How to select
the right door lock
Replacing or
upgrading a door lock is not as easy as it may appear. Once you begin
to shop, you will realize that selecting the right door lock which
can be most ideally suited for your security needs is not simple.
With huge varieties of locks available in the market, there are
chances you may get confused. The difference between these different
varieties is quite subtle, but it is important for you to understand
these differences before making a decision.
The two main types of door locks are mortise locks and rim locks. Each of them provides different levels of security and there are many different types under each of these broad categories. If you are looking for a door lock for your entrance and back door, mortise lock is the most recommended one. In this lock, the locking mechanism is designed such that it fits inside the recess provided in the door jamb once the lock is engaged. Rim locks offer little security as the small rimmed housing enclosing the engaged lock is placed on the door exterior and can be removed without much effort. However, the drawback of mortise locks is that they are difficult to access as they are fixed between the door jamb and door. Because of this, there are high chances that they can get damaged over a period of time.
There are different types of lock mechanisms in any lock available in the market. Regardless of whether you are buying rim locks or mortise locks, you will have to select between different locking mechanisms. They include deadbolts, latch locks, and handlesets. If you have to replace your lock of an interior door in your home, latch locks can be a good option. Exterior doors require more secure locks and deadbolt is most commonly used because of its tough locking mechanism. They provide extra security to the door. There are two varieties of deadbolt, single cylinder and double cylinder. In some doors, you may need to provide extra security and deadbolts alone are not suitable in such cases. For such doors, combination set can be a good choice. Deadbolts and latch locks are often sold together as a set which also contains door handle hardware along with them. They are very popular for the entrance and the exit doors of houses.
People use locks everywhere these days because of growing incidences of theft. Locks are used in the doors of entrance, rooms, safes, cabinets or drawers. There is no lock which can suit all the locations. Different locks are recommended for different need. It is therefore advisable to research well before you buy one from the market.
To ensure that you are selecting a correct lock for your security needs and within you budget, it is advisable to explain your requirement to a qualified locksmith who can help you in making a correct decision.
