There are many factors that go into choosing a door lock, but some of the most important aspects are whether or not it is easy for you to open from either side of the door, if it is resistant to both forced entry and lock bumping, and what type of locking mechanism is used. In addition, there are considerations such as weather resistance, ease in installation, cost-effectiveness, and aesthetics.
The right deadbolt can make your home more secure but also keep you safe from intruders when you’re away at work or out running errands all day long. A good deadbolt should be easy enough for an older person with arthritis in their hands to use yet strong enough that it won’t be easily compromised. It’s also important that the deadbolt doesn’t interfere with your opening and closing of the door, so you want to make sure there is adequate space between the bolt and the strike plate where it inserts into.
Similarly, you also want to consider aesthetic preferences when purchasing a deadbolt. You want your deadbolt to match your existing door hardware and provide a cohesive look so that the entryway to your house doesn’t appear unkempt or dated.
Thus, you’ll need to do some research before buying. This blog post will give you all of the information you need in order to make an informed decision about what deadbolt you should have installed on your home.
What are the different classifications of deadbolts?
- Single-cylinder deadbolt
A single-cylinder deadbolt can be opened and locked from one side of the door, while a key is required to open it from the other side. This type of deadbolt requires a thumbpiece on the inside knob or handle in order to make it easy for you to get out of your house in an emergency.
This means that you’ll need a key in order to get into your home from either side, which is great if you’re concerned about people breaking into your house while you’re away at work or running errands during the day because it makes it difficult for someone to simply break the door down and take a quick peek inside.
Single-cylinder deadbolts are typically the least expensive option for residential security, which is why many people choose to install them on their exterior doors. This type of deadbolt usually only offers a one-hour fire rating and will be easily compromised by a burglar with minimal training. It can also be difficult to open from the outside in case of an emergency.
- Double-cylinder deadbolt
This type of locking mechanism is most often found on entry doors and provides a little more security. Just like with a single-cylinder deadbolt, you’ll need to have a key in order to get out of the house if you happen to be caught outside after dark.
Double-cylinder deadbolts are much more secure than single-cylinder deadbolts because they require two different keys in order to open the door—one on the inside and one on the outside. These types of locks are best for people who work long hours because they provide extra security at the expense of being able to get in the house easily if you have your hands full or are carrying an infant.
Double-cylinder deadbolts are usually more expensive than single-cylinder deadbolts, but not as expensive as other locking mechanisms. This type of deadbolt is known for being a more secure option because it can be difficult to break into one from the outside without any tools.
Cylinder locks are extremely popular, especially in an interior door since they don’t take up as much space as other types of locks do. This type of mechanism can typically be found in almost every home and is often used on front doors and back entrances.
Cylinder deadbolts are known for their ease of use because they don’t require a key to get into your house from the inside. You simply turn one knob while turning the other knob with your opposite hand and you’re free—no keys necessary!
But you’ll need a key from the outside if it’s locked, which may lead to problems if you’re not expecting any guests and a friend or family member has a set of keys to your home.
- Lockable thumbturn deadbolt
A lockable thumbturn deadbolt is a security upgrade from the standard cylinder deadbolt that can be installed on exterior doors. This type of deadbolt requires a key to open from the inside and locks automatically when being used, meaning it prevents anyone from entering your home through a door while you’re away.
This type of locking mechanism is a fantastic addition to your front door or any other exterior doors, but should not be used on the back entrances of your home because it requires a key from the outside in case of an emergency. If you’re going to have this type of deadbolt installed, make sure that you give your keys to someone who will be able to get into the house in case you are not there.
Chain bolt locks are popular options because they are tough, affordable, and easy to install without any assistance from a professional—although it may be best to have one involved for installation purposes if you’re inexperienced. This type of lock is usually found on screen doors or glass entry doors that connect the interior of your home to the exterior.
Chain locks are relatively easy to break into with minimal tools, which is why they’re usually not considered a huge security upgrade from other types of locks. These types of deadbolts can also be difficult to open if your hands are full or you have an infant in your arms because you’ll need both hands and at least one free digit to open the door.
Affordable and easy to install, these locks are great for glass entry doors or screen doors that don’t need much security. But they shouldn’t be used on front doors because they can be easily compromised if someone has minimal tools available.
How can I make my deadbolt more secure?
The easiest way to make your locks more secure is by investing in a keyless locking mechanism. The first and best option is a smart lock, which uses either an electronic keypad or a smartphone app to unlock the door for you. This type of deadbolt comes with several other helpful features that can be useful if you’re struggling with mobility issues, such as keyless entry and voice activation.
The most secure type of deadbolt that you can install is a multi-point locking mechanism, which can be installed with three or more doorknobs for the best security. This type of mechanism is ideal for exterior doors because they require multiple keys in order to be opened, making them nearly impossible to compromise.
You should also be sure to add a peephole, which is a small circular window on the exterior of your door above the doorknob that allows you to see who is at the entrance without opening it. A peephole can help reveal who exactly is attempting to get inside so you know whether or not you can open the door.
How do I choose the best deadbolt for my needs?
One of the most important factors in choosing a deadbolt is whether or not you need it on an exterior door, because this information will determine what type of lock you should invest in.
You also need to determine how much security you want from your locks by thinking about how easily you can access the lock from inside your home.
Lion Locksmith Silver Spring MD is open 24/7 to assist you!
The best deadbolt for exterior doors is a keyless locking mechanism because they’re difficult to compromise without having the right tools, and users have a wide range of options when it comes to choosing a type of mechanism that works for them. To help determine which type is the best option for you, give us a call at any time at (301) 830-8144!
