Various Kinds of Locks

Different Locks, Different Purposes

Can you imagine using a padlock to secure your vehicle? Wouldn’t that just be the oddest thing ever? How about using a knob lock on your window? Those are really some strange uses for those types of locks. It just goes to show that different locks are made for different purposes. And, rightly so. Not every area of your home, business or car needs the same level of security. Plus, there are also aesthetic concerns when it comes to locks.

Let’s take a look at some of the most commonly used locks, why they’re used and how secure they tend to be.

1. Keyless entry systems

One of the newest type of lock on the market today is keyless entry systems. From their name, you should be able to tell that these locks do not require keys to be opened. There has been a lot of development in keyless locks since they first emerged on the market.

Today, many types of locks have some overlap with keyless entry systems. For example, there are many new padlocks that do not need keys to be opened. The same goes for deadbolts. But, there’s one feature about keyless locks that make them extremely advantageous- they’re very secure. You can find keyless systems just about everywhere these days- homes, cars, business places and much more.

2. Deadbolt

Very popular among homeowners and small business owners, deadbolts are considered to be one of the most economical locks when it comes to high security. They provide a great deal of security for the property they are designed to protect. In many cases, deadbolts may not be found as the only source of protection. They tend to be used in addition to knob locks, lever handle locks and much more.

3. Padlock

If you have ever travelled, you may have attached a padlock to your suitcase. Nowadays, suitcases are being sold with combination locks, so the padlock is becoming less common there. However, there are many other instances where padlocks are relevant. Usually, you find them on items that cannot facilitate door locks. For example, burglar bars, luggage and many other small and personal items.

4. Rim latch locks

If you have ever had one of these locks on your apartment or dorm room, chances are you’ve been locked out before. They lock automatically once the door closes and are considered very secure because of this. For people who tend to forget to lock their doors behind them, this is the perfect solution. However, if you accidentally close your door while you’re outside, you may need to call a locksmith.

5. Furniture locks

As the name suggests, this type of lock is designed to be used on furniture only. Whether it is a cabinet in your home or a desk drawer at your office, these locks tend to fit just about any type of furniture. They come in many different sizes too. So, no matter how small or large you need them, there are a couple variations that you can choose from. Although it is a bit easy to pick some of these locks, they’re often designed to provide very low-level security.

6. The Knob Lock

This type of lock is mostly used on interior doors. Whether it is a commercial property or residential property, many property owners shy away from using them on exterior doors. This is because they are not designed to provide a high level of security. Although there are some cases where you may see knob locks on exterior doors, you’ll also notice that they are accompanied by other types of locks that help to increase the level of security provided.

Lever handle locks

Some time ago, lever handle locks were rarely seen on exterior doors. Today, they are becoming quite popular for exterior doors. So, you may find these locks on both types of doors. They may be found in both commercial as well as residential properties too. In many instances where they are found in commercial properties, they are used on interior doors. This is very understandable as many lever handle locks do not offer superior protection against intruders.

7. Window locks

Not everyone feels safe knowing that their windows can be opened by just about anyone who passes by. These locks are designed to provide that extra level of security. While they are not very difficult to get pass, they provide some protection against burglars or other unauthorized individuals. There are many varieties of window locks to choose from too. If you’re thinking about purchasing some for your windows at home, call your local locksmith to see what they have in stock.

There are many other types of locks that you can purchase for your home, business and other places/ items. So, before you go searching for a lock in a store, at your locksmith or online, try to get some information on the type of lock that you need.