Having a deadbolt lock on your home’s external doors can help to deter burglars and reduce the chance of a break-in. Research found that more than 60% of house burglaries in the US involve forced entry, such as kicking or prying open a door. It often happens because the typical pin tumbler lock found on most doorknobs is much weaker than a deadbolt lock, which offers better protection against forced entry.
What is a Deadbolt Lock?
A deadbolt is a type of lock with a latch that is square in shape and is opened with a physical key. Standard locks are not as effective as deadbolts. A burglar can more easily enter your home through a standard lock because it is not as strong as a deadbolt with a steel bar. Deadbolts are often used for security because they provide greater protection than door knobs and lever locks.
Different Types of Deadbolt Locks
Single-Cylinder Deadbolt
A single-cylinder is a great choice if you want an effective, easy-to-use deadbolt lock. This type of lock features an exterior keyhole and an interior thumbturn lock, so you can easily lock and unlock your door as needed.
Deadbolt Lock with Two Cylinders
There are only two keys needed to unlock the double-cylinder deadbolt. For extra security, you can only lock and unlock the door from the inside using a key.
Keyless Deadbolt Locks
Locks that do not require keys are becoming increasingly popular, with keypad locks and smart locks being the two most common types. Keypad locks require a numerical code or passcode to lock and unlock, while smart locks use Wi-Fi networks to do so wirelessly.
Deadbolt Lock Classification
The ANSI (American National Standards Institute) deadbolt grade system is a way of classifying locks according to their security and durability. Grade one is the highest and indicates a very secure lock, while grade three is the lowest. This system considers factors such as the lock’s strength, the quality of the materials used, and the length of the latch.
Grade 3
These deadbolts have passed tests to resist 800,000 openings and closings. They are resistant to two strikes of 75 pounds of force and have a latch bolt that is 5/8 of an inch in diameter. Of the three classifications, they receive the lowest grade for security.
Grade 2
This group of deadbolts is quite similar to grade 3 deadbolts. They share the same latch bolt size, test openings, and test closings. The difference is that these deadbolts can withstand five blows, each exerting 75 pounds of force.
Grade 1
These heavy-duty deadbolts are the ideal option to secure warehouse doors. They undergo rigorous testing before approval, including a million openings and closings. The latch bolt is a full inch long, and these deadbolts can withstand up to ten blows from a 75-pound force without budging.
Installing a deadbolt lock is essential for boosting security and giving yourself peace of mind. However, to ensure that the lock works properly and effectively secures your home, it is important to have it installed by a skilled residential locksmith. They can also provide additional security measures, such as the size of screws and strike plates.
Locksmith Services Near Me
When it comes to home security, there is no room for complacency. Burglars are becoming increasingly brazen, and we must do everything we can to protect our possessions. The front door is usually the first line of defense against intruders, so it is important to ensure it is as secure as possible.
At Universal Best Locksmith, we understand the importance of home security, so we offer a wide range of professional locksmith services at competitive prices. Whether you need a commercial locksmith, automotive locksmith, or emergency locksmith services, we are here to help 24/7. Call us today for free estimates.