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Upgrading your security? You may find that you want more from your front door locks than you ever realised. In this article, we’ll look at the criteria you might apply when choosing between different types of front door locks. We’ll also list common front door lock types and look at how they work. Plus, in a point that you shouldn’t overlook, we’ll touch on the security of the entire door assembly.
Front Door Lock Types: Top Points to Consider
Wondering what type of front door lock is right for you? There are several things that may influence your choice. Top points include:
Security: Does the lock resist forced entry, tampering, or picking? Security features like anti-drill pins and multi-point locking might be among the deciding factors when choosing a front door lock.
Durability: Even if your lock never has to withstand attempts to break into your home, it will see plenty of use and is exposed to the elements. You may not know a lot about locks, but you can look out for warranties and certifications that show the makers are confident about their locks’ durability.
Ease of use: Apart from limiting the everyday frustration of stiff or hard-to-operate locks, you shouldn’t overlook the fact that you might need to operate your front door lock quickly in emergency situations.
Key control: Remember those locks that have a code printed on the key? You can easily buy a key with the same code even if you don’t have the original. Keyed-to-code locks are among the least secure locks you can get. Of course, you might go for a lock with a key that can be copied - but only if the original key is available. This could still become a security vulnerability, however. Decide how important key control is to you when choosing front door locks.
Compatibility: Is the lock you’re considering right for the type of door? It’s a simple yet important factor to take into account.
Aesthetics: Need we say it? It’s your front door, and you’d like it to look good!
Smart features: You might be tempted by smart lock features like biometric locks, smart locks that you can open remotely, and locks with logging and monitoring capabilities. None of these things are must-haves, but they do have benefits.
Common Types of Locks
Plate Locks
There are many types of plate locks - what they have in common is the presence of a metal plate as part of their assembly. The most common type is the strike plate lock. It has a plate installed on the doorframe, and the lock’s bolt engages with the plate to lock the door. Electric strike plate locks are also quite common. They’re usually used for access control in commercial settings and are operated electronically, for example, by keying in a code.
Cylinder Locks
Cylinder locks consist of a cylindrical housing with a rotating plug that locks or unlocks the door. The plug contains spring-loaded pins. When you insert the correct key, it lifts the pins to align with the shear line - that’s the line between the inner cylinder and its casing. Now, you can turn the key and the plug will rotate into position, locking or unlocking the door. Cylinder locks often have extra security features like anti-drill plates, making them difficult to tamper with.
Electronic Locks
Electronic locks add a range of different lock types to your choices. They’re usually classified according to the ways they would lock and unlock. For example, there are the familiar keypad locks as well as biometric locks, proximity card locks, and bluetooth locks. If you’d like an electronic front door lock, always choose one that is meant for use on external access doors.
Multipoint Locks
The National Protective Security Authority recommends multipoint locks to resist forced entry. These locks secure the door at multiple points along its frame. In essence, you have multiple locks all controlled by a single key.
The locks themselves may consist of deadbolt locks, hook bolt locks or a combination of the two. There are also rollerbolt multipoint locks, shootbolt locks, and centre latch multipoint locks. Best in class is the motorised multipoint lock that allows for automation but can also be operated manually if necessary.
The principle behind using multipoint locks is that it’s easier to force a lock that only engages at one point on the doorframe. However, you should still consider other door lock security features such as tamper-proofing.
Lock Security Tips
High quality, multipoint locking systems are worth the investment when it comes to security, durability, and peace of mind. You can strengthen your front door security still further by adding a chain lock.
Always practise good key management. Know where your keys are and who has copies and, whatever you do, don’t leave a spare key hidden near your front door. Keyless entry systems offer a better option if you’re worried about getting locked out. If any keys go missing, be sure to rekey or replace locks promptly.
Top Tip: A Door is Only as Strong as its Lock - and Vice Versa
Even the strongest, most secure types of front door locks will be all-but useless if there are weaknesses in the door assembly. Apart from the materials used to make different types of front doors, consider surrounding elements like door frames and hinges. And, if front door security is your primary aim, consider getting expert help.
At Stronghold Security Doors, we custom-make premium quality front doors to match your needs. We ensure that you have access to high quality, multipoint locking systems and door assemblies that resist brute force and tampering alike. Best of all, you’re sure to get a front door that not only looks great, but keeps your home safe, with each component working in harmony to do so.
Talk to us about our premium security front doors: security has never been so beautiful. Not convinced that secure doors can look magnificent? Take a look at our gallery - we’re proud of our work and you will be too!
