Deadbolt Locks

Keeping things locked up

Deadbolt locks are another commonly found residential locking mechanism . They’re considered more secure and reliable than a traditional pin tumbler lock because of the weight of the bolt that fastens to the door. Deadbolt locks can’t be easily broken and it’s almost impossible to jimmy the door loose. These locks make an excellent theft deterrent because most criminals don’t want to expend the effort it would require to work around them. Many safety and security experts recommend that every external door in your home (including those that lead to an attached garage) is secured with a deadbolt.

How it Works

Deadbolts will work independently of the door knob lock. Using a knob or key, the bolt which is usually quite substantial in size, extends from the door and is secured in a latch that’s been installed in the door frame.

You can choose either a single or double cylinder deadbolt. A single cylinder has a knob on the inside of the door that’ll activate the lock and can be secured or unlocked by a key from the outside. A double cylinder deadbolt requires that a key be used on both the inside and the outside.

Support the Deadbolt

Before you install a deadbolt you might want to evaluate your door. If it’s not made of a strong material such as aluminum or steel (many home doors are made of wood because people prefer the look), a thief will be able to crash right through the door and leave the deadbolt intact.

A door shouldn’t be a point of weakness in your home. If you really prefer the look of wood, it’s possible to get wood doors with aluminum cores. You should also make sure that there aren’t a lot of windows close to the door that could be used to gain entry or access the lock. Double check your mail slot to make sure that a thief can’t reach a hand through the slot and unlock the door.

With the proper use of a deadbolt lock you’ll be confident that your home, your possessions and your family are safe from intrusion.