How Do You Know What the Best Deadbolt Lock Is?
A deadbolt lock is commonly found on the entry doors to homes, and for good reason, since they are one of the most secure types of locking devices. A deadbolt consists of a lock cylinder mounted in the door, and a long, thick bolt that inserts into an opening in the door frame. The bolt is usually made of weighty steel, preferably at least one inch long. When activated, it slides into the lined opening in the door jam (the strike plate), connecting the door to the frame. The bolt can’t be moved to the open position without rotating the lock cylinder (the mechanism housed within the keyed part of the lock). Since this requires the correct key, a deadbolt is solid protection against unwanted entry.
The two main types of deadbolt locks are single and double cylinder locks. A single cylinder deadbolt has a keyed opening on one side and a knob that can be turned by hand on the other. This is commonly used on an entry door, allowing it to be locked with a key when exiting, but manually turned from the inside to let someone in.
A double cylinder deadbolt lock is keyed on both sides. This offers considerably more protection against unwanted entry since it requires a key to be opened at all. A good example of an appropriate place for a double cylinder lock is on a door that has a glass section or one located near a window. If the glass is broken and someone tries to reach in to open the door, they won’t be able to. There is one serious drawback to this arrangement, and that is the need to escape in an emergency situation. A quick exit would be hindered since a key is required to open the lock and leaving the key in the lock for such emergencies eliminates its effectiveness.
When shopping for a deadbolt, look for:
- Grade 1 or grade 2 locks, which are stronger and can withstand kicking, prying, wrenching, hammering, sawing or drilling.
- A steel deadbolt with a throw that is at least one inch long.
- Strike plates that are secured with screws at least 2 1/2 to 3 inches long.
- Five or six-pin cylinders.
- A free spinning solid-metal cylinder collar.
In determining which type of deadbolt lock is best for your situation, keep in mind where it will be located and your goal in having a lock located there. Pick your device not just for maximum security, but for safety as well.
Courtesy of: Super Pages