10 Popular Types Of Door Locks (A Buyer Guide)

Door locks provide the safety and security that you need for your home and business. To make sure that all your investments are protected, you need to use the best type of door lock that would fit your current situation.

With continuous technological advancements, different types of door locks also appeared in the market. Because of this, choosing a specific lock would be a bit daunting if you have no idea about its features. We listed down some of the most popular door locks that you can use for your home or business.

Top Door Locks to Use

1. Padlocks

This is the most common type of door lock, especially if you have a gate. This is a type of lock that is not permanently attached to your exterior door. You can bring them anywhere you want and you can use them for a variety of doors as well.

There are two varieties of padlocks that you can use:

• Keyed locks: This is a type of lock wherein there is only a specific key that would work to open it. This is the easiest type of lock that is often used for typical gates, office cabinets, deposit boxes, lockers, mailboxes, and chambers.
• Combination padlock: It’s a type of padlock where you can set up a number and password to open it. As long as you key in the right number combination, you can successfully open the lock.

2. Door Knob Locks

Like padlocks, this type of lock is also one of the most common types of door locks that you can find in the market. A doorknob lock is commonly used on the interior doors of bathrooms, and bedrooms, and it is even used for the main door.

Compared to padlocks, the locking mechanism can be found within the door knob. It’s not something that you can bring anywhere, but it would keep your home secure at all times.

This type of lock has knobs on both sides of the door and it can also have a double or single cylinder. Basically, you can lock the door on one side (the one inside the house) and you can unlock it with a key on the outside.

3. Deadbolts

Deadbolts are very popular because they are often used as a combination with other types of locks. Basically, you can’t have a deadbolt without a door knob lock or any kind of door handle.

Deadbolt locks provide additional security as it serves as the second defense of your door. Aside from the lock in your door knobs, they will serve as a second lock to make sure that your house is safe from unauthorized entry.

There are double- or single-cylinder deadbolts that will provide that extra security that you want. The locks are also more durable compared to door knob locks.

4. Barrel Bolt

Since we’re talking about additional security, a barrel bolt is another type of lock that gives your home that extra safety alongside a door knob lock or a door handle. It can’t be installed without a door handle so it is considered an extra safety lock for your home or business.

This type of lock is very unique because it can only be locked and unlocked from the inside. You cannot lock or unlock it while you’re outside the door. If someone wants to enter your home, they have to break this lock by applying force to the door.

It has a cylindrical lock that would slide to the catch to lock the door. Usually, this lock is installed at the top and bottom of the door.

5. Latch Locks

Latch locks are pretty common in most households because of their simple locking mechanism. Although it’s not as simple as a normal padlock, it works just like a typical deadbolt.

Once the key is fitted to the double cylinder, the components inside the lock will start moving and it will engage the latch within the door. The latch will move in and out the door frame to lock and unlock the hardware.

6. Electronic Locks

One of the most popular options for modern houses right now would be electronic locks. In this type of lock, keys are not required to lock and unlock them. It means that you don’t need to keep a key in your bag or pocket at all times.

Electronic locks have a keypad or a card system where you can key in a special code to unlock the door. You can also use a card to unlock the door. This type of lock can be found in most hotels around the globe.

Electronic locks also have keys. You can use them if you forgot the code or your card key. This is often used for emergency situations and the keyhole is hidden in the lock.

Compared to other types of locks, it operates with the help of batteries. If the battery runs out, you just need to use your keys and change the batteries. This lock is so advanced that some models allow you to open and close the door remotely.

7. Smart Locks

This is the newest type of door lock on the market and it is made in accordance with the increasing popularity of smartphones. This type of lock can be accessed through your mobile phone. The phones will serve as the key and you can have remote access to your house anywhere.

The best thing about smart locks is that they are more than just your typical security system. It is often part of a bigger monitoring system in your home like video and audio monitoring.

Smart locks also have a keyhole so you can just open it regularly when you get home without using the app.

There are three types of smart door locks that you can use for your home:

• Bluetooth

This is the most common connection used by regular smart locks. It will allow you to access the locks as long as you are within the range of the Bluetooth connection. You can connect your phone to the locking mechanism through Bluetooth which allow you to open and close the lock anywhere in the house.

One of the best features of this lock is the automatic opening of your door. Once the Bluetooth device sensed that you are within the range of the lock, it will unlock automatically.

The only downside of this connection is the range. Once you’re out of range, you can’t control the lock anymore.

• Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi connection allows you to control your device anywhere. You need to be connected to the Internet and you need to have a Wi-Fi connection in your house as well. Even if you are on vacation, you can open and close your door.

The only problem with this kind of connection is that they drain the battery faster than a Bluetooth connection. You might even need to change your batteries every month.

• Z-Wave

This type of connection is like a combination of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi locks. This type of lock requires a hub where it can connect. You can connect to the lock through your mobile device and it needs to be connected to the Internet.

The Z-Wave lock has to be in range with the hub for it to work properly. You can use signal extenders if you want to strengthen the signal, especially if the hub is a bit far from the door.

8. Mortise Door Lock

The mortise door lock is often used for large commercial doors and fancy buildings. It is also known as a rim lock and it is mounted inside the door. It looks just like a long metal piece that is extended outside.

This is one of the best door locks to use for large doors as it provides stronger security and privacy. If you need a high-quality lock for your business, mortise locks will do the job.

9. Disc Lock

This kind of lock works like a typical padlock, but it offers better security because it is thick and heavy. It has a curved bar that moves to the handle of the door.

You can even say that it is a type of padlock because it can also be detached and carried with you anywhere you go.

10. Chain Lock

Chain locks are often used in hotel rooms and apartment doors. This kind of lock adds another layer of protection to your home.

It comes with a chain that is attached to the door. It looks like a bolt, but it holds the door frame when someone tries to open the door.

This kind of lock is a good choice as you can slightly open the door to see who is knocking. Since the chain is locked inside, no one can open it from the outside.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the type of door lock for your house is not too difficult if you know its features. You can pick a lock that would fit perfectly on the type of door that you have in your house and the amount of protection that you need.

If you have any questions about these door lock types, feel free to comment below and we will assist you.