Exterior doors should be fitted with deadlocks for maximum home security. Deadlocks are much stronger and more secure than the simpler and cheaper rim latches or Yale latches, and when fitted can make it almost impossible for a burglar to force their way into your home through the exterior doors.
Do I Need A Deadbolt Lock? If you are concerned about your home's security, you may be wondering if you need a deadbolt lock. The short answer is: yes!
The deadbolt is definitely a better lock than a standard doorknob lock. It is harder to break down or pry open the door with a deadbolt, since it is thicker and goes further into the frame. But really, if someone wants to get into your house, two locks instead of one is not going to stop them.
Deadbolts often offer superior levels of protection over their doorknob and lever counterparts of equal security rating. Deadbolt locks are separate from doorknob locks, and often come in either single cylinder or double cylinder variants.
Exterior doors.
To be truly secure, any exterior door needs a dead bolt. You have a choice of separates—a deadbolt and a lockset mounted separately—or a handle set that incorporates both features.
A deadbolt is a locking mechanism that can only be opened by rotating the lock cylinder with the key. Deadbolts therefore make a door very resistant to entry without the correct key. This is why you must have one; for safety. Often, deadbolts are used to complement a spring-bolt lock on an entry door to a building.
Deadbolt locks, with their long, hardened steel bolt are nearly impossible to pick. When the lock is properly secured, with the bolt fully extended into the doorjamb hole with a metal strike place, it becomes nearly impossible for the average burglar to break in through that door.
Well, deadlocks and deadbolts are the same in that they both need a key to lock. However, while a deadlock can only be unlocked in deadlock mode with a key, deadbolts can be locked and unlocked with a key and have a metal lock that extends from the door into the wall.
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.
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.
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.
It's common to believe a door lock will always work. Even hardware store-quality locks can operate for decades, depending on the amount of usage. Most residential locksmiths agree the average lock's lifespan is about seven years.
A deadbolt lock will secure your door from would-be thieves. Every exterior door should have at least two locks to deter them.
Bars, Bolts and Chains
Most, however, can be overcome with brute force. They should be used as additional security measures only, and never relied upon as standalones. The truth is, a determined burglar can beat any door lock.
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.
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.
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.
Deadlocks are locks that when in the deadlock mode, they deny a person from unlocking the lock from either side of the door without the use of a key or similar. The idea is that a thief cannot open a door by breaking a window adjacent to the door and just stick their arm through the hole and unlock the door.
A deadlock is a valuable and rugged security measure that you can install on your external doors and windows.
Some door locks are designed to be turned twice for added security. Sometimes they are an anti picking feature because after you pick the lock and turn it, the pins will reset and you will have to pick it again.
Deadbolt Type
You can typically purchase a single cylindrical deadbolt for $20 to $70, while keyless deadbolts can cost anywhere from $50 to $200 or more depending on the type you purchase.
Most locksmiths advise that a door lock should be changed once every seven years.