Did you know there’s one burglary in the US every 15 seconds?
If that fact isn’t enough to make you sit up and take note, here’s another one: 56% of home break-ins occur through either the front or back door.
Even if you live in a “safe” neighborhood, you can’t be too careful when it comes to protecting you and your loved ones. One of the best ways to ensure your home remains safe is to ensure you have a safe locking mechanism on every door.
How much do you know about different types of locks? Taking a few moments to learn could mean the difference between keeping your home safe—or making it an easy target.
Read on to learn more about the safest locks on the market today.
Handleset (Entry Lockset)
Ranking “medium” on our security scale, let’s start with a common handle or entry set. (Chances are there are at least a few of these in your home right now.)
These types of locks use either two knobs or a knob and handle—one on each side of the door. You can lock the door from the inside by pressing or turning a button, but you need a key to unlock the door from the outside.
Note: This lock is one of the easiest for thieves to break or bypass. If you have this type of lock on any exterior doors, make sure to use it along with a deadbolt lock!
Deadbolt Lock
Deadbolts are among the safest type of lock for exterior doors, acting alone or as a “backup” to another type of lock.
Single-cylinder deadbolts are most common in the US, although there are also double-cylinder versions available. Single deadbolts use a key from the outside only, while doubles require keys from both sides.
In terms of security, deadbolts are an old-school technology that stands the test of time. Your local locksmith services can easily install this type of lock for any door in your home or office.
Keyless and “Smart” Door Locks
In recent years, many people are making the switch to keyless or “smart” locks.
Keyless entry involves an anti-theft rolling code that replaces the need for a physical key. Many are compatible with home security systems or garage door openers.
The latest technology in home security involves “smart” or digital locks. These sync up to your mobile device and let you access your home’s locks from anywhere with a passcode or fingerprint. (Viagra)
Different Types of Locks: Which One Suits Your Needs?
As you can see, there’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to locks.
With so many different types of locks to choose from, how can you select the one that’s best for your home? Your best bet is to speak with a locksmith in your area.
If it’s been a while since you’ve had your door locks inspected, now is the perfect time to add that item to your to-do list.
Did you find this article helpful? Be sure to check out our other lifestyle posts for more great advice.
