How To Choose A Deadbolt For Your Home
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Choosing a good home door lock is important to the safety and security of your family. It’s a choice you don’t want to overlook, so consider the following when making a decision regarding locks:
The best locks have a set with a latch lock and a deadbolt, or combine the two into a latch/deadbolt lock. Deadbolt locks must be locked with a key and have a positive latch. They are much harder to break into once they are latched, and resist “bump keys” that are highly effective break-in tools on standard cylinder locks.
When choosing a lock to protect your home from unauthorized entry, a deadbolt lock will usually be the best choice. In fact, building codes and fire code regulations in many areas require the use of a deadbolt lock on all doors that provide entry into a home. A deadbolt lock works by moving a bolt in or out of the lock assembly and door frame. These types of locks differ from various other types in that they are not spring-loaded and are much harder to defeat.
Deadbolt Features
• Medium Duty Residential Lockset – Locksmith Supply Type Deadbolt
• Outer Slip-Ring Cannot Be Crushed – Will Withstand Vise Grips Attacks
• Defeats Key Cylinder Knock-Outs – Solid Brass Cylinder & Plug
• Defeats Kick-In Attacks – 1″ Throw With Hardened Steel Core
• Defeats Crowbar Attacks – 1/4″ Screws Anchor To Solid Metal Back Plate
• More Difficult To Pick – Manufacturer Supplied 6 or 7 Pin Lock
• Available Finishes – Brass (605) or Stainless Steel (626)
Guide to Buying Deadbolt Locks
There are three common types of deadbolt locks and each of them has a unique feature and is for a different purpose. It’s important to know each of these locks if you are looking forward to buying one of these for your security.
Single Cylinder Deadbolt:
This is a basic deadbolt which locks and unlocks from the outside with a key. For access from the inside you have a metal latch which lets you lock and unlock the door. This type of deadbolts is commonly used at the main entrances of households. If you are investing in a deadbolt lock for your home this is the perfect choice for you because it restricts access from outside to a key but allows free access from the inside by the operation of a latch.
Double Cylinder Deadbolt:
This is a more complex form of deadbolt and requires you to have a key to lock and unlock the door from both inside and outside. Considered to be more secure it is mostly used in doors with glass windows. Even if a burglar breaks the glass windows he/she cannot open the door without a key. It also imbibes in you the good habit of locking the door while closing it. However the drawback of this lock is in emergency situations like a fire. In the case of an emergency when everyone rushes to evacuate, this door can pose a problem and hence it doesn’t come up to the marks for fire safety. This type of lock is good for you if you are using a door with glasses but you must consider the fire safety norms before making a purchase.
Keyless Entry Deadbolt:
This type of deadbolt does not require a key as it uses a numeric keypad with a unique password to lock and unlock the door. It often also comes with a remote control which sends signals to the lock to open or close. This type of lock is used in cars. Sometimes these locks also come with a key to override the lock mechanism.
The Keyless Entry Deadbolt also finds massive use in the security of safes. This type of lock is designed more for your convenience. The only drawback this lock has is that it becomes null if exposed to moisture coz this is battery operated. This lock is also much more expensive than the other deadbolts. However it’s worth the buck and if you are looking for a lock for your car or safe this is just the thing for you.
Things to Avoid in a Deadbolt Lock:
Never purchase a deadbolt lock that does not have an ANSI grade 1 rating and always avoid cheap imported locks that have no ANSI rating at all. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a nonprofit group that is responsible for developing standards in many industries, including the manufacture of deadbolt locks. A deadbolt lock that has been rated grade 1 has been tested with at least 250,000 open/close cycles and has a bolt that is inserted at least 1 inch into the door frame. Also, a grade 1 deadbolt lock can withstand a minimum of 10 hammer blows before giving way.
Avoid Double Cylinder Locks if Possible – You should avoid double cylinder deadbolt locks as much as possible. In fact, the only time you should ever consider using a deadbolt lock that requires a key to open the lock from either side is when the lock can be reached from a nearby window. In an emergency, using a double cylinder lock may make it difficult for you to exit your home.
Not UL 437 listed – Underwriters Laboratory is another very well known and respected organization that tests various types of products and develops standards for them. Underwriters Laboratories’ UL 437 rating is the standard for high-security deadbolt locks and is accepted in all sectors of the security industry. In order for a deadbolt lot to meet UL 437 standards, the lock must be able to resist various types of attacks, such as: drilling, picking, prying and hammer attacks. So, always look for the underwriter’s UL 437 rating on any deadbolt lock you purchase.
Short Strike Plate Screws – Whenever purchasing a deadbolt lock, never purchase one that uses screws less than 3 inches in length. Longer screws that are used to attach the strike plate of the lock will allow you to insert the screws not only into the doorjamb, but into the door frame as well. The door frame is significantly stronger than the doorjamb and will further increase resistance and door strength should someone try to push through the door.
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