In the following post, we will take a look at locks that are still in use today. As you’ll see, there is quite a variety of lock designs and each design has its own pros and cons.

Lock #1: Deadbolt Lock with Built-in Strike Plate

This type of lock is typically used on exterior doors but can also be mounted to an interior door as long as it has a strike plate installed. The deadbolt itself is often made from metal or wood and one side of the bolt slides into the strike plate while the other side extends out from the door frame. A keyed cylinder then connects to both sides of this type of lock which prevents access to anyone without a key who attempts to open it from either side. The biggest advantage of this lock is that it provides additional security over a standard doorknob set.

A unique design found on many deadbolt locks uses a cam instead of a cylinder to operate the bolt and key mechanism. This makes it difficult for anyone who picks, drills or manipulates their way into an unlocked state to open the lock without the proper key. The primary disadvantage of this type of lock is that it can be difficult to operate with one hand due to its design.

Lock #2: Mortise Locks

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Mortise locks are designed for use on exterior doors and are often used by commercial establishments where security is extremely important. They are typically much more secure than other types of locks that are used to secure exterior doors. The common design of a mortise lock has two key cylinders, one on the outside and one on the inside. This type of lock is installed into a hole in the jamb or door while both sides are secured to an edge-mounted box.

The primary advantage this type of lock has over other exterior locks is that it doesn’t require a bolt to extend out from the door jam. Instead, the entire lock mechanism is mounted on the inside of the door and the only visible part is the key cylinder itself. This allows for a much more secure installation as well as an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Another advantage is that mortise locks provide access to the doorknob only from the inside of the door. The biggest disadvantage is that they are typically more expensive than standard entry locks which are used on exterior doors.

Lock #3: Rim Latch Lock

Rim latch locks are commonly used on small doors, such as bathroom doors or closet doors, where one might need to lock it while it’s still open. This type of lock consists of two key cylinders, one on each side that connects to the latch mechanism at the top and bottom of the door. The latches are then operated by a knob or lever from either side of the door while a small thumb release at the center is used to hold it in place when not being locked or unlocked.

The primary advantage of this type of lock is that it’s relatively inexpensive and quick to install. One could also argue that these types of locks are aesthetically pleasing compared to the older models which looked much more like prison door hardware than they did an actual door lock. The primary disadvantage is that having locks on both sides makes it easy for a child to lock themselves inside a room while it’s still open.

Lock #4: Mortise Lock with Inset Trim or Surface Trim

This type of mortise lock is one that many people are familiar with since it’s been around for decades and can be found in older homes. Like the previous design, this lock consists of two key cylinders, one on each side that connects to the mortise mechanism at the top and bottom of the door. Inset trim locks differ from surface trim locks in that they sit completely inside the unit which provides a more secure fit. Both types are typically made from metal but inset units have been known to be constructed from plastic. The primary advantage of this type of lock is that it’s aesthetically pleasing and can be found in a number of colors. They are also quick to install and relatively inexpensive compared to other types of locks for exterior doors.

The main disadvantage is that they require two key cylinders which makes them not only expensive but difficult to operate with one hand while holding a baby. Because the latch mechanisms extend to both sides of the door, parents need to operate them from either side which can make it difficult for those with limited flexibility or injuries.

Lock #5: Step-Ups (Bulldog-Style)

This type of lock has also been around for years and is typically installed on larger doors, such as those on garage doors, barns, and some overhead door units. This is a simple design where the lock mechanism is set into the door itself and a rod extends across it from one side to the other. The key cylinders are installed onto this rod at either end which allows them to move up and down when being operated with a key.

The primary advantage of this style of lock is that it’s quick to install, not expensive to purchase, and easy to operate.

The primary disadvantage is that since there are no latches or bolt mechanisms on the door itself, one must be careful when closing the door so that they don’t slam into anything near the unit. This also makes it easy for children to reach the key cylinders and lock themselves inside, especially if they’re of smaller stature.

Lock #6: Mortise Lock with Surface Trim or Exposed Trim

This type of mortise lock is similar in appearance to the previous design but it does not sit completely within the door itself. The surface trim version still requires the door to be closed manually while the exposed trim version closes automatically. Both of these types are typically made from metal but surface units have been known to be constructed from plastic as well.

The primary advantage of this type of lock is that it’s aesthetically pleasing and can be found in a number of colors. They are also quick to install and relatively inexpensive compared to other types of locks for exterior doors.

The primary disadvantage is that they require two key cylinders which makes them not only expensive but difficult to operate with one hand while holding a baby. Because the latch mechanisms extend to both sides of the door, parents need to operate them from either side which can make it difficult for those with limited flexibility or injuries.

Lock #7: Spring Latch (Flush / Concealed) / Spring Bolt (Exposed)

Although often used interchangeably, there are actually some differences between spring latches and spring bolts. Although both are made of metal except for the keys, they work differently than other locks since they don’t require a key to open.

Spring latches – As the name implies, these latches are controlled by a spring-loaded arm that holds it in place until it is released with the turn of a key from either side. When extended, this arm protrudes about an inch from the face of the lock and usually has a large hole in the center.

The primary advantage of this type of lock is that it’s quick to install, not expensive to purchase, and easy to operate.

The primary disadvantage is that since there are no latches or bolt mechanisms on the door itself, one must be careful when closing the door so that they don’t slam into anything near the unit. This also makes it easy for children to reach the key cylinders and lock themselves inside, especially if they’re of smaller stature.

Spring bolts – This type is very similar in appearance and operation to a deadbolt but functions much differently since there is no key cylinder or latch mechanism on the face of the unit. Instead, after pushing down on a release lever, one side of the door is pushed in while the opposite end (usually protruding about an inch) is extended. For additional security, these bolts can be retracted into the door itself instead of protruding when not in use.

The primary advantage of this type of lock is that it’s quick to install, not expensive to purchase, and easy to operate.

The primary disadvantage is that since there are no latches or bolt mechanisms on the door itself, one must be careful when closing the door so that they don’t slam into anything near the unit. This also makes it easy for children to reach the key cylinders and lock themselves inside, especially if they’re of smaller stature.

Lock #8: Surface Bolt

Surface bolts are used to hold the active leaf in place while it is opened, much like a doorstop. These units are commonly made of metal and can be found in either single or double cylinders.

The primary advantage of this type of lock is that they’re quick to install, not expensive to purchase, and easy to operate.

The primary disadvantage is that it’s not secure enough for exterior applications since there are no bolts or spindle mechanisms on the door itself.

Lock #9: Spindle (Latch) Keeper

Spindle keepers are designed to hold the inactive leaf in place while the active leaf is opened. These locks were very common in the mid-90s and early 00s up until around 2004.

The primary advantage of this type of lock is that it’s quick to install, not expensive to purchase, and easy to operate.

The primary disadvantage is that since there are no bolts or spindle mechanisms on the door itself, one must be careful when closing the door so that they don’t slam into anything near the unit. This also makes it easy for children to reach the key cylinders and lock themselves inside, especially if they’re of smaller stature.

Lock #10: Deadbolt

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Similar to the surface bolt but more secure since there are no moving parts or mechanisms on the face of the door. Like most other locks, it can be found in either single or double cylinders.

The primary advantage of this type of lock is that it’s quick to install, not expensive to purchase, and easy to operate.

 

The primary disadvantage is that since there are no spindle mechanisms on the door itself for security purposes, one must be careful when closing the door so that they don’t slam into anything near the unit.

This also makes it easy for children to reach the key cylinders and lock themselves inside, especially if they’re of smaller stature.

No matter what type of lock you need, King Locksmith & Doors can help. From deadbolts to surface bolts and everything in between, we have the perfect solution for your business needs and budget requirements.

No job is too big or small for our team of locksmith professionals – contact us today at (877) 285-0408!

King Locksmith and Doors Inc. DC & Maryland