It can easily be daunting to pick new locks, whether for your home or company. Although the overwhelming range of choices to choose from is good, it also makes it incredibly difficult to narrow down your selection to the best lock. To put it plainly, there are hundreds of different kinds of locks, each with its unique collection of pros and cons. Moreover, each lock has its own optimal application.
Xllock Locksmiths break down the strengths and weaknesses of a range of the most common locks below. We explain what each type of lock is, how it functions, and the safety variables that you should consider for each. Depending on your particular needs and desires, the purpose of our breakdown is to help you pick the highest quality lock.
Padlocks
One of the most common forms of lock worldwide, padlocks, is also among the most recognizable locks. Even though they come in various sizes, they are set apart by their distinctive freestanding style. They are the only kind of lock that does not have to be permanently connected to anything else to work correctly.
There are two main subtypes when it comes to padlocks. There are padlocks mixed and padlocks keyed. The names say it all: combination padlocks need a numerical combination (entered on a row of numerical dials) to open whereas keyed padlocks need a key to unlock.
There are a variety of other subtypes between combination and keyed padlocks. This is particularly true of padlocks with keys. There are re-keyable and non-rekeyable options available, for instance. A non-rekeyable, as its names suggest, does not allow you to rekey the lock (make a new key) while a rekeyable enables you to do so.
Deadbolts
On external doors, deadbolts are typically mounted and have a few more choices to consider than padlocks. There are three main types of Deadbolts: single, double, and lockable thumb-turn. They use a key cylinder on the exterior and a thumb turn (rosary) on the inside to open or close the door. There is one key flaw in these deadbolts. If access to the interior is possible (using simple tools through a nearby window or even via a peephole), the door can be opened using a thumb turn. To address this issue, a double cylinder deadbolt uses a key cylinder on the inside and the outside of the lock. These have the obvious downside of always needing a key if locked to open the door from within.
Knob Locks
Commonly used in residential areas, in addition to deadbolts on exterior doors, you can also see knob locks installed. It’s also important to remember that they can never be used on exterior doors as a standalone lock.
The lock cylinder itself is located in the knob. This makes it very simple to knock a hammer off the knob. Alternatively, to get behind the handle, pliers, a wrench, and a screwdriver can be used. Both of these methods allow you to circumvent the locking mechanism completely.
While knob locks were once a common choice for most functions, they are no longer recommended. The only area you’ll see them being used correctly is interior doors between rooms in residential settings.
Lever Handle Locks
For commercial applications, lever handle locks are most widely used, especially on interior doors. Having them used in residential settings is exceptionally unusual. They are often commonly used where accessibility for handicaps is a must.
The significant advantage of locks for lever handles is their ease of use. Because of the push style handle, they are much easier to open than knob locks. You are not obligated to grasp and turn them around.
You may consider investing in a “clutch” lever handle lock if protection is a top priority. This form of lock is resistant to attacks involving torque.
Cam Locks
In a variety of applications, cam locks are used, but they are most commonly used in filing cabinets, mailboxes, and OEM applications for lower security. They come in many different lengths and connect with another locking mechanism using several tailpieces or ‘cams’. Clockwise or counter-clockwise, they can turn, and the amount of rotation can be restricted to 90 or 180 degrees.
Mortise Locks
Mortice locks are mounted in the door itself, and it can be unlocked with the key only. They are usually seen on back doors and are often mounted and a cylinder rim lock on the front doors (Yale lock).
A deadlock is a mortice lock that has just a bolt and a keyhole. A bolt and a latch and a pair of handles provide a sash lock.
There are many lever variants of mortice locks: a 2, 3, 5 or 7 lever mechanism. The higher the number of “levers” the more difficult it is to “pick” the lock and make duplicate keys.
Mortice locks require the turning of a key to unlock the deadlock. A mortice lock’s main advantage is that an adjacent window can not be broken, reached inside and opened by burglars. The deadlocks on a mortice lock often suggest that they can not escape through the door if a burglar breaks in through a window, providing you have not left the key inside the lock.
Euro Profile Cylinders
The euro profile cylinder locking system is designed primarily for commercial use, but can also be used in areas such as the restroom, etc. Euro locking technology provides you with optimum security with controlled entry. Euro Profile Cylinder Lock solutions provided by Xllock Locksmiths include Euro Profile Cylinder Lock, Euro Profile Cylinder Half Lock, Precise Cylinder Lock, and Super Cylinder and Construction Key Lock. Features such as both side keys, one side key and another side knob, one side knob and another side coin, one side key and one side knob are present in the locks. 60, 70, 80, 90 & 100 mm are the available sizes. If required, Xllock also provides master keying facilities.
Wall Mounted Locks
Installation is usually carried out at the renovation time, although installing certain wall-mounted locks in existing buildings is easy. It can be installed in a variety of wall surfaces. Wall locks are often installed with covers or alarm sensors to allow networking in buildings’ security system to detect unauthorized access.
Interchangeable Core (IC) Cylinders
The core interchangeable cylinder is Great for apartment complexes, schools, dormitories, And other applications that need instant rekeying functionality.
Interchangeable core cylinders are a lock type that has a core that can be exchanged without separating the core. This gives those using them the opportunity to re-key the lock quickly without much trouble or cost. They are widely used in large organizations and corporations for this purpose.
For interchangeable core cylinders, two different types of keys are used. Both a standard key and a control key are used in the locks. The control key is the one that pulls the entire core from the lock, while the regular key works like any other form of a key. There is no need for any screws to be removed. The fast operation of this procedure makes it possible to update or rekey the locks in a matter of seconds.
There are numerous I/C lock formats, with Small Format Interchangeable Core (SFIC) and Large Format Interchangeable Core (LFIC) being the two most common. It is important to remember that only in housings explicitly intended for I/C cylinders can I/C cylinders be mounted. They can not be mounted in normal deadbolts or locks not designed for an I/C cylinder to be carried.
Furniture Locks
Furniture locks are a perfect storage addition that you want to add a little extra protection. We have a selection of different locks at Xllock, suitable for different styles of furniture. For our furniture locks, we have three essential categories:
- Cupboard Locks
- Pedestal Locks
- Drawer Locks
- Fixed Core Locks
- Core Removable Locks
Vending/T-Handle Locks
T-Handle locks can be quickly replaced by high-security counterparts, most often used in vending machines. A spring latch makes it possible to reinsert the cylinder/handle into the system without the lock’s key (as the latch will automatically depress upon insert). Second, the deadbolt latch is only locked when the key is removed, but the door will not be closed without the key.
It features a unique U-shaped key that uses a highly pick-resistant and completely bump-proof pin and sidebar system that makes it a common option for casinos and businesses worldwide. The QCC (Quick Change Core) feature on the device operates with all of its locks and enables the core of the lock to be removed instantly with a control key to allow quick installation of a new core. Virtually all locks will use the same key and interchangeable QC cores. T-handle locks have extensive retrofitting and compatibility features that allow it to be used in many current locking systems.
Jimmy Proof Deadbolts
A primary concern for homeowners across Ireland is keeping their families safe. Every day, break-ins occur and can happen in any county. Installing jimmy-proof locks will help discourage criminals and keep your children and property safe.
A jimmy-proof lock is not the same as a deadbolt. A jimmy-proof lock has an oval shape with a flat side and a bolt so, when the door is locked, can slide up and down into the strike plate. A brass piece that is fixed to the frame with self-tapping screws is the strike plate. Regardless of the direction it turns, whether in or out, left or right, the lock may be used on either side of the door.
The distinction between a jimmy-proof lock and a deadbolt is that a deadbolt is a complete locking mechanism, whereas, for the lock to operate, a jimmy-proof lock requires a pin cylinder. On the inside of a door the jimmy-proof lock is found and the fact that it can not be opened from the outer portion of the lock on the front of the door. This prevents the lock from being pried off by.
Rim Latch Locks
We install the most strong and robust rim locks. Xllock gives you a rim lock solution to safeguard your home and office as a trusted locksmith among rim lock Providers. Trio lock, trio lock deadbolt, verti lock and night latch locks compose the collection of items under rim locks. To ensure protection, the intelligent night latch series has rim cylinders. There are high tech multi-row technology keys in the rim locks supplied by the manufacturer. For interior and outside door openings, these locks have removable latches.
Key in Knob Cylinder
A key-in-knob lock is a lock that is opened with a key, housed inside a doorknob. With the keyhole facing outwards, the lock and barrel mechanism are placed within the doorknob. Usually, the other side of the doorknob includes a locking and unlocking button or dial, so that any time you want to open the door, keys are not needed.
Disc Tumbler Lock
A lock containing slotted rotary detainer disks is a disk tumbler lock. A key specially cut for the lock turns the discs to line up with the slot, like the tumblers of a safe. This causes the sidebar to fall into the slots and the lock to unlock. Since it does not use springs, the disc tumbler lock mechanism differs from wafer tumbler locks and pin tumbler locks.
For the best home safety, get expert advice from Xllock Locksmiths Ireland.
It’s worth remembering whether you’re going to replace or update the original device while changing your locks. Xllock can provide advice and a quote based on your access and security requirements.
Ask about the various options available so that you have time to compare the costs and make an informed decision that meets the requirements of your budget and security.
You’ll be given choices to choose from different options for changing the locks on your house.
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