Choosing the right lock for your home or business can be overwhelming. Here's a breakdown of the most common types of locks and their uses

Different Types of Locks:

Deadbolts:

Known for their strength, deadbolts are a popular choice for exterior doors. Most deadbolt locks have a 1" bolt that positively locks into place. This bolt cannot be manipulated back, as long as it's fully thrown/projected. For residential applications, we can provide and install single-sided deadbolts. For life safety purposes, we do not install double-sided deadbolts on homes. With businesses, this is often the opposite, as you only want designated employees to change the state of the lock.

Different Types of Electronic Locks:

These locks allow you to operate the lock without a physical key.
 There are a vast variety of options for these. Electronic locks come in the deadbolt, lever, or knob styles. We typically want to establish the locking mechanism first... a bolt or a latch. The deadbolt is the primary security, so, I typically recommend getting the electronic deadbolt. You could then perhaps replace the keyed knob with a passage function knob. This ensures security, while minimizing the risk of accidental lockouts from the keyed lower lock.

Electronic locks can be push button, touch screen, Bluetooth, and/or WiFi enabled. Biometric versions exist as well.

Lever Locks:

Often found in commercial spaces, lever locks provide easy access, especially for individuals with disabilities.

Pitcher Handle Locks:

These locks have the long spout handle, with the thumb-press to disengage the latch.

Knob Locks:

Similar to lever locks, but you're turning the knob, rather than pushing down the lever.

Cam Locks:

Typically used in cabinets and mailboxes, cam locks are simple yet effective for securing smaller items. The cam is typically located at the very back of the lock and it's rotational position is what determines the state of the lock: locked or unlocked.

Different Types of Padlocks:

There are several different types of padlocks and a wide variety of sizes. This is the body size and the shackle length and diameter. Some have combination wheels or wheel packs. Others are disc shaped and have extra protection around a hardened steel shackle. There are both rekeyable and non-rekeyable padlocks. And some can even use the same key as your house or business.

Storefront Locks:

Most storefront locks use a mortised box, with either a deadlatch or a bolt. There are other locks that are common on storefront doors though, such as a panic bar assembly, with or without vertical rods.

Different Types of Mortise Locks:

This can get a little confusing, as mortise can refer to the lock or the cylinder. A mortise lock is one that slides into a long channel inside of the door. A mortise cylinder is a cylinder that threads into a mortise or mortised lock.

Versatile and portable, padlocks can secure everything from gates to storage units.