Basics of
Deadbolt Locks
Deadbolts are fairly simple in design, which is part of what makes
them so effective. In a traditional spring-loaded lock, the bolt inside is held
in place using a spring (hence the name) which expands and retracts to lock and
unlock the door. In a deadbolt, the spring mechanism is absent, and the lock
operates using the key.
The bolt part is known as the “throw,” and is usually one solid
piece of metal that fits into hardware installed in the doorframe when engaged.
The plate that the deadbolt fits into in the door is called a strike plate.
Deadbolts and spring-loaded knob or lever locks are often used together on
exterior doors.
Why Deadbolts Are
Effective
Deadbolts are mounted inside the door with the associated hardware
inserted into the door frame. Since the throw fits into the door frame and not
just the door itself, as with a spring-loaded lock, a deadbolt provides more
significant protection against attack than traditional locks. In most cases of
home invasion, the intruders utilized forceful tactics in order to gain access.
This includes kicking the door in or battering the door, and account for over
half of all burglaries according to the latest statistics.
Most security experts, such a locksmiths, recommend that every
exterior door on your home that is capable of being outfitted with a deadbolt
should be. That’s because spring-loaded knob and lever locks are too easily
overcome by criminals using tactics such as lock-picking, bumping, and even
breaking with a hammer. Deadbolts are more effective than standard locks, but
must be kept in good repair to function optimally. They are considered an
absolute must for homes to ensure a bare minimum of security protection.
There’s no reason to go without deadbolt locks on your home.
While you could certainly add advanced security features to your
home, including an intercom system, CCTV cameras, or alarms on every door and
window, without properly functioning deadbolts there’s really no point. It’s
much more worthwhile to invest in ensuring that your foundational security
features are operating at their best before you move on to advanced tactics.
Just because your home has deadbolt locks doesn’t mean they’re operating
effectively, either. If the strike plate is not securely fastened, or the
deadbolt doesn’t go all the way into the right spot, or the key sticks in the
lock when you try to use it, then the deadbolt should be replaced as soon as
possible. Often when an intruder kicks at the door, they break the door frame,
which is why it’s essential the bolt fit all the way in and that the strike
plate be securely fastened.
Types of
Deadbolts
·
Single-Cylinder
Deadbolt: This is the most commonly found type of
deadbolt lock, especially on homes. Their mechanism is fairly simple: they have
a keyhole on the outside and a thumb-turn lock on the inside. Single-cylinder
deadbolts are recommended for most homes, unless your door has glass that can
be broken from the outside, allowing an intruder to reach the thumb-turn lever.
·
Double-Cylinder
Deadbolt: This type of deadbolt has a keyhole on both
the interior and exterior face of the lock. That means that to engage and
disengage the throw, there is no alternative but to use a key. While this type
of deadbolt is highly secure, it can also pose a risk if a fire breaks out in
the home. It’s important to strongly consider whether this type of deadbolt is
appropriate by weighing the benefits and risks.
·
Keyless
Deadbolt: These deadbolts operate using single-cylinder
hardware, but instead of having a keyhole on the outside, keyless deadbolts
employ either a physical button keypad or a digital screen. You type in a pin
number of your choosing in order to open the door lock. Keyless deadbolts can
be more convenient than manual ones because there’s no worry about losing or
misplacing your key as long as you can remember your passcode. They are also
more secure than physical deadbolts, although they cost more as well.
·
Jimmy-Proof
Deadbolt: Jimmy-proof deadbolts are far less common than
the other types, but still deserve a mention. A jimmy-proof lock can either be
single- or double-cylinder depending on the best option for the door in
question. In this type of lock, the lock itself is installed on the door’s
exterior and the strike plate is on the interior of the door plate. Two
vertical bolts interlock with one another when the lock is engaged. Jimmy-proof
deadbolts that feature double-cylinder construction are illegal for
multi-family dwellings in New York City and other parts of the country because
of the danger they create during a fire or another emergency that requires a
swift exit.
Properly functioning deadbolts can be a great addition to your
home’s security for a relatively low price. The security they provide is
essential to protecting your home. If you’re looking to have one or more
deadbolts installed or replaced at your East Hartford, Connecticut residence,
contact a locksmith team, such as East Hartford Locksmith, for a free
consultation and price quote. A locksmith will be able to provide you with
installation of all of the above types of deadbolts, as well as many additional
lock and security services. If you’ve been the victim of a break-in, it’s
imperative that you have your locks replaced and upgraded as soon as possible
to restore your home’s security as well as your peace of mind.
ARTICLE: Why All Homes Should Have Deadbolts
