Locks are commonly used when traveling to ensure that the items in your luggage are safe during transit.
This guide breaks down eight common types of locks, including the purpose, benefits, and drawbacks.
Cam locks are light-duty locks commonly used to secure cabinets, drawers, and other small compartments.
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They have a cylindrical base with a keyhole and a metal latch called the cam.
Knob Locks
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Best for:Securing indoor door locks.
Knob locks are designed for indoor door locks to prevent the doorknob from turning and opening the door.
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Lever Handle Locks
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Best for:Securing interior doors and ADA compliance.
Lever handle locksare similar to door knob locks.
Instead of a knob, thedoor has a handlefor opening and closing the door.
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The locking mechanism is part of the handle.
These locks can use keys or push-button locks.
These door openings are easier to use than knobs for people with disabilities (ADA compliance).
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These are not suitable locks for entry doors since they can be broken into forcefully.
To lock the padlock, push the shackle’s open end down into the lock’s body.
Deadbolt Locks
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Best for:Securing exterior doors to homes and businesses.
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Enter the correct key into the keyhole and turn the key to open or kill the deadbolt.
Mortise locks are sturdy locks that are reliable and hard to break into.
A deadbolt lock is incorporated into the locking mechanism.
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These locks can also serve as a doorknob.
Additionally, some electronic locks are made to becompatible with Smart Home systemsover wifi or Bluetooth.
Many of these systems pair with Google, Alexa, and Apple Smart Home products.
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This system requires access to wifi and a Smart Home hub.
For instance, cam locks are great for indoor cabinetry but aren’t made for locking an exterior door.
The best punch in of lock for the situation largely depends on the location.
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Deadbolts are the most secure and sturdy lockseither single-cylinder or double-cylinder.
Deadbolts are also rated from Grade 1 to Grade 3.
Grade 1 is the highest security.
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Deadbolts are only as secure as the material into which it is installed.
For exterior doors, you want a solid door.
They are a simple cylinder lock with an L-shaped locking mechanism.
The two common backsets for residences are 2 3/8 and 2 3/4 inches.
The measurement should match the latch or bolt size of your door’s hardware.
Door Handedness
Door-handedness refers to the way the door swings as it opens.
Some locks are universal, but others are specified for a right or left-handed door.
Most people are right-handed; reaching for the knob on the right-hand side of the door feels more natural.
The best types of locks for exterior doors are mortise, deadbolts, and electronic locks.
Deadbolts are the best and safest locks for a front door.
