Knob Locks  

Knob locks are probably the most commonly found type of lock on residential doors, found both on exterior doors and interior doors. Knob locks operate via spring with the cylinder located in the knob itself. They are almost always paired with a deadbolt for front doors and other exterior doors, because knob locks are significantly vulnerable to picking or heavy force. Knob locks can be rekeyed if needed when the owner wants a new key to fit the lock but would prefer not to change the lock mechanisms entirely.   

Lever Locks  

Locked lever handles are usually found on commercial properties on interior doors. They make it easier for people of all capabilities to open these doors than knob locks, which may be more difficult for those with limitations. They are almost never installed as an exterior door lock due to their easy ability to be defeated by force.   

Deadbolts  

Deadbolts come in several different varieties and are one of the most inexpensive and effective ways of protecting a residential or commercial exterior door on the market. They are sturdier and more effective than basic knob or lever locks because the hardware is installed inside the door itself and it can’t be opened without a key. There are four types of deadbolts available for consumers to install:  

• Single-Cylinder Deadbolts: These are the most commonly found residential deadbolts on the market, consisting of a single secure bolt. Single-cylinder deadbolts make the associated door very difficult to defeat by tampering or force. 
• Double-Cylinder Deadbolts: Double-sided deadbolts are an upgrade on traditional single-cylinder deadbolts because they require a key on both sides. The features that make them more secure also make them more dangerous, as they may present a hazard during an emergency. Therefore, they are not recommended for houses.  
• Thumb-Turn Deadbolts: A type of residential deadbolts that provide a great deal of protection, thumb-turns operate, as the name implies, by turning a small hardware piece form the inside to lock the door. 
• Jimmy-Proof Deadbolts: Jimmy-proof deadbolts are most commonly found fastened to doors in apartment buildings. They are highly resistant to brute force tactics because they lock together with the actual bracket of the door jamb, making them the sturdiest and strongest type of deadbolt.  

 Padlocks

Padlocks are a freestanding lock that is commonly used to protect many forms of personal and commercial property, such as bikes, lockers, fence gates, and more. Padlocks are relatively simple lock constructions that consist of a lock mechanism attached to a loop that hooks onto the intended area and then attaches back into the lock device.   

• Master lock Padlocks: These padlocks utilize a key to open them, which fits into a typical metal lock cylinder with calibrated pins and tumblers. In case of the key getting lost, there are models that allow for rekeying, which consists of rearranging the pins to fit a new key. Then there are models that do not allow for such measures, which will require professional lockpicking or cutting the lock off entirely to remove if you are locked out.   
• Combination Lock: A combination lock is a type of padlock in which a preset code must be input to open the lock. Combination padlocks are often found on school lockers and other types of frequently accessed areas where protected goods are stored. 

Furniture Locks   

Furniture locks can be installed by a trained locksmith on many types of furniture. Basically, anything with a drawer or door can have a lock installed on it, including desks, cabinet drawers, antique furniture, file cabinets, and bookcase doors.    

High-Security Locks  

High-security locks are manufactured by highly regarded lock companies, such as Mul-T-Lock and Medeco, who assemble advanced locks with varying degrees of pick-proof and bump key-proof security designs. These locks are extremely hard to bypass even for experienced criminals, making them a good upgrade choice for exterior commercial property doors.   

Mortise Locks  

Mortise locks are considered to be a step up from deadbolts in terms of security protection and are often outfitted on exterior commercial property and apartment doors. Mortise locks are comprised of a piece of hardware that is installed in the door itself and then a cylinder with the actual lock on it. Mortise locks have been around since Victorian times and are available in a variety of sizes and lengths to secure different doors.   

Cam Locks  

Cam locks are cylinder-shaped locks with a bolt that fits into a separate cylinder. Cam locks can be installed in a way that draws little attention to themselves. They often come in kits intended for furniture installation. Cam locks can be installed on mailboxes, furniture doors and drawers, and other areas that need low security.   

Digital Locks   

Digital locks began to be seen starting years ago on vehicles, but with new advancements in technology have expanded greatly into many areas of lock use. They are relatively easy to install by a locksmith properly trained in the technology and easy to use.   

Having Locks Installed or Replaced

An expert professional locksmith company is your best bet for having new locks installed or your current locks replaced or upgraded. Part of a locksmith’s job is to keep informed and trained in both existing forms of lock hardware and all of the latest technological advances in the lock and key security industry. Depending on the type of property you want to protect, the access control you are looking to provide, and the price range of your budget, a trained locksmith can set you up with the best security options. While it may seem tempting to go down to the hardware store and purchase a cheap lock to install yourself and call it a day, that route is putting your security at risk. A locksmith can perform a full evaluation of your current lock security system and recommend the best replacement hardware and upgrades from the available lock options.