Overview of Different Lock Types
As a professional locksmith, I’m often asked to explain the differences between the various types of locks available. There are many different types of locks on the market, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, I’ll provide an overview of the four main types of locks: combination padlocks, cylinder locks, mortise locks, and deadbolt locks.
Combination padlocks are the most common type of lock and are typically used to secure items such as bicycles, lockers, and toolboxes. These locks are opened with a combination of numbers, which is programmed into the lock by the user.
Cylinder locks are a type of lock that uses a key to open. They are commonly used to secure doors and windows and can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes. Cylinder locks come in two types: keyless and key locking.
Mortise locks are a type of lock that is installed into a mortise, or a pocket, in the door. Mortise locks are typically used in commercial and residential applications and are more secure than other types of locks.
Deadbolt locks are a type of lock that is typically used to secure exterior doors. Deadbolts are installed into the door and require a key to open.
How Combination Padlocks Work
Combination padlocks are the most common type of lock and are typically used to secure items such as bicycles, lockers, and toolboxes. These locks are opened with a combination of numbers, which is programmed into the lock by the user. There are two main types of combination padlocks: mechanical and electronic.
Mechanical combination padlocks are opened by turning a dial or entering a combination of numbers into the lock. These locks are relatively easy to open and are not as secure as other types of locks.
Electronic combination padlocks are opened by entering a code into a keypad. These locks are more secure than mechanical combination padlocks, but they require batteries to operate.
How Cylinder Locks Work
Cylinder locks are a type of lock that uses a key to open. They are commonly used to secure doors and windows and can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes. Cylinder locks come in two types: keyless and key locking.
Keyless cylinder locks are opened by entering a code into a keypad. These locks are relatively easy to open and are not as secure as other types of locks.
Key locking cylinder locks are opened by inserting a key into the lock. These locks are more secure than keyless cylinder locks, but they require a key to open.
How Mortise Locks Work
Mortise locks are a type of lock that is installed into a mortise, or a pocket, in the door. Mortise locks are typically used in commercial and residential applications and are more secure than other types of locks.
Mortise locks use a variety of mechanisms to open, including levers, knobs, and deadbolts. Lever mortise locks are opened by turning a lever, while knob mortise locks are opened by turning a knob. Deadbolt mortise locks are opened by turning a key in the lock.
How Deadbolt Locks Work
Deadbolt locks are a type of lock that is typically used to secure exterior doors. Deadbolts are installed into the door and require a key to open. Deadbolts come in two types: single cylinder and double cylinder.
Single cylinder deadbolts are opened by turning a key in the lock. These locks are relatively easy to open and are not as secure as other types of locks.
Double cylinder deadbolts are opened by turning a key in the lock from both the inside and outside of the door. These locks are more secure than single cylinder deadbolts, but they require a key to open from both sides of the door.
Summary
Different types of locks have different benefits and drawbacks. Combination padlocks are easy to open but not as secure as other types of locks. Cylinder locks come in two types: keyless and key locking. Mortise locks are more secure than other types of locks and are typically used in commercial and residential applications. Deadbolt locks are typically used to secure exterior doors and come in two types: single cylinder and double cylinder.
As a professional locksmith, I’m often asked to recommend the best type of lock for a particular application. I recommend researching the different types of locks available and considering the security needs of the application before making a decision.