Buying a new lock can be tricky and confusing – what’s the right security grade? What’s the best brand? What form of lock will suit your door or security needs best? In peeling through the myriad questions in determining the best locks for yourself, it’s important to know a few pertinent details in order to make the best security decision for yourself and your property. In this blog entry, Golden Locksmith will detail some things you absolutely need to know before purchasing a brand new lock.
What Type of Lock you Need
There’s no single form of lock that can be used for every single door type or security function. Some locks are made to handle a few functions, while others are supremely specialized. First, you need to make sure to be clear on what type of lock you need to install. Some examples of common residential locks include handle locks, door knob locks, deadbolt locks, and smart locks. Deadbolt locks are ideal for external doors – and offer the highest level of security – while lever or knob locks are more ideal for internal closets or bathrooms.
Security Level
Most average people are unaware of lock security gradings – a mark that tells you how powerful, robust, and long lasting your locks are. The American National Standards Institute, ANSI, tests and grades locks according to 3 grades – Grade 1 being the strongest. They are measured on how many cycles they can go through before breaking, as well as how much force they can handle. We recommend installing Grade 1 locks.
Installation Location
Keep in mind where the lock must be installed -as location, and installation technique makes a huge difference in lock security. External door locks require larger security ratings and more robust features, while interior locks, for example those on bathrooms or pantries, need very little security. Make sure to be very clear on the location of the intended lock in order to make a smarter decision about what form of lock you will purchase.
Unique Lock Features
Make sure to be aware of lock features like tamper resistance, anti bumping features, anti picking features, anti drilling features, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi based control, and much more. If you’re buying a smart lock, make sure that it’s features work well with your security needs and lifestyle – and whether it’s compatible with other smart technologies like smartphones or central home control hubs.