Keeping our homes safe is an important part of our well-being. Even if you live in a non-criminal country you should realize that emergencies happen and no one is immune from this. Honestly, even the working locks not always could guarantee you anything, I guess all of us hear that stories about the robbers who unlocking the locks for just a second, however, locks are different from one to another.
There is a simple rule at this point – if the robber will see that you have a harder lock and he will need a few minutes instead of few seconds – he will go pass. The same thing working with a camera and even if you have a sticker “video surveillance” – most likely that robber will not try to get into your house. Just an unnecessary risk and he would choose some other house, with simpler locks, without any stickers.
Also, it’s important to install the lock in the right way, so if you don’t know how to do that – it would be better to call the professionals. Any town has 24 7 locksmith services for sure, just call them any time and these guys could proceed with any type of work with the locks, neither you need to repair your old lock nor do you need to install a new one.
Well, which types of locks exist, and how to choose?
Today we will be looking at the external locks.
Deadbolts
Often people say that it’s the most secure type of lock and the reason is that if you have closed the door from the inside – there is no way to open it from the outside. Deadbolts have a unique part built into the bolt, that can’t be forced back into the door. Also, this type of lock usually has a 1-inch deadbolt itself, which is quite rare, other locks are usually don’t go higher than ½ inch.
Single Cylinder
Many types of deadlocks exist and the first one – is the Single Cylinder. Usually, that type of lock is setting on the emergency exits. This lock requires the key when you are coming from the outside, however, from the inside you don’t need the key to lock/unlock it. In the emergency it’s an important part, each second could save the life sometimes. The unsafe part of this lock is that if you have the windows on your door or somewhere nearby – criminals could break the window and simply turn the lock to access your house.
Double Cylinder
Mostly it’s the same type as the one below but this one requires the key from both sides of the door. It’s the same level of security as the single-cylinder, so honestly, it’s not the best choice. If some emergency will happen you will not be able to open the door without the key, and as we say above – sometimes each second could be very important. However, robbers wouldn’t be able to break the window and access your house by rotating the thumb turn, which is good for your safety.
Lockable Thumb turn
In some way, it’s a compromise on both locks above. From the inside, you can lock it both ways – with the key or with a thumb turn. In the thumb turn, you can find the additional key lock. Mostly this type of lock is using the families with kids, kids would be able to lock/unlock the door from the inside. When parents are leaving the home their kids would be able to open the lock from the inside, however, there is one feature with these locks. When parents are already at home – they could use the key instead of the thumb turn, and robbers wouldn’t be able to open the door through the broken window.