Door locks are the simplest way of keeping your home secure. They are important for safekeeping the house, allowing easy accessibility, and adding some dimensions to the door. With the progression of time, door lock designs have also progressed. From the simple doorknob and deadbolts to the advanced biometric and keyless entry locks, several door lock type options are available in the market. Each lock design has its unique features, look, and manner of operation.
Designs for main door locks to pick from
Check out this list of some of the best door lock designs and find one that is perfect for you.
Door lock design #1: Sleek fingerprint scanner
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A lock design with a fingerprint scanner is a very good, hassle-free option for a smart and keyless lock. The fingerprint scanners are designed to be wear-resistant. Therefore they are better than conventional push button locks. Modern fingerprint locks allow a few fingerprints to be stored in the device for roommates and family members. Some fingerprint locks can also be connected to smart home systems, and hence the door can be remotely locked or unlocked.
See also: Grill gate design to get inspired of
Door lock design #2: Doorknob lock with password
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Combine the best of the old and new gate lock designs with a password-controlled doorknob. The set password only allows the entry of those who know it into your home, and in case you forget the passcode, a key can be used to unlock the door also. This door knob lock type offers a very vintage and traditional look to the door, which is an added plus.
See also: Double door design ideas for main door
Door lock design #3: Phone operated smart lock
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A main door lock design that can be remotely controlled from your mobile phone is a premium safety option. In a busy household, this door lock type can easily handle the daily comings and goings. This door lock type is also password and fingerprint controlled for extra door opening options. This advanced door lock type design is also automatically locking and locks behind you as soon as it is closed. This door lock type’s feature is immensely helpful for people who always forget to lock the door again when they come inside the house.
See also: Some grill door designs to get inspired from
Door lock design #4: Video intercom for the main door
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Have you ever run to answer a door when the bell rang and found it to be an unwelcomed salesperson? A video Intercom device for the front door can help you clearly see and interact with the person at the door and hence protect your privacy and safety. This door lock type device is an-encompassing solution that can also ensure the safety of children alone in the home. The wireless connection of the intercom also allows you to open the door for guests even when you are not present near the door.
See also: Modern main door designs for Indian homes
Door lock design #5: Fingerprint detecting modern lock
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Avoid the hassle of taking out a key and opening the door with just a simple touch of the finger. This main door lock design uses a technology that pairs with your phone or a key fob, and when you touch it, the Bluetooth detects if the phone or fob is nearby or not. Based on this, the door lock type decides whether to let you in or not. The inconspicuous design of the door lock type gives the door a very trendy look.
Door lock design #6: Push-and-pull main door lock design
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The Push-and-Pull main door lock design can be unlocked in multiple ways with a passcode, fingerprint, and card. The convenience and user-friendliness of this door lock type device, combined with its premium look, make for a very luxurious-looking door handle. The Push-and-Pull mechanism makes the door very easy to open for senior citizens who can’t work the door handles or for when their hands are full.
Door lock design #7: Fingerprint sensor combined with passcode
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The sleek and elegant smart door lock type design offered by this lock is unparalleled. You get 2 different ways of unlocking the door fingerprint and a password. A few smart door lock designs also offer a record of the people who entered the house and at what time. This kind of gate lock design will popularly be seen in residential apartments and homes.
Door lock design #8: Classic lock chain design for main door
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The lock-chain gate lock design is quite an old design that is still functional to this day. While it is not technical or smart, the lock-chain door lock type design still offers protection by letting you see the guest on the other side and then open the door. The lock-chain door lock type design can be used in combination with the other kinds of smart locks for a safer design. Family homes with small children will also benefit from this door lock type design.
Door lock design #9: Extra-secure main door lock
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The four bolted gate lock design is designed for providing extra security to your home. So many modules in this door lock type make it difficult for robbers to break in with simple door-breaking tools. This type of lock design is not keyless, but they are affordable and easily available in the market. No extra programming or regular battery change is necessary in this door lock type. The standard latch handle also gives a sleek look and a sturdy finish to the door.
Different door lock types to choose from
There are many different types of door locks you can choose from for your home. The major ones include:
Door lock types #1: Knob locks with twist and button design
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The twist-lock or button door lock type on privacy door knobs can only be accessed from one side of the door. There are several privacy door knobs with button locks that feature a hole for a pin on the outside knob, to be opened with a standard key. These door lock type knobs are frequently used in restrooms, bedrooms and other spaces that need seclusion but do not require keyed locks. Other common applications of these door lock types include closets and storage areas.
Door lock types #2: Sliding door lock
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A sliding door lock set is typically used for wood sliding doors and folding doors in bedrooms and bathrooms. These locks fit flush into the door and are sunken into the door itself. A thumb turns to control the locking mechanism and a coin release provides rapid entry to open the door during an emergency. Many sliding door locks come with a finger pull socket that is attached to the leading edge of the door. This gives the ability to pull the door out from a recess inside the wall.
Door lock types #3: Deadbolt locks
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The bolt-on or deadbolt lock is triggered by a key or thumb turn. As it is not spring actuated and cannot be ‘jimmied’ open with a knife blade or credit card, it provides a high level of protection against unauthorised access. For this reason, it is recommended that doors made of solid wood, steel, or fibreglass be equipped with deadbolt locks.
Door lock types #4: Lever handle sets door lock
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Most often used door handles in private homes, business establishments and public buildings are lever door handles. They come in a variety of styles, and are suitable for various structures and applications within the same project. Owing to the simplicity of their construction and the adaptability of their appearance, they can be integrated into a home’s interior and exterior in various different ways.
Door lock types #5: Designer knob door lock
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For safety and security, keyed entry door knobs include a lock and key mechanism on both sides of the knob. Front doors, patio doors, garage doors that lead into your house, and other external doors may benefit from this installation. Some allow locking of the door from the inside by pressing a button. When you turn the knob on the inside, the button will release, unlocking the door. Other types of keyed entry door knobs use a mechanism on one side that twists, allowing the door to be locked or unlocked by turning the knob.
Door lock types #6: Cylindrical lever locks
Cylindrical lever locks are one of the most popular types of door locks. It features a latch bolt fitted into a bore on the door’s edge while the door is installed in a bore cut in the entryway’s face. This door lock can be quickly rekeyed and easily reconfigured into disk tumbler latches and a water tumbler.
Door lock types #7: Single-cylinder locks
A single-cylinder lock has a slot for the key on one side and the other side has a knob or some sort of turning mechanism, typically a thumb-turn resembling a simple lever that turns like a key. This turning mechanism usually faces indoors to lock the door from the inside without having to use the key. This type of door lock is known for being efficient, cost-effective, easy to use, and time-saving.
Door lock types #8: Double-cylinder locks
While a single-cylinder lock features a locking mechanism that needs a key on just one side, a double-cylinder lock has it on both sides. This means that a key is needed to lock the door on both inside and outside.
Door lock types #9: Mortise Locks
A mortise lock is usually found in both residential and commercial buildings. It consists of an internal system, making them more locksets. Available in both light- and heavy-duty models, they stay secure with the help of a cam and a set screw to create a locking mechanism. It also includes a cylindrical component that comes in various heights and lengths.
Door lock types #10: Euro cylinder locks
Euro cylinder locks come with a multi-point securing system. A key is used to align the pin set in the cylinder’s pin and tumbler mechanism. You can easily change a euro cylinder without having to change its adjacent multi-point securing system, making it easier to change the closing mechanism.
Door lock types #11: Electronic locks and smart locks
Electronic locks are the most innovative and cutting-edge type of door locks. They can be opened and closed remotely, eliminating the need for carrying around a key. Widely used in both commercial and residential buildings, these locks are quite popular these days due to the wide range of features they offer.
Main door locks: Grades and rating
Front door security is best provided with deadbolts. Choose locks and deadbolts for doors that may be picked and bumped to guarantee protection for your property. Thieves cannot pick a good deadbolt lock, as it is equipped with mushroom pins or pick shields, thus preventing them from entering your property.
Consider the grade of the door lock type and the convenience of installation while looking for door locks and knobs. For most lock manufacturers, the performance of their locks is tested and graded. They evaluate the performance, strength, cycle, security, material assessment, and finish of a product to determine its suitability for use.
The door lock type’s grade tells you how many lock/unlock cycles it can handle before it has to be replaced. Rather than the security, it tells how long the door lock types can stand.
Grade 1: 8,00,000 cycles
- Grade 2: 4,00,000 cycles
- Grade 3: 2,00,000 cycles
When the door is closed, a certain door lockers will automatically lock. Shop for a lock that does not have this function, or read the manufacturer’s instructions to learn how to deactivate this feature if necessary, so that you do not get locked out by mistake.
How to pick the right door lock type?
Before you go out and buy a lock, you should first measure the backset, cross bore, and thickness of the door to be sure it will accommodate the lock.
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Backset
This is the gap that must be maintained between the furthest border of the door and the keyhole’s centre. In most cases, the backset is measured at either 2 3/8 inches or 2 3/4 inches.
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Cross bore, also known as edge bore
This is the narrow opening that runs along the outside edge of the door frame and has a diameter of around 1 inch on average.
A helpful hint is that the thickness of an exterior door is normally 1 3/4 inches, whereas the thickness of an interior door is 1 3/8 inches.
Lock and door handing
Handing indicates whether a door is constructed for right or left-handed consumers. To determine whether you need a right-handed or left-handed lock, examine the door from the outside. Note the location of the hinges; the direction the door swings does not matter.
- A door is said to be right-handed if the hinges are located on the right side of the door. You will need a lock that is right-handed (RH).
- A door is said to be left-handed if the hinges are located on the left side of the door. You will need a left-handed lock (LH).
The vast majority of door locks can be used effectively on either left or right-handed doors. These locks may be fitted on either side of the door, as indicated by their labels, which read ‘reversible handing’ and ‘universal handing’.
Advantages of a single-key system
Having a single key to open all of your outside doors is a popular choice. Packages with the same ‘key alike’ number should be sought when buying several locks. As an alternative option, you may get your hands on an inexpensive rekeying kit.
A self-rekeying capability may be available on certain models, which may be used with a supplied tool for fast and easy rekeying. Door locks are meant to be practical, but their aesthetics are also to be taken into account.
FAQs
Are there drawbacks of using smart locks?
As per recent studies, it is possible to hack electronic locks. Moreover, running out of battery or some errors can increase the risk of you being locked out.
Which is the most secure door lock?
There are many different types of door locks, each with its own set of pros and cons. It’s always a good idea to layer up instead of relying on a single lock. For example, you can couple up deadbolts with chain locks for optimum security.
