5 Types Of Door Locks Commonly Used In Homes
Door locks are necessary elements of any house or unit as they provide privacy inside your abode. Additionally, they are crucial for safety, security and peace of mind as they protect against trespassers, break-ins and thefts. According to the Australia Bureau of Statistics, out of 11,775 robbery cases in 2020, 51% happened at community locations which include households. Thus, you should pay attention to the locking systems in your home and hire professional locksmiths in Australia to change or install them. It is best to have different types of door locks that serve various purposes and offer varying degrees of privacy and protection. Here is your complete guide outlining five types of door locks commonly used in homes. Get these fasteners installed if you are renovating, moving into a new home or changing the locks. Have a look.

Mortise Lock

Usually installed on main entrances of apartments and houses, mortise locks are embedded in the door. They are rectangular or cylindrical in shape and comprise a handle for opening/closing, a keyhole, and the main lock to secure the house. A pocket is cut into the door for fitting the equipment making a door’s protection hardware more reliable. Installing these locks can be a challenge for non-specialists, which is why you should hire experienced professionals offering locksmith services in Australia. The professionals can ensure the correct sized fixtures are fitted and ensure they are functioning properly.

Padlocks

These are among the most commonly used locking equipment by homeowners and renters. These are removable external locks that can be used for different types of doors and even windows with hooks for securing them. You can get keyed or combinations padlocks, but for doors, keyed ones are preferred. Combination locks with numbers are commonly used to secure luggage, bags, lockers, and other small storages. Keyed locks can be only opened with the right key and offer greater protection than many other fasteners as they have a sturdy body, locking mechanism and shackle. You can get in various sizes, and you don’t need professional locksmith service in Australia to install or change them.

Knob Locks

Knob locks are generally installed on interior doors of a house or apartment as they are excellent for added privacy. These locks are found in the bathroom, kitchen, bedroom and other living rooms of homes as they can be opened from the inside or outside. Their locking mechanism is within the knob, and they are rarely used for external doors because they can be broken with a hammer or wrench. Most doorknob locks are made with brass metal having varying amounts of copper and zinc that determine their quality. These locks are also cheaper than mortise locks and easy to install for homeowners.

Deadbolt Locks

Extensively used in residential properties, deadbolt locks are among the most popular door securing fixtures. Since opening them with a knife, or any hand tool is usually difficult, they offer high protection and used for main doors. You can find three types of deadbolt locks in today’s markets.
  • Single cylinder deadbolt
  • Double cylinder deadbolt
  • Lockable Thumbturn
These fixtures are user-friendly, durable and reliable, which is why they are the preferred choice for many people in Australia for securing their homes.

Smart and Electronic Locks

Door locking technology has transcended many barriers, and since it has witnessed significant advancement, you can get several electronic and smart locks. They are modern, user-friendly and highly reliable. Moreover:
  • Electronic and smart locks keep useful data such as entry/exit logs, key card identification, and more.
  • They lock only open after the unique code is entered or when a configured thumbprint or key card is used.
Although these locks are most commonly used in offices and commercial buildings, more and more people are getting them for residential properties, as they offer better security and tracking.

When Should You Hire Professionals?

Due to several reasons, people prefer to hire professionals offering locksmith services in Australia for door locks in their homes. Some of these reasons are listed below.
  • All or majority of door locks in the house or unit need replacement
  • Installation of modern, advanced and complex locking fixtures
  • Lack of expertise, equipment, and experience
  • Need for repairing old locks
  • Getting locks installed in a newly constructed home
Hiring experts is a wise and practical solution when you are unaware of installing, changing, or repairing locks in your home. Rather than wasting hours meddling with locks, always seek the assistance of professional locksmith service providers in Australia to save time, energy, and effort.

The Bottom Line

Every home has several doors and multiple locks to secure them, so knowing about them all is necessary. Whether you are changing locks of your home, shifting to a new house or building a residential property, follow this guide to learn everything about the five types of locks commonly used in homes. Get the right fixtures to ensure your house is secure, protected and affords privacy to its dwellers.