About Locks
Keeping things safe
Locks are the most common form of security found in the United States. People use them to secure their homes, businesses and personal possessions. Portable locks can be found for almost anything – computers, luggage, bikes and even motorcycles.
While locks are certainly not a perfect form of security they do provide people with a sense of safety and security. Most criminals are looking for the easiest and quickest way to get what they want. If a criminal encounters something secured with a reliable lock, they’re more likely to move on rather than take the time to try and pick or break it.
Locks can also be used as a safety measure. Cabinet and refrigerator fasteners keep kids out of dangerous places and ensure that hazardous or breakable objects won’t find their way into little hands.
What Type of Lock Should You Choose?
Locks come in a variety of forms and styles. You can get different types that require keys or that are operated digitally. You can even get locks that rely on your own biometrics to control access.
Before you select a lock ask yourself a few questions:
- How many people need access to this lock? If you’re working in business environment that requires a level of security, but a number of employees need to get into a secured area, you might want to choose a lock that works with electronic access cards or codes. This way you’ll make sure that your keys aren’t winding up in the wrong hands as employees misplace them or lend them out to other employees.
- What’s the purpose of the lock? Different locks provide more security than others. If you’re securing your medicine cabinet so that your toddler can’t get into it, you’ll need something less durable than if you’re trying to protect your valuables. Portable locks are also different then door models, so if you’re looking to secure a computer or a bicycle you’ll need an entirely different type of lock.
- How important is convenience? If you’re going to be going in and out of your home on a frequent basis – perhaps with your arms full or when you’re in a hurry – you might want to consider purchasing lock that is not difficult to use. For instance, a deadbolt requires a key to both unlock and lock the door, while a pin tumbler lock usually has a latch on the handle that fastens it. A fingerprint scanner might be easier to use than a key, but if you’ve got your hands full it might prove to be difficult to use. You have to decide how important the ease of use is to you when you’re choosing a lock.
