Some Different Types Of Door Locks

Door locks come are available in a diverse array of options and functionality. The choice of which type of lock to select comes down to the type of door and the expected amount of security and privacy. There are trade offs to consider, as well, depending on the lock and the style.

Entry doorways have a number of options when it comes to locks. There are two basic styles of locks for entry doorways. There are locks that can be attached to the door and then locks that are drilled into the door. The former are easier to install but often times not as secure. For example, a bar lock is attached to the inside door face with a matching slot attached to the door frame face. The bar slides into the slot to lock. A very common type is the chain lock. Chain locks are not as secure because they can be sawed off or kicked in, however, they do provide for a level of security when opening the door for visitors. The are common in apartment buildings.

More secure locks are dead bolts. These types of locks require drilling through the door. Dead bolts are similar to the bar lock, but more secure. Another advantage with a dead bolt is that they can be locked from the outside with a key, unlike the bar lock. This can provide an added sense of security when traveling. More common locks are the door knob locks. However, typically many have locks, as those described above, in addition to the standard door knob lock. The knob lock can be locked from the outside with a key and from the inside. Once locked, the knob will be unable to turn until the latch is unlocked.

Locks fashioned for inside the door and door frame are more secure and are available in two types, mortice and tubular. Mortice locks combine a door knob latch with a dead bolt latch in one piece. The mortice comes in one piece and requires drilling on the inside of the width of the door and the frame. Although, they are very secure, they also are hard to install for the do-it-yourselfers. Tubular locks are dissimilar to mortice in that the dead bolt is separate from the door knob latch.

One important factor to keep in mind when deciding which type of lock to use is the door width. A one and three quarters inch is typically a standard door size. However, most mortice locks and tubular locks require at least a two and quarter inch width. A tubular design is much like a mortice lock except that the latch and bolt mechanisms are separate.

Both the mortice and tubular locks can be locked from the outside, as well as the inside. These come in a wide variety of finishes and designs. Aside from security and privacy, function and beauty are perhaps just as important. Mortice locks tend to have more designs and options, given their popularity with most door manufacturers.

Over the recent decade, the popularity of keyless door systems has increased. Sometimes the doors are unlocked via a keypad or remote signal. Often times the doors are not locked at all but are linked to a security system which needs to be deactivated if a window or door is open. These types of systems require a home monitoring service that typically comes with additional services and expenses.

For the interior door, as in bathrooms and bedrooms, the choices are also varied in design, function, and security. The most common indoor lock is the door knob lock. The indoor knob lock comes mainly in two varieties, the push button and twist lock. Both of these types are easy to break into and that is important if a loved one becomes incapacitated while locked inside. The push button usually has a pin hole on the outside of the door knob that can be picked with a pin or nail. The twist one are easy to negotiate with a thin metal plate or credit card. In short, there are many aspects to take into account when deciding on a door lock, the least of which would be artistic quality.

Purchase the right door lock to buy to keep your family safe. Buying high quality door locks can be done online. So head online now and save money, and get the right product!

December 19 2009 | home security | No Comments »

Simple Home Security Tips For You

When you get your first home, you realize that this is a huge investment and a large emotional investment as well. Not only is it the place you come back to at the end of the day, but it's also where most of your worldly possessions are stored. Therefore, it can prove beneficial to ensure that your property is fully protected.

Indeed, it's an unfortunate fact that the biggest threat to your home is burglary, with property crimes accounting for the biggest percentage of offenses in the UK. However, it has been identified that homes with security measures in place are at a much lower risk of being targeted than those which are not protected.

So, it may be a really good idea to take the time and make the relatively small investment in being able to get your home secure and safe. And, in addition to reducing the likelihood of burglary, by employing some anti-theft devices around your property, you may also be able to reduce your home insurance premium. Although there are determined thieves out there, the harder you make it for them to break in, the less likely they will target your home. So, when thinking about which devices to employ, make sure they are noisy and/or difficult to get through.

One of the most common sense approaches would be the fitting of a visible burglar alarm as a great way to deter thieves. There are a number of different ones available, ranging from simple noise-making alarms to the more high-tech models, which are linked to your local police station. It is worth researching to find one that best matches your individual requirements.

Did you also know that your windows are probably the weakest area of security and the first to get attacked. Consequently, it's essential you take every precaution possible to reinforce yours. For instance, planting heavy shrubbery or using thick, spiky hedges can be a great deterrent, but make sure you don't block the view and make it easier for a thief to get cover.

Make sure your doors have the right kinds of locks on them. The best locks for doors are dead locks, whilst it's sensible to have key locks put onto any windows. Lock the doors even when you are at home. Often thieves can be encouraged by what they see through people's windows. The best way to avoid enticing them in is to not leave any valuables lying in full view. So, any money, jewelery or even televisions and computers should be kept out of the way of your windows.

Consider the installation of window shutters in your home. In fact, there are many advantages in doing so: acting as a physical barrier for any burglars, they can also protect you against the cold or external noise from the street or neighbors, as well as provide you with an extra level of privacy. Regardless of which measures you put in place in your home, it's important to remember that the more protected you are, the less chance you have of inviting thieves into your home.

April 29 2009 | home security | No Comments »