Lock Types and Their Uses

Are you interested in upgrading your current home locks? What about your business locks if you are a business owner? Changing your home or business locks may bring up a lot of questions. You may have concerns about installations or repairs and may not be sure where to begin. In this article, you will get an overview of the most popular lock types used for homes and businesses and how they help keep properties secure. You will also learn how to go about receiving professional installations for any lock changes you may need for your home or business.

Home Locks

Home locks are undoubtedly the most important locks you will deal with on a daily basis. Making sure your home is secure begins with the proper hardware on any exits or entrances to your home. Consider the following locks below and whether or not adding them to your home will be helpful for your overall security.

Deadbolts

It is likely that your home already has deadbolt locks. Deadbolts are great for providing security for homeowners and apartment dwellers. It is typical to see deadbolt locks paired with knob locks, which help to provide some additional security.

Know that deadbolt locks, with proper maintenance, only last around 5-7 years. You will want to have them checked if you are a new homeowner, or have had your current deadbolt locks for several years, to see if they need to be replaced. If you want your deadbolt locks to last as long as possible, a locksmith can help provide regular maintenance that will help increase their longevity.

Smart or Electronic locks

Electronic and smart locks are quickly becoming the most popular choice for homeowners everywhere. Smart locks come in a variety of styles and contain various features that give homeowners full control over their home security. Certain smart lock models come with smartphone applications that allow homeowners to perform certain security functions while on-the-go.

Homeowners that own smart locks that have a connected smartphone application can lock and unlock their doors remotely, view a log of when doors have been accessed and at what time, and even view security camera footage in real time right from their smartphones.

In addition to lots of great features, smart or electronic locks are more secure than traditional deadbolts. Your home will be less susceptible to break-ins just with the presence of an electronic lock, not to mention, they are nearly impossible to tamper with.

Chain and Latch Locks

Business Locks

If you are a business owner, the locks you choose can affect everything from your business assets to the safety of your employees. Below you will find descriptions of the most popular lock types that businesses and companies use to secure their businesses.

Access Control

Access control locks are locks that you will find in larger commercial buildings like office spaces and hospitals. Access control encompasses a wide range of locks that are all electronically run and offer different benefits. Some systems are very expensive and sophisticated, but offer companies the most protection against intruders or security breaches.

Some of the most common access control locks use proximity or access cards to allow entry into certain rooms, floors, or corridors of a given building. Employees in this case are given individual cards that they can either swipe or place near a proximity reader in order to gain access. These devices and the corresponding key cards can be programmed for different levels of access. For example, some employees may have keycards that allow them to access every area of a workspace, while others may only have access to certain floors or rooms.

Hospitals are a good example of a business that uses access control locks. Because hospitals have certain floors that must be kept protected, such as intensive care units, access control gives hospital managers the ability to restrict unauthorized individuals from certain areas in order to protect patients.

Standalone Keypad and Combination Devices

For smaller businesses that may not need highly sophisticated locking systems but would still like electronic locks, standalone locks are the perfect options. These locks offer the same protection as more elaborate access control locks, except they are usually isolated to one door and operate using a keypad or combination passcode. If your business only has a few employees or is only so larger, keypad and combination devices are a great option. While you may not have the option for specific programming, you will still be able to protect your business better than you would with traditional locks. Standalone electronic locks are a good compromise between deadbolt locks and more expensive access control models, especially if you only need electronic locks on one or two doors in your business.

Work with a Lock and Key Expert Now!

Do you have additional questions about the lock and key types available on the market today? If so, it is a good idea to contact a local locksmith in your area, especially if you have questions pertaining specifically to your property or personal security. Locksmiths are trained to work in a variety of environments and can address residential, commercial, and automotive lock and key needs, as well as other security concerns. Be sure to work with a locksmith that has received proper certification, carries insurance, and has on-the-job training experience. Do not hesitate to inquire about the certifications the locksmith you work with has received and any specialties they may have.