Door Locks and Their Security Levels

Your front door lock is, at the very least, a barrier between intruders and your property. The right type of door lock you choose should protect your home while being functional and easy to use. 



While no lock is burglar-proof, certain locks are much harder for burglars to overcome. Below is some essential information on the types of locks available.

Knob Locks

Knob locks are the most common type of door lock since they come standard on many residential doors. If you've ever opened or closed a door, you've likely used a knob lock. 

Two parts are common to a knob lock: the latch bolt and the doorknob itself. The doorknob has an internal mechanism connecting the latch bolt. The knob secures in place with springs that hold it within your door frame. 

While knob locks are convenient, they don't provide as much security. The locks only have a single latch that extends into the door frame.

If a skilled burglar broke into your home, they could easily pick the lock or break it open with force. For additional security, the knob lock often has a deadbolt lock.

Deadbolt Locks

Deadbolts use incredibly strong bolts that extend deep into the door frame. Deadbolts operate by inserting a key into the lock, which moves a rod. The rod connects to an internal locking mechanism inside the door frame. When the rod is in place, it prevents the door from opening from either side — it can only unlock with the key again.

Deadbolts come in two levels of security: single cylinder and double cylinder. The two are very secure and reliable, but all work differently. 

• Single-cylinder: Single-cylinder deadbolts have a keyhole on the outside and a simple turn knob on the inside. 
• Double-cylinder: Double cylinder locks require a key for entry on both sides of the door. Double cylinder deadbolts provide more security because a burglar has to cut off access to both keys before breaking in.

Deadbolts locks are inconvenient in an emergency if you need to exit your home quickly.

Padlocks

Padlocks are portable locks that you can attach to various objects, such as gates, doors, chests, and luggage. Padlocks are usually metal or plastic, inexpensive, and easy to use.

Some padlock models are also keyless, so you only need to remember the combination. Most models feature a hardened shackle that is not easy to cut and some form of rustproofing for exterior use.

However, padlocks security are somewhat limited. Burglars can break even the most robust padlock using a pair of bolt cutters in seconds. Also, because padlocks are small, they're much easier to misplace.

Digital or Electronic Locks

Electronic locks open in many different ways, the most common being through a keypad on the door. Some systems allow you to use a thumbprint reader or a retina scanner. Others use radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to detect tags and unlock the door when in close contact.

Digital locks are similar, except they are accessible remotely and usually work together with an app on your phone or tablet.

The locks also come with several convenient features. Such features include sending notifications when the door opens or closes and setting up timed access codes.

The security level for electronic and digital locks varies widely. Some smart locks come with camera functionality to detect a break-in and send you an alert. Generally, electronic locks are more secure than the other options.

Exterior doors, especially those that lead to the front or back yard, should have strong locks. You can protect your family and belongings by improving the security of your doors. Many locks tie into complex security concerns that you may not be aware of. But whether or not they offer enough security to your home depends on what your lock is up against. 

Strike Plates

Most deadbolts come with the manufacturer’s strike plate which is usually very small & does not offer very good defense from a “kick attack”. Think of it this way, “a chain is only as strong as its weakest link”. If you have a strong door & deadbolt & you do not beef up your strike which is mounted in your door frame, the door can be subject to a kick attack & your frame will give way. The best way to beef up your door frame is to install what is referred to as a “Tuff Strike”.

This type of strike is larger, thicker & has 3/8” metal dowels welded to the back of it which go all the way into the 2X4 stud behind your door frame. A good deadbolt lock installation with a Tuff Strike ensures you have all your bases covered. If you have any questions about Tuff Strikes please CONTACT US today!