In the U.S., there is no single comprehensive law against dual-cylinder deadbolts. Individual cities and states have local property and fire codes that may prohibit the use of dual-cylinder deadbolts. The code may prohibit the use of dual-cylinder deadbolts in some buildings and allow them in others.
First, confirm what type of lock you're legally allowed to add to your home by looking at local and state laws. While there is no federal law prohibiting deadbolts requiring two keys, you could violate local codes if you upgrade to a double-keyed deadbolt on even just one door in your home.
Deadbolts come in two versions. Double Cylinder Deadbolts have a keyed cylinder on both sides. This is a good option for doors with glass or windows since an intruder can't break into the door even if the glass/window is broken.
It's quite useful to have two locks in the door separating the house/apartment from the surrounding world but use just one of them. Locks happen to break, although that's quite rare. If one of the locks starts malfunctioning you can just stop using it and use the other one until you fix the first one.
The major benefit of double cylinder deadbolts is that they are designed to offer high security level. This makes doors that have them more difficult for intruders to pick or unlock. Double cylinder deadbolts are the safest choice for homeowners.
The ONLY type of double cylinder deadbolt lock allowed for residential use by the building code of Virginia is a “captured key” lock. Captured key locking devices do not let you remove the key when locking the door from the inside. It becomes a single cylinder deadbolt when locked from the inside.
Businesses often use double-cylinder deadbolt locks because they provide more security on exterior doors that have windows. When intruders attempt to break into a building through a window, the key lock on the inside of the door will stop them from entering.
The main advantage of installing double-cylinder locks is enhanced security. That's because doors with adjacent windows or glass panels can be broken, allowing intruders to reach inside and unlock the door manually.
A deadbolt lock will secure your door from would-be thieves. Every exterior door should have at least two locks to deter them.
Deadbolt door locks are the most secure type of key lock and are usually used on a home's exterior door. Available in single- and double-cylinder styles, deadbolts are rated according to their strength from Grade 1 to Grade 3. A Grade 1 is the highest grade and provides the most security.
Double cylinder deadbolts or captive keys are not allowed. Egress door latches and locks must be designed in such a way that a panicked person, including children and persons with disabilities, can exit quickly even in the dark.
Another type of lock is the double cylinder deadbolt lock. This deadbolt lock uses a keyhole on both the exterior and interior sides of the door. While these locks provide an added level of safety, they are not permitted in multi-dwelling homes and are considered a risk.
Yes, they're legal
2 of the Residential Building Code, you'll find this: Egress doors shall be readily openable from inside the dwelling without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort.
Simply enter the bump key into the deadbolt lock and use a screwdriver or other sturdy-ended tool to hit the end of the key toward the door. The force should cause the key to turn, thus unlocking the door.
SmartKey is an advanced security breakthrough which allows you to rekey the lock in seconds. To rekey your lock with an entirely new key, simply insert the functioning key, turn a quarter turn clockwise, insert the learning tool, remove the existing key, and insert a new key. That's it!
Generally speaking, deadbolts are sturdy locks that can withstand kick in and other forced entry attempts. However, a door with a deadbolt can still be kicked down if the door itself is not solid. So, to protect your door against kick in, you want to make sure both the lock and door are of high-quality grade.
Generally, single-cylinder deadbolts are less secure than double-cylinder options. They could potentially allow easier access to the home from intruders in the know. Furthermore, they're easy for small children to use, which means they could get outside without anyone being aware.
Deadbolts are the most secure because they need to be engaged when the door is shut. They have a unique locking device built into the bolt, that can't be forced back into the door, thus preventing unwanted entry. The deadbolts sets back into the door 1 inch vs. a Spring bolt which sets back 1/2 inch.
Also in the non-forced entry category, there is no doubt Schlage is better. With a better, more precise manufacturing process and 2 additional security pins than the Kwikset deadbolt, Schlage locks are significantly harder to pick, bump or compromise in non-destructive ways.
Having a single sturdy lock on your door is perfect. However, two locks could add extra protection to your door/home or place of business. So one or two sturdy locks are okay for a front door lock.
When I checked the Massachusetts One and Two Family Dwelling Code, I found that double-cylinder deadlocks are prohibited. I found the same language in the 2009 edition of the International Residential Code (IRC). Your local code might contain a different requirement, but here's the paragraph from the 2009 IRC: R311.
A deadlatch is a locking mechanism that locks automatically without having to turn a knob or use a key. It rests against a metal strike plate mounted on a door frame. The deadlatch works by using a bolt to block the door from opening, giving your door extra security.
Deadbolts are considered to be secure locks that are difficult to open without a key, especially when compared to a spring-loaded lock, the kind you see in the center of a doorknob. While spring latches can be pushed back manually, deadbolts can't — which is why they're called deadbolts. They're dead, or unmovable.
Jimmy Proof Dead Bolt
The lock's position on the surface of the door gives it natural resistance to jimmying. A jimmy proof lock is operated by a key or knob that controls a two-part vertical bolt. The lock is engaged when the bolt descends or ascends into two rings on the strike.