[dropcap]W[/dropcap]hether you have just moved into a new home, in the middle of renovating it or simply want to prevent break-ins and burglaries, you’ll want to look into installing a door with a brand new lock. But like most purchases for the home, there are so many lock options on the market that narrowing down the choices can be stressful. Maybe you have even already ventured out to your local DIY or home improvement store only to feel unsure on what will fit your home (and peace of mind) best. No need to fret. We have narrowed down key features to help you in your decision making.
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Keep your house secure is pivotal, especially if ensuring privacy at the forefront. Here are several locksets that may suit you:
We’ll start with a passage lockset: one of the most common types that you’ve surely seen before on doors, in halls or between two rooms. It is highly functional and equipped with two knobs.
Next is the privacy lockset: similar to the passage lockset, it is designed for people who value privacy the most. One of the most attractive features is the locking button found only on the inside knob (not outside), so it can’t be opened easily.
A popular option is an entry lockset: This is a double mechanism of two knobs which allows locking the door from both sides. It is also one of most common types, mostly found on front doors – you unlock it outside by a key and lock in from the inside by turning a button. In fact, several renowned Sydney-based locksmiths suggest installing this option as this provides great security.
There is also the dummy knob: – an easily installed and purely decorative way to present your door as a guarded entry in your home even though it’s not: but it can still fool thieves and protect your house while you’re away on vacation. However, we do suggest using this option in conjunction with any of the above choices for added protection.
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Now if you are looking to the ultimate lock protection for your home and assets, we suggest picking from one of the following locks designed for this specific purpose.
The deadbolt lock: A lock with no springs on it, so it only be operated manually with a key from the inside. There are available variations which can include a single and a double-cylinder deadbolts with an option to use a key on the outside of the door, as well.
Next is the surface-mounted deadbolt: Several people consider an upgraded and safer version of the previous lock, which is square and intended to be placed on the inside of the door but can only be turned with a key or knob (lever). It also uses a surface-mounted strike instead of a door frame for its position.
A mortise lock: This is usually used on heavy duty doors found on entrances. It is actually a rectangular box with a pin tumbler locking mechanism placed inside its cylinder.
Finally, you can use a keyless entry system: As the name suggests, this system does not use keys, but instead has audio-visual indicators and includes an alarm that will go off after a wrong code is entered three times. It is the most advanced anti-theft system present.
So we have given you an overview of some of the more common locks available. But before you pick an option, we suggest you take time to consider the value of your house, all potential security risks, and then assess your budget and expected durability of the lock to make a smart choice that fits all your criteria. If still unsure, visit your home improvement store and talk to professionals who can help you decide which one is best for your home.
