The security of your home starts with the lock on your front door. With so many options on the market, figuring out which lock set is right for your needs can be difficult.
We will help you get out of the clutter and find the right lock to secure your valuables.
The types of locks
There are two main types of locks that you can find at the hardware store. This includes buttons and latches. It would be helpful if you thought of your deadbolt as the main lock for your home. The button or lever lock should be a secondary security measure. Now that you understand the variety of locks you will be dealing with, it is time to start thinking about your purchase.
Function over style
Most homeowners who buy a lock for their front door do so while they are building or renovating a home. In these cases, many are concerned about the style of the castle in terms of how it works. This is the wrong approach. First, you want to make sure that you are buying a lock that will work well. You can then consider purchasing a style for that particular lock type that will match the style of your home.
Perseverance issues
Once you understand how your lock works, it's time to think about its lifespan. Since you are given a lock on your front door, you will likely use it several times a day. You need to look for a lock quality that can withstand this constant wear and tear. Most lock manufacturers market their products as Class 1, 2, or 3. These grades are given by the American National Standards Institute or ANSI. A class 1 lock is the safest lock. It will have features like extra long screws, alloy materials, reinforced strikers, and anti-pick pins. These locks can be very expensive. A class 3 lock is the least secure. Most builders rely on class 2 locks for residential purposes.
Single cylinder Vs. Two-cylinder latch
When calling a professional locksmith to replace the locks in your home, you have a choice between a single cylinder and a two cylinder deadbolt. A one-cylinder bolt has a keyhole on one side and a thumb turn on the other. The keyhole is on the outside of the door while the thumb is on the inside. A two-cylinder bolt has a keyhole on both sides. This provides an extra layer of security for the doors in your home, especially glass doors. This is because an intruder cannot simply smash the glass and reach around to use a thumb wrap. You must have a key to unlock the latch.
Consider smart / digital locks
With the advancement of technology over the past several decades, it's no wonder that there are now smart bars that you can buy for your home. These come either in the form of a smartphone that unlocks this door when your smartphone is a certain distance from your home. The other option is a deadbolt with a digital locking system where you enter a secure code on the keypad to unlock the door. This type of system allows you to create temporary key codes for people like contractors and house cleaners so that they can easily access your house without you having to meet them. Most electronic bolts come with keyhole holes so you can still use a traditional key to get in the door if you forget the code or the battery runs out.
Lastly, take care of your style
Once you've figured out the most important basic functions of your lock, including the number of cylinders you will need and whether or not you will get a digital cylinder, it's time to start thinking about its style. As with most household products, there are an abundance of styles to choose from. Most opt for a color that compliments the design of their home. Make sure you also consider ease of use. You want an entry record that is convenient for use when entering and leaving your home.
