Purchasing new locks is not a simple decision. When choosing a lockset or deadbolt for your home, security is typically the first consideration. To make the right selection with this in mind, it’s important to understand the differences between the various types or functions. For example, you would not want to install a deadbolt on a bathroom door or a push-button privacy lockset on a front entry door. Since each type of door requires different locking mechanisms, choosing the right door locks depends on whether a door is interior or exterior. Always be sure to look at the manufacturer’s instructions when installing your lockset or deadbolt and consider which deadbolt is best for you.
- The Single-Cylinder Deadbolt: The most common deadbolt used for households. This deadbolt uses a thumb turn on the inside of the door and a key on the exterior side.
- The Double-Cylinder Deadbolt: Another common deadbolt, however, this one requires a key for both sides of the door.
- The Electronic Deadbolt: One of the newer choices on the market for homeowners, this deadbolt utilizes the ability to forego a key and simply remember a code.
Another consideration to make is buying a screwless lockset. In combination with the options above, a screwless lockset heightens security due to the inability to unscrew it from the outside.
