Everything You Need To Know About Security Locks

Man using key to open security lock to enter his home

Blog written by Guardline.

Your home is your sanctuary. Therefore, maintaining its security should be your priority for your peace of mind. Having a reliable security lock can help you keep your place secure. Most homeowners don't know that most burglars sneak through the front door due to poor lock security systems. That's why you should invest in a good security lock to keep your home, and family, safe. 

Apart from that, there are many aspects that you need to learn about security locks. This post aims at giving insights about how to boost your home security with security lock best practices and a diy driveway alarm.

type of security lock called a padlock securing a parking lot

What are the 7 Types of Door Locks?

Surprisingly, there are many types of security locks for front doors to protect various things. However, there are several door lock options to choose from. Here are the seven types of door security locks that you should know about.

Deadbolts

Deadbolt locks are the most common security lock on the market. They work by moving or turning a key or knob without using a spring. There are different types of deadbolts, with the single-cylinder type being the simplest one. Other options include double cylinder deadbolts, a single/double lockable deadbolt, and a thumb turn lock.

Knob Locks

These are also popular door locks and probably the chief security method for most residential locks. Their lock cylinder is placed in the knob rather than the door. However, they are less secure than deadbolts making them suitable for internal doors.

Handle Locks

Handle locks are pretty similar to knob locks, but with the lock cylinder located on the handle. Modern handle locks come with a thumb turn or key tumbler to engage the locking mechanism, preventing the cylinder from being turned to open the door.

Barrel Bolt and Chain Locks

Barrel bolts and chain security locks operate by sliding a cylinder or attaching a chain to a jam connected to the door. These locks are usually placed at the top of the doors to prevent children from accessing them. They are best used to keep intruders from entering a home when owners are inside.

Padlocks

Padlocks are common types of free-standing security lock groups. Padlocks are detached from the door, unlike other locks. You can choose your padlock from different models, but the keyed and combined options are the most common types. 

Mortise Locks

These are the most potent security locks used for front doors or any other external-facing door. They come in heavy-duty and light models. This lock has a box lockset and a deep recess located at the edge of the door.

Smart Locks

Smart locks are the newest type of home security lock. Many smart locks have remote access features, meaning that you use a smartphone or a key fob to unlock the door without having to touch anything. Smart locks include touchpad pin access, voice control, audio, and video components. They can also incorporate other security lock systems like driveway alarms.

What are Smart Locks?

Smart locks are door locks that users can control remotely through a mobile application. Users can lock or unlock these locks with a tap of a button. With smart locks, you don't have to worry about the possibility of leaving your home unlocked, and you can even let in a family member or roommate into your residence from anywhere.

How Do Smart Locks Work?

The exact way that your smart lock functions depend on the specific lock you have. However, they can either replace or attach to your current deadbolt. You might require a local network or Wi-Fi to receive the command or code to control the door.

What are the Different Smart Lock Features?

Smart locks continue to evolve to keep pace with technology. A few years ago, they had limited features, but nowadays, you can find tiny useful options jammed in a single device. Modern smart locks come with multiple ways to unlock the door. Some offer fingerprint scans, four-digit codes, and other features, apart from the apps. Other features that you can find include:

  • Built-in cameras
  • An intercom system
  • An emergency siren
  • An emergency button in the mobile application that automatically alerts the authorities
  • Anti-theft capabilities to prevent tampering

man installing a security lock to this front door inside the home

5 Reasons Why You Should Have a High-Security Lock

High-security locks are a good option for those looking to upgrade their standard front door security locks. They provide better security for homes due to their unique features to protect homes from break-ins and thefts. Here is a breakdown of the importance of having a high-security lock.

Guarantees Restricted Keyways

It's no secret that business and residential owners fear the possibility of copied or missing keys. Fortunately, many high-security locks cannot be copied. Only one locksmith is authorized to make the duplicate keys to establish key control for an individual or a business.

They are Impossible to Pick

High-security locks correspond with a specific pin. Only a particular locksmith with special tools can open this type of lock. They are also drill-resistant, meaning that they are not easy to break.

Customizable

High-security locks like smart locks are tailored to fit your needs. Therefore, if you have homes in different locations, you can customize each lock to fit the specific area.

Allows Users to Reset their Locks

With modern high-security locks, you can reset your locks without replacing them. You can do this on both master keys and grand master keys.

Can be Monitored Remotely

You can monitor high-security locks remotely. This allows homeowners and business owners to use advanced add-ons like driveway gate locks to unlock their doors using a smartphone or computer. Innovative lock systems also allow homeowners and business owners to receive security alerts on their phones or computer when someone tries to tamper with their locks.

When Should I Replace My Lock?

You should consider front door lock replacement under the following circumstances:

  • When your existing security lock is worn out, malfunctioning, broken, or damaged
  • You want to replace your locks with others that complement the aesthetic features of your property
  • You want to upgrade to a high-security lock
  • You want to use a master key for your premises
  • You move into a new home, or someone moves out
  • You, or someone living in your home, looses their keys
  • There has been an increase of crime in your neighborhood

If you don’t have the time to totally replace your lock consider rekeying your lock.

What Does Rekeying a Lock Mean?

Rekeying a lock refers to changing the lock's components to match a new key. This allows you to keep the same security lock but restricts the old key from operating it. This is done by removing the lock from the door and replacing the tumblers and keys. This might not seem very easy, but with the right tools at hand, you can easily do it by yourself.

You can choose to rekey your lock or rely on a locksmith. However, if you don't have the current matching key, this would better suit a locksmith for this task since they will need to pick the lock to open it.

How Are Rekeying a Lock and Changing Locks Different?

Rekeying refers to changing the components of a lock to match a new key. On the other hand, modifying or replacing a lock involves the removal of an existing lock on a door and installing it with a brand new lock. You can choose to replace or rekey your lock or rely on a locksmith, depending on the complexity of the installation process.

Another way to boost your home security, and further protect your family is to add a DIY driveway alarm system.

house using a wireless driveway alarm for home security to protect their family

What is a Driveway Alarm, and How Does It Work?

Driveway alarms are wireless home security systems that notify homeowners of movement in their driveway. They are suitable security systems because they can instantly tell a homeowner whenever a person pulls over into their driveway.

Driveway alarms have two components; the transmitter and the receiver. The transmitter is concealed in the driveway while the receiver is kept inside the home. Depending on the brand and model that you use, you can purchase a wireless receiver to carry it with you wherever you go. When the transmitter senses movement in the driveway, it will signal the receiver and notify you of motion by a sound.

Learn more about 'How to Set Up the Guardline Driveway Alarm'.

What are the Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Driveway Alarm?

When buying a driveway alarm, you should consider the following factors:

Sensor Range

The sensor range of your driveway alarm depends on the exact place you intend to install your device. You should ensure that the alarm you choose has a sensor range that can reach across your driveway to send signals to the transmitter once it's tripped.

The Transmission Range

Sensors usually send a wireless signal to the receiver inside the home, which alerts or sounds the alarm once triggered. Therefore, you should determine the sensor and the transmitter range depending on your home's physical orientation.

Type of Motion Detected by the Sensor

Specific sensors can detect vehicles, while others are specific to large animals or people. Therefore, before buying one, consider what type of motion you need to detect before buying your driveway alarm.

Uniqueness

Some driveway alarms have motion detectors and facial recognition. Other comes with solar-powered options and additional security sensors or alarms. Likewise, wireless alarms give you flexibility for placement of both sensors and receivers.

Conclusion

Securing your home is paramount. Investing in a reliable security home security system keeps your home safe. By applying home security best practices, like a strong security lock on your front door and a diy driveway alarm system, you can rest easy knowing you’re doing the best you can to protect your home and family.

At Guardline, we offer the best wireless driveway home security alarms to our clients. With wireless driveway alarms, you can rest a little easier knowing that your home and family are safe. Check out our products today, and let's help you keep your home secure.

 

Contributing Writer: Amy Kaloydis

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