Selecting the Right Deadbolt Lock Provides You with Extra Security
Being in the locksmith business it surprises us that more people do not choose to use deadbolt type locking devices more often on their homes exterior doors and windows. The simple truth is thieves often keep up on the latest means to defeat both mechanical and electric locking devices. Deadbolts are much harder lock devices to defeat because they are not exposed to the outside of your doors or windows. This is why they make such a great means for the added protection you need when in your home.
Why Add Deadbolt Locks To Your Exterior Doors and Windows?
Here are some of the reasons why we always recommend to business and home owners that they give themselves the added security of using deadbolts on their exterior doors and windows:
- Added layer of protection/ peace of mind
It’s nice when you are working or relaxing in your home to have the extra layer of protection that deadbolts give you. They are a hard to beat locking device that will give you some extra peace of mind that you, your family and your valuables are that much safer from theft and intruders.
- Very strong
There are few locks that are as strong as deadbolt locks. In many cases they are stronger than or as strong as the exterior doors they are placed on. Once thieves realize you have a proper deadbolt system on your exterior doors often times it’s enough to get them to leave and find an easier home or business to break into.
- Inexpensive/Easy to install
Not only do deadbolt locks provide you with extra security but they do it in a very affordable way. They are also among the easiest types of locks to install and that’s a big bonus considering how well they work.
- Not exposed as much on the exterior of the door
One of the bad things about electrical and keyed mechanical locks is the access point to them is partially on the outside of the door. This means that a thief always has a chance at being able to pick these locks or defeat them in other ways such as breaking them. That is not so easy with deadbolt locks.
Deadbolt locks are not exposed as much to the exterior of the door in most cases. This means you are not going to break them down or be able to use some device from the exterior side of the door to defeat them easily.
Types of Deadbolt Locks
Here are some of the more common types of deadbolt locks:
- Single Cylinder Deadbolt
These are the most common deadbolt locks. They use a key on the outside of the door and some type of knob or other simple activation device on the inside of the door. They offer no protection on doors with glass but they are very inexpensive.
- Double Cylinder Deadbolt
These are great to use on exterior doors that have glass on them. That’s because if you break the glass to the door you still need to use a key on the inside of the door to open them. Some people do not like them because it may hinder you leaving your home in a hurry in case of something like a fire.
- Keyless Deadbolt
This type of deadbolt does not have any cylinder like a keyhole on the outside of the exterior door. It simply uses a keypad code to open. These keypad codes can be changed without changing the deadbolt lock itself if you have a roommate or other person that you no longer want to have the code.
- Digital Deadbolt
These are very similar to the keyless deadbolt mentioned above except for one big thing. They use electrical means to open instead of a coded mechanical means. This offers some big advantages but good luck opening your exterior door when the batteries run out.
- Rim Interior Deadbolt
This type of deadbolt of deadbolt has the largest percentage of its body bolted to the inside of your exterior door. It is also the type of deadbolt that automatically locks behind you after the door is closed.
- Vertical Deadbolt
These locks help make it hard for an intruder to pry open your door without going to some heavy duty extra effort. They are simple devices that are mounted to the top of your door. They are strong deadbolts but are not decorative at all in nature.
- Mortise Deadbolt
This is an older style deadbolt but it works very well and is hard to tamper with. They are actually recessed into the edge of the door itself. The big problem with them is they are hard to install and they weaken the door where they are placed.
Desirable Qualities to Look For When Selecting a New Deadbolt Lock
Here are some of the things you should look for when looking to buy a new deadbolt for the exterior doors of your home or business:
- Choose a strong deadbolt
Look for a deadbolt lock that is strong. That simply means it cannot be cut open easily with a saw, drilled into or broken easily by means of hammering.
- Choose a deadbolt that works well for your individual situation
If you have glass in your exterior doors then a dual cylinder deadbolt is recommended. If you are just looking for an extra layer of protection while at your home then choose a vertical deadbolt. It’s important to match the type of deadbolt to your individual needs.
- Try to find a deadbolt with a longer throw on it
It’s recommended that any deadbolt you choose have a throw or activation bar on it over 1 ½” long.
Your Local Deadbolt Lock Experts
If you live in Garland, TX and have any questions regarding deadbolt locks or need them installed, upgraded or repaired, we at Locksmith Star Garland are here for you. We are among the Garland, Texas areas foremost deadbolt locksmith experts. We can help you make the proper deadbolt choice to give your home or business that added layer of lock protection you desire.