Which type of door lock is best for the front door?

Your front entrance serves as the point to your abode playing a role in both safeguarding and enhancing its visual appeal. It offers more than security. It also adds a touch of your style and individuality.

The key aspect is ensuring that your front door is robust enough to deter intruders and is resilient enough to endure the elements like sunlight, heavy rain, and other environmental challenges.

One crucial element of a door is its lock, which holds importance for the security of your entryway.

Interested in discovering how to select the lock for your door? If you're curious, keep reading for insights!

Why should a front door have 2 locks?

Having two locks on your door separating your home from the world can be really helpful. Locks can sometimes break down, which is pretty common. If one lock isn't working properly, you can just use one until you fix another one. In these cases, you might want to consider using residential locksmith services.

Moreover, having an additional lock adds a layer of security to your place. A deadbolt along with the latch and key setup offers

Additional burglary resistance: It becomes more challenging and time-consuming for intruders to open two locks instead of just one.
Resistance to lock picking (by credit card or any other way): The deadbolt's design makes it harder to manipulate compared to the latch.
Resistance to sawing: Deadbolts typically have a rotating spindle at their core that makes them tough to saw through.

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What lock should you use on a front door?

There are kinds of locks that people use for their doors ranging from basic door handle locks to keyless and electronic ones. Let’s explore the options of entry door locks that you can find in stores today.

Smart Door Locks: Smart locks are the innovation doing away with the need for a key so you won't have to worry about misplacing it. Smart locks offer ways to unlock them – you can input a code, use your key fob, or even operate them through your smartphone. They also come with remote control features for added convenience.

Electronic Door Locks: If you don’t trust in smart locks but still want keyless entry, you might consider electronic options. These locks come with a keypad where you input a combination to unlock them. You won’t need to carry around keys everywhere or make copies for family and friends—simply grant access through the digital system.

Deadbolts: Known for their robustness and high level of security deadbolts are considered one of the types of locks available. They are extremely sturdy and resistant to tampering providing a layer of protection for your home. Cylinder or double-cylinder locks are available, with the latter offering a level of security.

Handle Locks For The Front Door: A popular solution for exterior doors is a front door key lock with handles. This traditional lock has been used for years and is easy to install yourself. Additionally, it's an ideal choice for those seeking a budget-friendly solution.

Lever Locks For Entry Doors: Lever locks are recommended as they are easier to use compared to doorknobs. While they may come at a price the added convenience justifies the investment.

What is the most secure lock for a front door?

Selecting a lock for your door is a smart way to safeguard your home against potential intruders. Although burglaries have decreased recently, thanks in part to advancements in home security, it remains crucial to fortify your home in every way.

Robust and reliable locks serve as a deterrent for would-be thieves considering that doors are a point of entry for criminals attempting to break into homes.

While video surveillance and alarm systems can discourage burglars, investing in a high-quality door lock is the most effective way to keep intruders at bay. Regardless of any security measures you may have implemented at home, nothing beats having a locking mechanism.

Deadbolt door locks are the most common type of key lock and are commonly installed on external house doors.

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Considerations for Front Door Lock Installation

Investing your time and effort into finding a top-notch lock can bring benefits, giving you added security and peace of mind. That's why our experienced team has highlighted factors to keep in mind when on the hunt for the perfect front door lock.

Type of Lock: The first important decision is choosing the type of lock. Options range from deadbolts to knob locks, lever handle locks, and smart locks. For doors, experts recommend grade 1 deadbolts for security.
Durability and Materials: The material used in a lock affects its durability and strength. Opt for locks crafted from materials like brass or steel for longevity. Quality materials also help the lock withstand elements ensuring performance over time.

Security Grades: Look for locks that meet security standards set by organizations like the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). These standards are graded from 1 to 3, with grade 1 offering the highest level of security. Choosing a high-grade lock ensures your entrance is well protected against threats.
Cutting-Edge Technology: Consider incorporating advanced lock technology in the era of smart homes. These types of locks frequently include functions such as access, keyless entry and connection to home security setups. Assess how well they fit into your routine and the level of technology you prefer.
Installation Expertise: While picking the lock is vital proper installation holds importance. It's advisable to steer clear of DIY options as they often lead to harm than good. Trust this task to professionals, for assistance and a reliable outcome. An installed lock boosts the door's efficiency and durability.

Maintaining Front Door Locks: Tips for Longevity

Maintaining the security of your home requires care and attention, even with the most advanced locks. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensuring your locks remain reliable and effective over time. Let’s explore some measures to keep your locks in condition!

Regular Cleaning: Dust, debris, and small particles can build up in the keyway or lock mechanism, causing issues with functionality. It is recommended that you use a brush to clean these areas regularly while avoiding cleaning products to prevent damage to internal components.
Lubrication: Applying a silicone-based or graphite lubricant to the keyway and moving parts of the lock can improve its performance. Following the manufacturers instructions regarding the type of lubricant for your lock is essential for proper maintenance.

Tighten Screws: Due to use screws on the door may loosen over time. Periodically checking and tightening any screws in the lockset strike plate or door frame helps maintain the stability of the lock system.
Check and Align Door and Frame: Misaligned doors can stress the lock mechanism, leading to wear and tear. Ensuring that the door aligns correctly with its frame is important for preserving both security and the longevity of your locks. If you need to make changes, it's best to seek help from a locksmith or a reliable service provider to prevent harm and expensive replacements.
Professional check-ups: Don't forget that getting professional help is crucial in handling problems and maintaining the operation of your locks. Having check-ups done by locksmiths takes a proactive approach, spotting any weaknesses early on before they turn into significant issues.

Summing up

Selecting the front door lock involves a blend of security and aesthetics. This piece delves into types of lock factors to consider and tips, for upkeep to offer a comprehensive and helpful guide. Our aim is to simplify your search process and assist you in making an educated choice.

If you require expert help, Sure Lock & Key, with over thirty years of experience, provides 24/7 locksmith services for your security needs. Opt for a solution that not only safeguards your home but also complements your style—trust us for peace of mind and reliable protection.

A cylinder is the core of the lock and the place where you insert the key. It is also the part that carries out the most important function that your lock was created for – protecting you, your loved ones and your assets. The cylinder has several pins that shift into place when you put a specific key inside. When people have their locks rekeyed, it actually means that they reset their cylinder. Lock cylinder replacement is one of the most popular services we provide. However, still many people don’t know they have this option and go for a whole lock replacement. Sure Lock & Key is always ready to help you. We are therefore now going to provide you with insights on how to change a door lock cylinder. If you prefer to do everything without help from the outside, you may use our suggestions. Let’s dive in!

5 Reasons To Change A Door Lock

The safety of our homes is certainly our responsibility. Lock maintenance and replacement are core elements to your safety needs. A sudden malfunction or a door lock accident can present a complicated situation. Experience tells us that there are at least 5 reasons that might force a person to change the lock on the door. Having the information needed to deal with these types of situations changes the pressure experienced at the moment and gives you a heads up and direction as to how to proceed. It may also help you avoid the unexpected. Sure Lock & Key is always happy to explain any area of Locksmithing and Security to you as well as explaining why and when you need to change a door lock. So check out this short blog and we will try to give you all the information you may need. If that's good with you let’s get started.

Locks Types

Since the original idea of private space flashed upon somebody’s mind, thousands of manufacturers and craftsmen have attempted to give the world the perfect lock. Years of continuous development, improvement and new inventions have brought us different types of door locks all the way to the present day. In this blog post, you will find information about the most popular lock types, their specifications and valuable tips on using and maintaining them. Sure Lock & Key will gladly be your locksmith encyclopedia. A place where you can get all the information you need!