Single and double cylinder locks are typically used for different situations: Double-cylinder locks operate with a key on both sides of the deadbolt. Single-cylinder locks can be locked from the inside by a thumb turn.
Of course, these convenient deadbolts aren't without their downsides. 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.
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. This is a significant weakness in terms of commercial break-ins and residential burglaries.
A "single" cylinder lock is operated from the outside with a key, and from inside with thumb-turn. One can secure the door from inside, as well as exit the house without a key, making this the most popular option. A "double" cylinder lock is operated with a key from both inside and outside.
Measure from the outside edge of the door (including furniture) to the centre of your door. This is dimension A and is called the External Size to Centre. Next, measure from the inside edge of your door (including furniture) to the centre of your door to find dimension B, the Internal Size to Centre.
Grade 1 requires a key in knob must hold up to 300 lb-in and a lever lock must withstand 450 lb-in. Grade 2 requires a key in knob, must hold up to 150 lb-in and a lever must hold up to 225 lb-in. Grade 3 requires a key-in-knob to withstand at least 120 lb-in and a lever lock must withstand at least 180 lb-in.
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.
Schlage and Kwikset are two of the most popular lock manufacturers on the market. Both brands make excellent locks that homeowners can easily install, but Schlage locks tend to offer higher security and reliability and are trusted by big businesses.
Double-cylinder deadbolts are acceptable in some locations.
Using a deadbolt that requires a key to unlock it from the inside seems like it would negatively impact egress, but in certain applications it is allowed by code.
The euro cylinder lock is one of the most commonly used lock profiles by locksmiths and architectural ironmongers since it is so easy to install, modify with additional security measures, or replace; it is seen in both domestic and commercial properties, offering protection and security for a variety of premises and ...
Knob Locks
Knob locks are the most common type of door lock available and the chief security method for most doors. The lock cylinder is located in the knob itself instead of the door. Thus, knob locks should not be used on external doors, as they can be easily broken into with basic tools like a hammer or wrench.
However, the major drawback of a double-cylinder deadbolt is that it can be a safety hazard in the event of an emergency—such as a fire. Because a key is required on both the inside and the outside, occupants may not be able to quickly and easily escape if the key is not readily available.
Deadbolts provide the highest level of front door security. To ensure your door locks provide solid home security, choose locks and deadbolts that are pick-resistant and bump proof. Good locks use mushroom pins or pick shields to prohibit thieves from using picking tools to pry the lock and enter your home.
ANSI Grade 1 door locks offer the highest level of lock security. These locks are very difficult to pick or break and are resistant to any tampering with the lock's parts like removing pins, screws, etc. They're mostly used in high-security and commercial settings like banks and office buildings.
Security — Since a key is required to unlock them from both the inside and outside, double-cylinder deadbolts offer an extra layer of security. Deters burglars — Since they are more difficult to pick, most burglars will move on to an easier target.
Because Schlage locks are made of stronger materials, are superior in their mechanism, and provide far greater security than Kwikset locks, it should be mentioned that they are more expensive compared to Kwikset. For example, let's look at the retail price for a deadbolt from both Kwikset and Schlage.
Since Schlage locks are made of stronger materials, and provide far greater security than Kwikset locks, they also come with a higher price tag.
...the lock itself is so weak that a 10 year old kid can slam a screwdriver in it and force the cylinder to turn and unlock and be in your house in a matter of seconds... Any thief with a "bump" key will open this 200+ dollar lock in 5 seconds... Kwikset locks can be easily unlocked with a blank and a screwdriver.
Locks to Secure Your Home
Caution: the use of a double-cylinder deadbolt lock can be a fire hazard. While occupied a key should be left in the lock and all children should be trained in the use of the lock and all other fire prevention methods.
There are several alternatives to double-cylinder locks. You can replace the glass with shatter-resistant glazing, or back up the glass with shatter-resistant glazing. You can wire the glass to an alarm or, if glass is built into the door, replace it with a solid-core door.
Unfortunately, it has never been easier to break into a property with a standard euro cylinder lock. By simply purchasing basic hand tools from any DIY store a euro lock cylinder can be snapped in just 5-10 seconds.
A lock's security is denoted by its American National Standards Institute (ANSI) grade, with Grade 1 the most secure and Grade 3 the least. A builder-quality tubular lock will likely be a Grade 3, a good-quality handleset a Grade 2.
Deadbolt door locks are the most secure type of key lock and are commonly used on exterior house doors. Single and double cylinder locks are classified by strength from Grade 1 to Grade 3. Grade 1 is the highest and provides the best security.
Schlage mechanical deadbolts and F-series handlesets are graded AAA in residential Security, Durability and Finish. When you want to make your home your sanctuary, someplace you feel both secure and comfortable in all ways possible, you know you can turn to Schlage.