Standard versions of this type of lock can be easily broken, especially when the cylinder protrudes from the surface of the door. Euro cylinder locks come in a wide variety of lengths to fit varying door thicknesses. There are three different euro cylinder locking options: The single cylinder, which can be locked from only one side the double-ended cylinder, which lets you lock the door from either side and the key and thumb turn model, which uses a key to lock on the outside and a thumb turn on the inside. They are primarily used as the locking mechanism for operating a lock case. Also called a pin tumbler lock, Euro cylinder locks are the most popular locking system used by locksmiths and architectural ironmongers. More often seen in Europe rather than the United States, Euro cylinder locks are typically used on patio doors and interior double doors. They are on par with deadbolt locks in terms of strength and durability, though many consider mortise locks to be more reliable than their deadbolt counterparts. This type of lock is very strong, which is why many business owners prefer to use mortise locks over any other type. The cylindrical component comes in a range of lengths and heights, depending on the type of door. These locksets remain secure by using a set screw and a cam, which forms the locking mechanism. A box lock is placed within the mortise, which refers to a deep recess in the edge of the door. Mortise locks are threaded, utilizing mortise components added inside of the door. They can house either levers or knobs and often feature a cylindrical body. These locks are comprised of an internal system which categorizes them more as locksets, rather than just locks. Eventually, this pull was replaced with a doorknob. Mortise locks have in use since the eighteenth century, with earlier versions featuring a pull to unlock the door. While they are most often seen on commercial properties, they can be used on residential homes provided that they have enough space for them to operate. Mortise locks are incredibly powerful and, like deadbolts, are typically used on exterior doors. The deadbolt lock got its name from the fact that it does not feature any internal spring-loaded mechanisms like other bolts – for all intents and purposes, the lock is “dead.” These locks can be traced back to the 1800s, when banks started using locks that required keys on their safes. Deadbolt locks come in single- and double-cylinder models. Most exterior doors are pre-drilled to fit deadbolts, which makes installation a breeze. They are designed to provide extra security for exterior doors and to be used in combination with a door knob lock or lever lock. These locks offer maximum security for your front door. They reduce the risk of unwanted entry by creating a secure locking system that makes it virtually impossible for intruders to break down the door. Deadbolt locks are a mechanism that is separate from the door knob, adding an extra layer of security to entry doors. Though, commercial property owners also use deadbolt locks to ensure safety and security for their businesses and facilities. Although, in 1818, three locksmiths in Britain developed the design or the tumbler lock, which the knob locks of today are based on.ĭeadbolt locks are, undeniably, the most popular type of exterior door lock and are commonly used on the exterior doors of residential properties. He created a doorknob with an internal door-latching system. Knob locks date back to the 1800s, with the first patent given to Osborn Dorsey, an African American inventor, in 1878. Knob locks feature knobs on both sides of the door, and may have either a single or double cylinder depending on whether or not you also want to be able to lock the door from the inside. Because of this, knob locks on a front door are often seen paired with a deadbolt or another, more secure, type of lock. When a knob lock is placed on an exterior door, it creates a situation where your home can easily be broken into.

While many choose to use these locks on both interior and exterior doors, they are best used indoors as they don’t provide as much security as many other types of exterior locks. The distinguishing feature of this type of knob lock is that the lock cylinder is located inside of the knob, rather than inside of the door. They are used by nearly everyone to lock up their home or business on a daily basis.

Beginning with the most common type of door lock, knob locks are often seen on doors that lead to the outside.

Deadbolt lock types