Pushbutton Locks

For a variety of security solutions

Pushbutton devices are commonly used as keyless locks in high traffic areas. They eliminate the need to make a number of keys or access cards and are easily controlled because you can change the code as often as needed.

There are a variety of different looks to the pushbutton model. They most commonly come with deadbolt mechanisms so that their durability is guaranteed. However, the buttons themselves may be arranged vertically, horizontally, in a circle or in numerous lines.

You set the code for the buttons yourself. You can choose between pushing the buttons individually or simultaneously. You can also program it so that you’ll push a few buttons individually and a few buttons together. This option makes for innumerable variables for the code so that it’s not as easy to guess.

The one trick to setting a combination is that each button can only be used once because of the way the device works.

How Pushbuttons Lock

The way a pushbutton lock works depends on the configuration of the buttons. However, there’s only a subtle difference between the ways in which the vertical pattern and the circular pattern work.

In general, the buttons correspond through gears to tumblers that interact with a shift bar. When the correct button is pushed the tumbler will fall into the right position. This is why you can only use each number once – after the tumbler is in place you can’t move it again.

The difference between the workings of a circular and a linear configuration is the way the buttons connect to the tumblers. A circular pattern is more detailed because there are latched pins that connect the button to gears that operate the tumbler. A linear pattern is more direct because the gears are attached straight to the buttons.

When all the tumblers are securely moved into their notches in the shift bar, the lock will be released. You then turn the knob or handle clockwise to open the door. If you make a mistake while entering the code you can reset the tumblers by turning the door knob to the left.

Safety and Security

The most important part of a pushbutton device is the combination. That’s why it’s important that you customize the code and don’t rely on the one that comes from the manufacturer. You may also want to change the code on a regular basis to ensure the security of your lock.

To change the combination in most pushbutton locks is quite easy. You’ll find a screw at the top of the box that can be removed. If you remove the screw and enter the combination (without turning the handle to open the door) you’ll hear a thump in the box that means that you can now change the code.

You reset the tumblers by turning the door handle to the left, enter your new combination and turn the knob to the right as if you were opening the door. After you’ve put the screw back the code to your pushbutton lock will be changed and you have a great keyless lock at your disposal.