Different Lock Types and Their Perks

Every single area of our daily lives has now been touched by technology in some way. Our locks and keys are no exception to this new norm, and now, securing our properties is more efficient and effective than ever thanks to technology. Whether you prefer upgraded, electronic locks or traditional locks, there are perks and benefits to each. Continue reading to find out more about traditional locks types, as well as the newer lock models available on the market today. 

Traditional Locks

Traditional locks types may still be preferred over electronic lock models for some families and homeowners. There are two main types of locks that homeowners use to secure their homes. You may consider switching from one type to the other, or swapping out your current locks for new ones for an updated look and feel.

Deadbolts  

You are likely already familiar with deadbolt locks and may even use them every day in some capacity. Deadbolt locks are great at securing homes and other spaces without a lot of heavy hardware on the door. Single-cylinder deadbolt locks are the most common type of deadbolt lock that you will use. Double-cylinder deadbolt locks may also be an option for some, but know that they are not as convenient to use. Single-cylinder deadbolt locks have a key slot on the exterior side and a latch on the interior side. With a double-cylinder deadbolt, however, there is a key slot on both sides of the lock.
Because double-cylinder deadbolts require a key to lock or unlock the door from either side, they are not used nearly as often as single-cylinder deadbolt locks. However, if you are looking for a more secure deadbolt, you will find that double-cylinder deadbolt locks are much more difficult to tamper with.

Handle Sets

If you already have deadbolt locks installed on your home, but want to change the look of the locks without sacrificing security, a good option is to install a handle set lock. Handle sets work and operate exactly like deadbolt locks, except they come with a decorative handle instead of a doorknob. Switching out your home’s deadbolt lock with a handle set is an easy, yet effective way to upgrade your home’s exterior.

Access Control and Smart Locks

Electronic lock models are most often referred to as access control locks or smart locks. Access control locks allow primary users to program and control various entrances and exits in a given space, usually with external monitoring capabilities of some sort. Businesses have used access control locks and other electronic locks for years. Now, homeowners are able to install this same technology for their home locks in order to keep their personal property protected.

Keypad and Combination Locks

The first, most common type of access control locks you will see are keypad and combination devices. These locks simply require a four- or five-digit access code in order for one to enter. Most home electronic or keyless entry locks will use a keypad device of some sort, rather than a key. Electronic deadbolt locks, for example, almost always use a number keypad instead of a regular key. 

Biometric Locks

The most expensive and sophisticated, but secure models you can purchase when it comes to electronic locks are locks known as biometric locks. These locks require each user to verify their identity through the use of a fingerprint or retina identification. Fingerprint biometric readers use either one’s thumb or fingerprint on a scanner in order to unlock the door. This makes it so that it is impossible for anyone to tamper with or unlawfully enter into a given space, especially since there is no physical key for anyone to steal or passcode for anyone to pass on.

Retina scanners work much in the same ways as fingerprint readers, except they use one’s eyeball as a key instead. As strange as it sounds, our eyes are just as unique as our thumbprints, which makes them the perfect, unique identifiers to be used in high-security circumstances. Not all homeowners will need or even consider installing biometric locks, since they are typically reserved for extreme circumstances. However, biometric locks are worth considering and installing if you are concerned about a particular aspect of your home or business security.

Smart Locks with Wireless Connectivity

With our smartphones always in hand, it just makes sense that we can now control our homes from the palm of our hands, too. Smart locks are becoming increasingly more popular year after year. Smart locks connect your home locks right to your smartphone, allowing you to control just about every aspect of your home security while on-the-go. 

Smart locks that have corresponding smartphone applications can make life significantly easier for families of all kinds. With smart locks, you can check the status of the doors around your home, lock or unlock any doors in your home right from the app, and even view a detailed account of any activity that has occurred with your locks over the course of a day or week. Homeowners that need increased monitoring, but are unable to be home at all times can greatly benefit from installing a smart lock system. Even when you are out, you can be alerted and aware immediately of any issues that are happening with your locks or around your home.

Need a Lock and Key Specialist in Atlanta?

Pro One Locksmith, LLC is the top locksmith to turn to for lock replacements, repairs, upgrades, lockouts, and other locksmithing concerns, 24-hours a day, seven days a week. We can take care of it all when it comes to locks and keys! Thanks to our around-the-clock professional locksmithing services in and around Atlanta, Georgia, you never have to worry about being stranded for long trying to deal with a lockout or lock replacement of some kind. No matter what the problem is, give our locksmiths at Pro One Locksmith, LLC a call and we will have an experienced locksmith by your side ASAP.