Buying a door lock can be confusing. There are so many options, and it’s hard to know which is the best choice for you.
You need to buy a new door lock, but you don’t want to waste money on something that won’t work well or last long. This guide will help you navigate all your options and find the perfect solution for your needs.
First, we cover how to choose between different types of locksets like mortise locks, rim deadbolts, and knob-and-spindle sets. Then we talk about cylinders themselves – single-cylinder vs double cylinder locking systems, pin tumbler vs sidebar locks, etc. We wrap up with a discussion about keys including what makes them “high security” and how they work in tandem with your lock hardware itself… And finally some tips on how to get everything installed correctly!
Choosing a Lockset
The first step in choosing a new door lock is to decide what type of lockset you need. There are three main types: mortise, rim deadbolt, and knob-and-spindle.
- Mortise locks are the most popular type – they’re found on most exterior doors. They’re installed in a pocket in the door and the bolt slides into the striker plate on the frame.
- Rim deadbolts are just like they sound – a deadbolt that is installed on the surface of a door, typically near the handle.
- Knob-and-spindle sets are usually used on interior doors. They have a knob on the outside and a spindle that extends into the house when the door is closed. This type of lock can also be used on exterior doors, but it’s not as common.
Which type of lockset you choose will depend on your needs and preferences.
Mortise locks are the most versatile – they’re suitable for both exterior and interior doors. They’ll work on most door types which makes them a great choice if you don’t know what type of door you need to secure.
Rim deadbolts are ideal for heavy-duty security – they work best on exterior doors and the bolt slides into the striker plate on the frame, making it harder to pry open.
Knob-and-spindle sets are the cheapest and simplest type of lock. They’re good for interior doors that don’t need a lot of security.
Choosing a Cylinder
The cylinder is the key component of your door lock – it’s the part that locks and unlocks the door. There are two main types of cylinders: single-cylinder and double-cylinder.
- Single-cylinder locking systems are the most common type. The key is used to unlock the door from the outside, and there is a thumb turn on the inside to lock it. This type of cylinder is ideal for exterior doors that are going to be locked when you’re not home.
- Double-cylinder locking systems are more secure, but they also require a key to unlock them from both the inside and outside. They’re often used on interior doors where extra security is needed, like bedrooms or offices.
Pin tumbler vs sidebar locks
There are two main types of cylinders: pin tumbler and sidebar. Pin tumblers are the most common type – they’re found in most residential locks. Sidebar locks are more secure, but they’re also more expensive.
Pin tumbler cylinders work with a series of pins that must be aligned in the correct order to unlock the door. When the key is inserted, the pins are raised and the cylinder can turn. Sidebar locks use a sidebar (or fence) to secure the lock. The sidebar has a series of notches that line up with corresponding teeth on the key. This type of lock is more secure because it’s harder to pick.
Which type of cylinder you choose will depend on your needs and budget.
Pin tumbler cylinders are the most common type and they’re ideal for most residential applications. If you need a more secure lock, then a sidebar cylinder is a good option.
Keyed Alike vs Keyed Different
If you’re replacing your lock, then an important consideration is keyed alike versus keyed differently. Both options allow multiple locks to be opened with the same key, but they work in different ways.
Keyed alike means that the locks operate with the same key – if one door has a double-cylinder locking system and another has a rim deadbolt, then they will have different keys even though they use the same cylinder type for unlocking.
Keyed different just means that each lock operates independently of the other. If all locks are single-cylinder and use pin tumbler cylinders, then any number of them can share a single key because it doesn’t matter which lock the key is used in.
Which option you choose will depend on your needs and preferences. If you have multiple locks that need to be opened with the same key, then keyed alike is the better option. If you have a mix of different lock types, then keyed differently is the better option.
Types of Keys
There are three main types of house keys: standard, master, and keyless.
Standard keys are the most common type – they’re used to open a standard lock. Master keys can be used to open any lock that is keyed alike. Keyless entry systems use a code or fob to unlock the door.
Which type of key you choose will depend on your needs and budget. Standard keys are the most common type and they’re ideal for most residential applications. If you need a more secure lock, then a sidebar cylinder is a good option.
When you’re buying a door lock, it’s important to understand the different components and how they work. This guide covers the types of locks available, the different components of door locks, how to choose a lock that’s best for your needs, and how many keys are needed.
What Are The Different Types Of Door Locks?
There are two main types of door locks: deadbolts and knob locks.
A standard deadbolt is ideal for most homes – they’re easy to operate, they have a high level of security, and there are no moving parts that can wear down. Most come with a cylindrical locking mechanism that operates with a key from the outside and a thumbturn from the inside.
Knob locks offer more flexibility because you can choose which side to install them on. If you install them on the inside, then they work as a regular lock – it will need a key to unlock it from both the inside and outside. If you install them on the outside, they become a security doorknob and can only be unlocked from the outside with a key.
Which type of lock you choose will depend on your needs and budget.
A standard deadbolt is ideal for most homes, but a knob lock offers more flexibility.
Are you looking for a new door lock?
King Door & Lock is your one-stop shop for all of your home security needs. We offer the best prices on locks, keys, and more. Whether you’re looking to upgrade or replace an old lock, we have everything you need to keep your family safe and secure at home.
You can rest easy knowing that our products are built with quality materials and tested rigorously by industry experts so they meet the highest standards in durability and reliability. Plus, every product comes with a lifetime warranty against defects in workmanship or material – so if anything goes wrong down the road, we’ll be there to help fix it right away!
