Quick guide on different types of locks available and how to pick them

Selecting new locks, whether for your home or business, can easily be overwhelming. While the vast variety of options to choose from is certainly nice, it also makes narrowing down your selection to the best lock extremely difficult.

Simply put, there are dozens of different types of locks, each with its own specific set of pros and cons. In addition, each lock has its own best application. Lets understand the types of locks and a few products in detail.

Types of locks for both home and office use:

Padlocks

One of the most common lock types around, padlocks are also among the most recognizable locks. Though they come in a number of different sizes, it's their distinctive freestanding design that sets them apart. They are the only type of lock that doesn't need to be permanently attached to anything else to properly function.

When it comes to padlocks, there are two main subtypes. These are combination padlocks and keyed padlocks. The names say it all: combination padlocks require a numerical combination to open while keyed padlocks require a key to open.

For starters, there are rekeyable and non-re keyable options available. As their names imply, a non-re keyable doesn't allow you to rekey the lock (make a new key) while a rekeyable does allow you to do so.

Deadbolts

Another very popular type of lock, the deadbolt is most often used on external doors. Like padlocks, deadbolts come in a variety of different subtypes. Their primary varieties include single, double, and lockable thumb turn.

Single-cylinder deadbolts are most popular, especially in North American homes. A key cylinder makes up the outside of the lock with a thumb turn (also known as a rosary) on the inside. The only real disadvantage to this type of lock is the thumb turn. If, for instance, even a small window is located nearby, tools can be used to easily open the thumb turn, and unlock the door.

Double cylinder deadbolts are less popular but more secure. The reason they aren't used more commonly is that they require a key to open the door from both the inside and the outside when it's locked. Their simple design eliminates the thumb turn, replacing it with a second key cylinder.

Knob Locks

Commonly used in residential settings, you'll often see knob locks installed in addition to deadbolts on exterior doors. The reason for this is that the lock cylinder itself is located on the knob and not the door. This makes it very easy to knock off the knob with a hammer. Alternatively, pliers, a wrench, and a screwdriver can be used to get behind the knob. Both of these methods allow you to bypass the locking mechanism altogether.

Lever Handle Locks

Lever handle locks are most commonly used for commercial applications, specifically on interior doors. It's extremely rare to see them used in residential settings. They are also frequently used where handicap accessibility is a must.

The big benefit of lever handle locks is their ease of use. They are much easier to open than knob locks because of their push-style handle. You aren't required to grasp and turn them. If security is a top priority, you might consider investing in a "clutch" lever handle lock. This type of lock is resistant to torque attacks.

Cam Locks

Cam locks are a very versatile type of lock most often used for low-security applications. You'll commonly see them on filing cabinets and mailboxes. Cam locks are available in a wide variety of different lengths and a handful of different subtypes. Indeed, they're one of the most customizable types of locks around.

Rim/Mortise Locks

Commercial doors and glass entry doors are often equipped with rim cylinder or Mortise cylinder locks. Some apartment doors also utilize this type of lock. Though the two types of locks are often lumped together, they are actually slightly different in design.

The big difference between rim and mortise locks is the type of hardware they are used on. For instance, rim locks are most often mounted on the inside of a door. A long piece of metal extends out the rear of the lock, runs through the door and ends in a locking mechanism on the other side. Two screws hold the lock in place from the inside of the door.

Mortise locks, on the other hand, actually screw into specially made mortise hardware and are mounted inside of the door. A set screw holds the lock in place while a cam helps the lock work properly. There is an amazing variety in the lengths of the cylinders as well as the type of mortise hardware.

Euro Profile Cylinders

Also known as DIN cylinders, Euro profile cylinders lock are a type of lock that, as their name implies, is commonly used in Europe. Much more rarely, they are used in certain applications in North America, including sliding glass door locks.

A variety of Euro profile cylinders are available. These include single cylinder, double cylinder, and single cylinder with a thumb turn. However, the standard design is pretty much the same throughout. A single screw runs through the cylinder to hold the lock in place. Unfortunately, this single attach point allows the lock to be easily snapped or otherwise removed from the door if not properly installed.

Wall Mounted Locks

Wall-mounted locks often come in the form of a firefighter's style box lock. These are often used to house emergency access keys at larger businesses. As their name implies, wall-mounted locks are actually attached to the wall. In addition to key storage, larger style wall-mounted locks can even be used as small safes for valuable items.

• Godrej Curvo Drawer Lock

It has 10 pin duo technology which provides up to 1 lakh combinations of keys. It is rust-resistant and the brass pins provide long life. The reversible key technology provides convenience to the user. It also has a click action that ensures secure locking. It is a small lock but provides premium quality protection to the user's things.

• Godrej 7 Levers 2 Way Mortise Deadlock Lock

This product has a premium and elegant design. It is a set lock with a cylinder-type body for the main doors and internal doors of the buildings. This is suitable for all types, that is right and left-handed, inside and outside opening doors. It has a 5 pin tumbler cylinder made of superior corrosion-free brass. The double throw deadbolt is made of Mazak steel which makes it even more strong. It is a safe lock to guard your belongings

• Godrej Stella 6 Lever Mortise Lock

It has a unique design with respect to the Indian concept in mind. The multi-row technology provides high security. The attractive body provides elegant looks to your furniture. It is mostly recommended for wardrobes. This is a small lock but is an equally effective and safe lock to safeguard the user's things.

Things to consider before buying a lock:

The Kind Of Lock You Need

Now, locks do not come in a general format. There isn't one type of lock that universally works for every door and every purpose. In fact, some locks are built with specific purposes in mind. In order to make sure that you are buying the right lock, you need to know which kind of lock you can install. There are several types of residential door locks that homeowners can pick from. These locks everything from handsets, doorknobs, deadbolts, smart locks, to door levers.

The Security Grade of The Lock:

Many homeowners do not take advantage of the security grades of their locks because they probably do not even know that locks have security grades. A majority of lock manufacturers have their locks tested, and then they are given a grading or rating. These numbers are meant to give a general idea of how strong, durable, and secure the lock will be.

Where The Lock Will Be Installed:

The location of the lock is an extremely important part of this entire process, but some homeowners do not take it into consideration when they make plans to purchase new locks. A lock can only achieve its maximum potential if it is being utilized in the right way, and the location of the lock is a huge factor in determining that.

Features That The Lock Has:

It is crucial to know what your lock is capable of before you buy one. This might seem vague so I'll break it down a bit. As stated earlier, locks do not come in one shape or size, which is why homeowners need to pay close attention to the features that their potential new locks have.

Conclusion:

The various types of locks have been explained in detail along with a few top selling products from Moglix. This gives a general idea about the uses and situations in which these locks are to be used. It gives a bit more clarity before someone's think of buying these locks for their use.