Types of Locks & Keys

Every type of lock and key exists for the same reason: to protect something. Whether it’s the deadbolt on your front door, the lock on your office filing cabinet, or the padlock on your bicycle chain, every lock exists with security as the goal. However, there are many different varieties of locks and keys, each with their own purposes. Knowing the different types of locks and keys available on the market and their uses can help you determine the best option for what you need to use it for. A professional locksmith company can assist you in obtaining the right lock protection for your property and belongings. In general, we’ll be discussing types of locks and their associated keys, as there are more types of locks then there are individual types of keys.

Physical Lock Hardware Types

• Knob & Handle Locks: Most doors that you use in the course of your daily life feature basic locks that are built into the doorknob or handle itself. These locks provide minimal security, as they are only fixed into the door and can easily be knocked off using force. The vast majority of knob and handle locks feature a spring-loaded pin and tumbler system into which the appropriate key’s metal teeth fit.
• Deadbolts: The most commonly found types of deadbolts are single-cylinder deadbolts, which have a key cylinder on the outside and a turning lock mechanism on the inside. Double-cylinder deadbolts are also available
• Keypad Locks: Keypad locks feature a physical keypad instead of a lock cylinder, although some models do have a lock cylinder as a backup. Keypads are growing in popularity due to the convenience and higher level of security they offer as opposed to traditional knob and lever locks.
• Padlocks: Usually found on lock boxes, storage units, and similar applications, padlocks are the only real type of freestanding lock. Padlocks consist of a metal loop that closes into a solid body that contains the lock itself. Padlocks are generally controlled either by a combination mechanism or a key. Keyed padlocks can either be rekeyed, meaning the lock’s pin system can be changed to fit a new lock should the old one be lost, or not rekeyed, meaning the padlock would have to be cut off by a locksmith in such a situation.
• Cam Locks: Cam locks are a low-security lock installation found on filing cabinets and similar types of furniture. The “cam” refers to a flat exterior piece that slides into a matching piece installed on the door itself. The downsides of these locks are that the pin system inside is generally very easy to pick, so they are not recommended for protecting any documents or assets that need a higher form of protection.
• Mortise Locks: Mortise locks have been around for many years, but have seen a renewal in popularity recently, especially for businesses. Mortise locks generally require the skills of a locksmith to install, as they are more complicated than traditional locks. Mortise locks involve cutting a space into the door (called a mortise, hence the name) and fitting the lock mechanism inside. Mortise locks almost always contain two locks, including a standard lock and a deadbolt.

Physical lock hardware is only a fraction of the options available to property owners in today’s world. Many advances in electronic locks have been made in recent years to meet the demands of an increasingly technology-reliant world. There are two main categories of electronic locks: fail-safe and fail-secure. Fail-safe locks will disengage if the power goes out, such as during an emergency. Fail-secure locks hold in place even if the electrical current stops.

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