What are the different types of door locks?
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There are plenty of types of door locks, and while you might not have spent a great deal of time thinking about door locks, ensuring you have a lock that is strong and secure is essential if you want to protect your home or property.
There are lots of door locks on the market in Australia, including padlocks, deadbolts, lever handle locks, wall mounted locks – the list goes on.
In this article, we’re going to explore the types of door locks you might need to consider to ramp up your security. We’ll also cover the advantages of a quality padlock for your home or property protection.
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Types of door locks
At the end of the day, the door lock you choose is very important as it can help to avoid break-ins, robberies and any issues with poorly secured doors.
We all want our families and ourselves to be safe in our home or property, hence door locks and deadbolts are an effective way to ensure your security needs are met.
There are a few types of door locks on the market in Australia, including the following:
- Key in knob locks – this style of lock is very common and is created with a cylinder in the heart of the knob that opens with a unique key.
- Key in lever locks – a key in lever lock is a more modern style of lock and offer a circular heart in the centre of the lever that is key operated from the outside.
- Deadbolts – a deadbolt is often used in conjunction with a key in knob lock or key in lever set as additional security. The bolt is opened using a key and won’t lock automatically.
- Deadlatch – a deadlatch is a spring bolt latch used without a key that works to add protection to external doors – the deadlatch will automatically function when the door is locked.
- Barrel bolt – shaped like a rod, the barrel bolt will slide from one side to the other into a socket of a door frame.
- Chain locks – if you have ever stayed in a hotel you will be familiar with chain locks. The chain fastens to the track on the other side of the closed door, so when the door is opened only a small space is available before the chain, restricting the door from opening more than a few inches.
- Electric or digital locks – an electric or digital lock is activated by using a key or pin number that is punched into the lock. If the correct pin or code is entered, the lock is electronically disengaged and opens.
The key in knob locks are probably the ones you are most likely to have used before, with a lock and barrel system that is mounted within the door. To use this system, you will use a matching key to the lock to open it from outside; if you are inside, you will usually have a dial or a button to unlock the door.
The key-in-lever lock system is slightly different in that it has a handle that you will pull down; however, the mechanics of the lock are much the same as the key-in-knob system.
These days, there are also digital door locks that are easy to install and allow for complete access control. Ask your local locksmith or security company to find out more about types of door locks to suit your property and security needs.
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Need a lock for your gate, shed or belongings? Explore the range of padlocks on the market!
A padlock is a more study lock and is usually cast from brass or bronze. While it is not generally used for doors, it is a door lock that you can consider to add additional security to your property to ensure you are completely protected.
In this section, we explore the range of padlocks available should you wish to secure a gate, shed or a wide range of items that require security.
The super secure padlock is often used as a removable lock that can pass through a link or fence to secure an item.
A quick search of your local hardware store will display a wide range of padlocks in varying sizes from 30mm in width.
Padlocks are available with a key lock as well as a combination lock, providing options for just about every use.
- Key lock padlock – suitable for exterior gates, bikes, containers, sheds, lockers, and pretty much anything you need to keep under lock and key. This lock can only be opened using a dedicated key.
- Combination lock padlock – a combination lock is a popular option for luggage, sheds, lockers, bikes, securing fences and many of the same uses a key lock padlock would be used for. The difference is there is no key, rather a combination of a series of numbers that need to be entered before the lock will release.
Whether you are trying to prevent theft or vandalism, consider using either a key lock or a combination lock is a great option for your belongings or property.
Ask your local locksmith about options for all the doors in your home or property. There are options for exterior doors and interior doors that suit all needs and budgets.
Whether you want a state of the art home with the latest electric locks or are after a standard set up with a doorknob lock, you will be spoilt for choice when you’re looking to secure your home.