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Locks, keys and locking mechanisms go way back to the times of Ancient Egypt and Sumeria. People in every continent have and still use locks to protect their property, valuables and loved ones.
Deadbolt Locks
Many homes and buildings have a deadbolt on the front or back door. Deadbolts come in single and double cylinder models and both have their advantages as well as drawbacks so if you plan on getting one or more of these you’ll want to investigate them further.
Padlocks
There’s a good chance that you’ve used padlocks since childhood! These were the locks that you secured your bicycle with, and maybe a small one locked your desk drawer at home or at school. These handy locks are both portable and removable so that they can be used in a variety of ways. You can lock storage rooms, sheds, trunks, drawers, cabinets, doors and many other items using a padlock. You can open a padlock by using a key or a combination that is dialed in like on a high school or gym locker. Usually the stronger the padlock’s construction is, the better protection you can expect from it. Padlocks can generally be cut open, pried open or picked open by someone with the right tools, strength or knowledge.
Keyless Locks
Keyless locks are just like the name implies; keyless! Instead, they use a keypad and a number sequence to access the lock. The advantage of keyless locks is that no keys are used. Keys can be forgotten, broken or lent to others and with keyless locks, those problems vanish. Any lock that doesn’t use a key is a keyless lock and these can include fingerprint locks, badges, swipe cards and others. Keyless locks can be altered so if an employee became terminated or gave out his/her number sequence then the device could be altered so that they old sequence no longer works. Many keypad devices trigger an alarm is too many combinations are entered incorrectly. It’s much like getting locked out of your bank’s website if too many wrong passwords are entered.
Mortise Locks
These locks are set within the body of the door as opposed to being mounted ON the door. The word MORTISE means pocket and this is where the lock is secured as it offers more protection and security if it is within the door or piece of furniture that it is protecting and not outside of it where it can be pried off or smashed off. Usually the door needs to be at least 2 inches thick. To open a mortise lock from the inside - turn the handle. To open from the outside, turn the key and then pull down on the latch. If you are wondering why someone would choose to use a mortise lock instead of another kind, it is because they tend to be much stronger than so called regular locks and they offer better protection without being expensive.
Cam Locks
You’ve probably seen cam locks all your life but didn’t know that that’s what they are called. Just think file cabinet and you’ll see. A cam lock is known for having a small metallic tailpiece that slides in and out of a slot when the key is turned. They are commonly found on file cabinets and also on lock boxes and street side mail boxes. They are considered low level security as they are easy to bypass but effective enough to do a basic job.
Basic Knob Lock
For these; think home door locks.
High Security Locks
Just the name sounds impressive! These locks are not expensive but they are highly effective at protecting valuables and property. High security locks cannot be pried open or even smashed open. It all has to do with their construction. They are not hollow and made of tin like common locks; instead, they are fashioned from solid brass. They also have strategically placed steel inserts that prevent them from being drilled open. There is even an interlocking bolt inside that prevents the lock from being forced open by a crowbar. A metal cover sheaths the whole lock so that a slim object cannot be slipped between the lock and the door, thereby manipulating it open.
