Type #5: Knob Locks

A knob lock is a type of interior door lockset. If you want simple, reliable privacy for your entryway, this may be the right choice for you. Knob locks are also easy to install, even if it’s replacing an existing lock that was there before.

How to install a lock with a knob:

1. Turn off the power at your breaker box, if applicable.
2. Remove any interior doorknobs or levers you have inside the door that may interfere with the installation process.
3. Depending on what type of installation you’re doing (replacing an existing lock, or installing a new one onto an unfinished door), follow the appropriate steps below.

 

Replacing an Existing Lock:

1. Hold your new lock in place and trace around it with a pencil.
2. Use your drill to make holes for lockset screws at each mark you made on the door.
3. Drill into the wood until you reach the surface of the door.
4. Screw-in your lockset and lock-related hardware according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

 

Installing a New Lock onto an Unfinished Door:

1. Hold your new lock against your door with one hand, then use your drill with the other hand to make pilot holes for lockset screws.
2. Drill into the wood until you reach the surface of the door.
3. Screw-in your lockset and lock-related hardware according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

 

Top Door Lock Type #6: Surface Mounted Locks

If you want more privacy than with a knob but don’t want something that’s permanent or difficult to install, a surface-mounted lock is right for you. These locks attach to the exterior of your door and offer more security than a basic doorknob, but also allow you to open and close the door with one hand and without fumbling around outside of the home.

How to Install:

1. Turn off your power at your breaker box.
2.  Align your surface-mounted lock on the door and mark each of the four holes that need to be drilled with a pencil.
3. Drill into the wood until you reach the surface of the door.
4. Screw-in your lockset and lock-related hardware according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

 

Top Door Lock Type #7: Mortise Cylinders and Euro Cylinders

A mortise cylinder isn’t a standard type of lock, but rather a term used to describe locks that have a cylindrical shape. Mortise cylinders are usually more secure than other types of locks, and they also use less space so they give your door an overall sleeker look.

How to Install:

1. Hold your new mortise cylinder against the door so it’s flush against the edge.
2. Trace around it with a pencil to mark where your lockset screws will go.
3. Drill into the wood until you reach the surface of the door.
4. Screw-in your lockset and lock-related hardware according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

 

Call King Door and Lock for your door installation and lock needs

When it’s time to update your locks, give us a call at (800) 231-5499 or (301) 363-2264 today.

We can be reached 24/7 and will work with you around the clock to make sure you get exactly what you need.

We can’t stress enough how much a serious lock upgrade will impact your family’s safety. Don’t wait one more day without the best locks on your doors, and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.