You’ll be glad you updated your lock if an emergency occurs. We all know there are times when we get locked out of our house or work area. You don’t always have someone to call for help, so you’re on your own. That’s when it pays to have a lock that is up-to-date with the latest security features. That way when it happens, you’re still in control of your situation.
A locksmith is able to provide you with the best lock in case of an emergency. Remember to ask your locksmith about your options because it can help save your life or that of a loved one.
Most of these locks are now required by law in many states. Most are easy to install for even the novice do-it-yourselfer, and all offer convenience and security.
1) Deadbolt Locks
Many experts say deadbolt locks are the best locks you can buy. They require a key to get in or out so there is less chance of being locked out unintentionally. Many deadbolts today come with an extra metal strip embedded in the door to help prevent kick-ins.
Deadbolt locks are best for doors where there is not a lot of room between the door and the jamb it slides into. It is difficult to install a deadbolt on an exterior door if it has a storm or screen door attached. It is usually seen in apartment buildings, condos, or homes.
You may already have one, but having two locks (a bolt-action lock and knob lock) greatly increases your house’s security. You can leave one locked at all times and you don’t have to carry a key on your person.
Keyless Deadbolt Locks
A keyless deadbolt lock is a type of electrical deadbolt that can be locked and unlocked by a keypad on the outside of your home. You only have to use a four-or six-digit code for inside access or by scanning a fingerprint, rather than inserting a key into a lock cylinder.
It’s not as foolproof as it seems however because if someone knows your code they can unlock the door at any time.
A great solution to this problem is a keypad lock that requires you to enter an access code each time you use it. This makes it very difficult for someone who may have watched or followed you home from work. You choose the number combination, so no one else needs to know it.
Many deadbolts come with an option that does not require a key. This is becoming very popular for people who do not like to carry keys or leave one hidden in case of emergency. You can program your own personal three to eight-digit code into it and never have to worry about someone else having a key or knowing your code.
It is programmed with a four to eight-digit code that you create. To access the door, you simply enter your code and turn the lock knob. It will remember which direction you need to turn it for inside or outside access as long as you change them from time to time. This is especially helpful when you store your key in a secure place just for this purpose.
2) Door Jam Locks
Door jams are installed on each side of a door, preventing it from opening more than a few inches. They’re great for bathrooms and bedrooms. Keep extra locks on hand to install them on all exterior doors inside the house, as well as any outside entrances such as garages and screen porches.
3) Lever Handle Locks
One nice feature of deadbolt locks is the security they provide. But sometimes it can be hard to get in your house if you have arthritis and cannot use a key to unlock the door. That’s when a round knob handle lock comes in real handy.
4) Sliding Glass Doors
The majority of residential sliding glass doors are not secure from burglars entering from the outside of the house. One solution is to fit them with cylinder locks that require a key from the inside as well as outside. This lock can be one that is built into the sliding door or an external lock. You can also invest in security panels for your patio doors.
5) Plug Locks
Plug locks are best for sliding glass doors that don’t have a knob lock. They’re inserted into the track of the door, just like it was a regular cylinder lock. The plug pops up from the door jam when unlocked and retracts into it when locked, so there’s no key to lose. Because they’re easily accessible from outside, you should still use a knob or deadbolt on your sliding glass door as well.
6) Sliding Door Pin Locks
These locks are mounted on the inside of sliding glass doors or windows. The lock pin slides from side to side in a metal track in order to lock and unlock a door. It is a simple tool that does not require a key for locking and unlocking the door, although some have keys for convenience.
This small lock is perfect for sliding doors, such as patio doors. It installs on the inside so it can’t be seen from the outside. They are available in both horizontal and vertical types, which slide left to right or up and down respectively.
7) Slide Bolts
Slide bolts are similar to door jam locks but much sturdier, usually made of steel or brass. The bolt locks into the floor when in use and when unlocked, slides back into the door frame, out of sight. They’re much stronger than spring bolts because they are attached to the floor with screws or bolts that go through the wall.
8) Spring Bolts
Another type of lock we recommend for any door is the spring bolt. These locks are easy to open and close with one hand and can even be opened from outside without a key, but they offer excellent security when closed and locked. They should only be used on doors that do not open too often, such as a bedroom.
When installed properly, these locks provide excellent security for your door. They come in several different styles and work by sliding a metal pin up and down inside the door hole. You can also get one with a key to make things easier when you don’t feel like turning it with your hand. These locks should be used for any outside doors of the house, including garages.
9) Stronger Bolt Locks
Stronger bolt locks are like spring bolts or plug locks but feature a stronger bolt. They may come in different lengths and can be used on any exterior door. Stronger bolts are great for people who live in high-crime areas since they make it more difficult for crooks to kick the door down quickly.
10) Mortise Locks
Mortise locks are like standard locks but thicker and made of steel, brass or even iron. They feature a metal covering over the lock and usually have three levers inside. The levers can be re-keyed for added security, which will make it more difficult to pick.
11) Rim Locks
Rim locks are trigger-operated locks that are popular with sliding glass doors. They’re installed on the inside of the door, locking into the metal part of the window frame at either end. To unlock them, you must press a spring-loaded button on the handle or keypad to release the lock mechanism.
12) Night Locks
A night lock is a deadbolt that’s installed near the top of the door. This lock is activated by turning a key until it slides into place with a click, similar to how car ignition keys turn. Night locks are usually included with all exterior doors of new homes, but they can also be added to older doors as well.
These locks will keep your elementary school-aged kids out of mischief at home and prevent burglars from entering your home. But they’re no substitute for adult supervision, so don’t forget to keep your doors locked even when you’re at home.
13) Storm Door
If you don’t currently have a storm door, you should definitely get one with a strong self-closing hinge and replace the standard spring hinges with ones made from heavy-duty steel. Replace the screws with larger ones and make sure they are self-tapping to prevent splitting of the wood.
14) Security Door Bar
This is an excellent tool for protecting your home from forced entry. It slides between the floor and door jamb to help prevent a door from being pushed open by an intruder.
15) Security Door Chains
Sliding glass doors commonly use this security device to keep out burglars. You should always keep the door locked with a simple twist of the thumb that requires no key and you don’t have to fumble around for one.
16) Window Guards
Having these on your windows can help prevent criminals from entering your home. They’re not as strong as bars but offer some protection and can be removed in seconds if you need to escape from a fire. Use the type that locks on with long screws and doesn’t rely on suction cups alone, which can easily be broken off by intruders.
With these 16 locks, you can rest easy knowing your home is secure.
