House Lock

What is the Most Secure House Lock?

October 28, 2022

Deciding on a house lock starts with the type of lock, then requires deciding on a specific design, such as chain lock or deadbolt. Two types of locks exist – smart keyless locks and traditional keyed locks. Both types secure your home, but each has its own advantages.

Smart Locks vs. Traditional Locks

Smart locks require no key and use a system of locking and unlocking similar to that of your cell phone of tablet. These locks use either a pin code or a design drawn on an LCD screen to unlock the door. Traditional keyed locks use metal keys cut to raise pins and tumblers inside the locking mechanism.

With a smart lock, you can simply share the code with an individual who needs access to the home, such as a plumber or electrician. With a keyed lock, you need to either leave them a key or meet them to unlock the door.

You can have a locksmith combine the two types of locks or add more than one lock of either type. Traditional locks let you add a heartier bolt or strike plate, but you can’t do that with a smart lock. A locksmith can install either type to a solid core door to improve safety.

Both types of locks provide a certain measure of safety, but neither proves unpickable. A thief can pick a traditional lock with a lock pick set, while they can pick a smart lock with Bluetooth or an Internet connection and an app. The former shows the physical signs of lock tampering; the latter does not.

A smart lock relies on Wi-Fi and electrical power. These locks typically come with a battery backup, but that may not last in a lengthy power outage. These work best in homes with hard-wired emergency backup generators.

Styles of Door Locks

Both traditional and smart locks come in various styles. Some styles of lock only come in traditional designs though.

Knob Locks

Typically, locksmiths only install knob locks by themselves on interior doors. A thief can easily break into a knob lock using a wrench or hammer. Knob locks come in traditional designs and as smart locks that you type a pin code into or use your fingerprint to gain access.

Deadbolt Locks

Most locksmiths recommend adding a deadbolt or chain lock to each entry door. This stops thieves form quickly entering the building. A deadbolt includes a locking bolt that moves when a key inserted in its mechanism flips the bolt’s knob. These locks resist boring, prying, and battering well. Choose from deadbolts in single-cylinder, double-cylinder, or vertical designs. Typically, these locks us a traditional design, but newer versions come with a keypad lock.

Cam Locks

Cam locks typically appear on file cabinets and vending machines. These locks consist of a metal tube that fits into the locked item. When locked, the tube remains flush with the object, but when unlocked, it “pops out” about an inch. The fastener attaches to the cam, which rotates to lock and unlock the mechanism. Display cases and desks frequently use this type of lock, too. This design uses traditional keys.

Padlocks

The freestanding padlock combines a looped shackle and a tumbler locking mechanism. This portable solution uses either a key or a combination lock. Many school lockers use padlocks. Raised areas on either side of the shackle prevent a thief from using bolt cutters to gain entry. Called shrouded or guarded padlocks, these designs offer the best protection.

Mortise Locks

Many external doors use the dead latch pin and latch mechanism of a mortise lock, which comes in regular and heavy-duty designs. These threaded locksets work with a lever or knob to provide added security since the lock box sits inside a mortise, meaning deep recess, of the door jam. Its cylinder component comes in a variety of lengths and heights for use with many door types. These doors can come in traditional or keypad/smart designs.

Keypad Locks

Choose a keypad door lock when you want a happy medium between a key lock and a smart lock. These mechanical or battery-powered locks use a pin code entered into a keypad, not a key. You can combine the pin code lock with a keyhole to provide a second way to open the door. This type of lock lets you create multiple codes to restrict access to the building or allow entry only via one door.

Smart Locks

Smart locks offer the latest option for entry control. Many styles use a keypad with a keyhole as a backup and offer key fob and cellphone locking and unlocking mechanisms. This offers an option to each individual that best suits their likes. Smart locks typically use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to connect to home automation services. While using these advanced features requires electrical power with a battery backup, you can still open these locks with a key when the power goes out.

What is considered a high-security lock?

A high-security lock resists battering and prying. It also resists lock picking and wrenching. Typically forged of stainless steel, these tough locks work well to thwart thieves.

Do deadbolts prevent break-ins?

Deadbolts work to complexify breaking in a door. Thieves try to break in quietly, so they remain obtrusive, which means few break windows. That creates a ruckus that neighbors notice. Deadbolts typically require a battering ram when combined with a solid core door, so when thieves see many locks on your door, they leave. Quite simply, they want a quick entry that offers a quiet means of entry and egress.

Which lock is the hardest to pick?

If you want a key lock that causes thieves fits to pick, choose a mortise lock or a deadbolt lock. Also, any type of lock that combines with another makes entry tough. Using a combination of traditional and smart or pin code locks can also thwart thieves. The MX13 Restricted Keyway series is smart choice for a modestly priced security system extremely difficult for even the most experienced locksmith to pick.

Contact Express Locksmith

Contact Express Locksmiths when you want to add to the security of your home or business. Ask our locksmith about access control systems for your home or office. We can help you quickly install new locks or recombine your existing ones. Also, ask us about a master key system installation for your offices or rental homes. Contact us today!

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