When it comes to safety, knowing about the different kinds of locks out there becomes important. Due to the vast variety of locks we’ll look at the ones you’ll encounter the most and hence you can tweak your security accordingly.
Padlocks
These are the most common and easy to recognize locks. Their most convenient feature is the fact that they aren’t attached to anything and hence are portable and easy to carry and transfer. There are several varieties of padlocks to choose from if you’re going to buy one:
Combination locks are those which have numbers on them and are opened by inputting the correct numbers.
Key-based locks work through the operation of a key and can further be of two types, those that can be re-keyed and those that can’t. The locks that cannot be re-keyed will be locked permanently if you lose the key that opens them as you cannot replace the key.
Key-retention locks are those which will not allow the key to be removed when the padlock is opened.
Shrouded shackle acts as a way to protect the lock from bolt cutters and is essentially an extension of the body of the lock.
Deadbolts
These are the typical locks found in residences and business buildings and are generally installed on external doors. They come in three varieties:
Single cylinder style locks are designed in a way that there is a rosary style turning knob on the inside and a standard key cylinder on the outside of the lock. When installing this makes sure the door is away from the windows as that would make it very easy to pick it.
Double cylinder style locks are designed to have a cylinder on the inside as well as outside. The installation of this lock would mean that you would need to use a key to open the door from the inside as well as outside.
Lockable thumb turn locks have a rosary style knob in the inside but it can also be locked if needed.
Door Knob Style Locks
These are usually installed in external doors of residences in addition to dead bolts or can be installed on their own as well, which is highly inadvisable as they do not provide much security on their own. This is because the cylinder can easily be broken off or bypassed by pliers, making it a huge security risk.
Lever Handle Locks
These are generally installed for internal doors in business and office buildings as they are necessary to accommodate people with disabilities. Often times they are a requirement by the ADA for business and office buildings. They provide little security and their main purpose is to increase accessibility.
Cam Locks
These are simple locks used on cabinets, mail boxes and other assets categorizes as “low security”. They also come in a variety of types and can use various lengths of tailpieces in order to interface with other means of security. They have the ability to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise at either 90 or 180 degrees.
