Imagine a world where people can open your stall while you are using the bathroom, and thieves can walk inside your home as if they were the owner of the place. Scary, right?
A world without locks would be a terrifying place to live in. We have been using them for so long that the presence of this safety mechanism has become a necessity. They make us feel at ease and invulnerable.
Locks have been used all around the world for centuries. They have served us well by keeping us and our belongings safe, as well as allowing us to keep our privacy. From their original form back in ancient times, locks have evolved into several types with different usages. Here are some of the common kinds of locks that are being used today.
1. Padlocks
Padlocks are portable and free-standing. Compared to the other types, they are not permanently attached to anything, making them perfect for multiple purposes. They can also be used anywhere as long as they fit the opening.
Padlocks vary in shapes and sizes. They are perfect for lockers, drawers, trash units and sheds.
4 Types of padlock:
- Keyed padlock – The most basic form, this type is locked and opened by a key that is specifically made for it.
- Combination padlock – Instead of keys, this lock uses number combinations to open it. It has wheels (usually 3 or more with numbers 0-9) that should be lined up in a correct pattern or rotated in random formation to lock it.
- Steel cable padlock – Compared to the first two types that use ‘shackle-like’ solid steel, this one uses steel cable.
- Electronic padlock – This modern lock no longer uses keys. Instead, it is unlocked through a phone’s Bluetooth, NFC or fingerprint.
2. Knob Locks
Knob locks serve as security for doors, which created the term, doorknob. This type of lock is in the form of a cylinder and has two visible parts on both sides of the door. It can be unlocked through the keyhole outside or through rotating the knob/handle from the inside.
3. Euro Profile Cylinders
Commonly seen in Europe and North America, Euro profile cylinders (or DIN cylinders) are used for some sliding glass door locks and room dividing doors. They can be single (one-sided), double (both sides of the door) and with a thumbturn (locking cylinder on one side and a thumbturn on the other side).
4. Cam Locks
Cam locks are a type of fastener that can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise up to 90 or 180 degrees. They got their name from their tailpiece which is called ‘cam’. They are commonly used in wooden/metal furniture like cabinets and drawers, mailboxes, automotive or bike accessories, asset management systems and lockers.
5. Deadbolts
Deadbolts have a unique locking system that makes them resistant to physical attacks like battering. This type is named deadbolt because compared to a spring bolt (seen in the centre of doorknobs), it does not have spring latches that can be pushed back manually. It is immovable or ‘dead’ unless you open it with a key.
Usually, deadbolts are used as a complement to a spring bolt to add an extra layer of protection.
Types of deadbolts:
- Single – can be activated via a key from one side.
- Double – can be activated via a key from both sides.
- Lockable thumbturn – a combination of single and double deadbolts. It works similar to a single deadbolt, but it is possible to lock the thumbturn using a key. It can be left unlocked if there are people inside and will act like a normal single deadbolt. This type is the most flexible and secure among the three types.
6. Mortise Locks
This type is more secure than the cylinder locks because it uses a pocket (called mortise) that is cut into the edge of the door or furniture. This allows a longer and thicker box to slide into the door itself. Mortise locks are secured by using a set screw and a cam which creates the locking mechanism. This includes a non-locking sprung latch that is operated by a door handle and comes in various heights and lengths.
Mortise locks are often used in commercial doors, entry glass doors and apartment doors.
7. Pin Tubular Locks
Also known as tubular pin tumbler lock, circle pin tumbler lock, radial lock or Ace lock, pin tubular locks have pins arranged in a circular pattern that is commonly between six to eight pins (others use up to ten). They are not picked the same way as the other locks which use linear picking. This kind of lock is usually seen on payphones, ATMs, computers, expensive bike locks and coin-operated devices like vending machines and washing machines.
8. Wall-Mounted Locks
As the name suggests, this type of lock is mounted on a wall. What makes it different from the others is that it can act as a small safe that allows item deposits or emergency access to building keys. It can be equipped with alarm sensors to detect unauthorised access. It is commonly found in buildings of large businesses.
The Role of Locksmiths
If you have any problems with your locks, there are professionals who can help you out. Locksmiths are knowledgeable and trained to identify and repair faults on keys and locks. They can also replace, duplicate or even break a lock without inflicting damage on your property or item. You will need a locksmith’s services if you encounter the following issues:
- Lost, broken or stolen keys
- Moving into a newly built house or an apartment
- Damaged locks
- Installing single key access
- Getting locked out or forgetting the right combinations
- Low home security that needs an upgrade.
The Bottom Line
Living without locks is like living while naked. Locks provide peace of mind by adding security to your home/building and valuable items. Having locks gives you privacy whenever you need it and helps ensure that all the properties bought by your hard work are in safe hands. If you ever find yourself in need of a reliable locksmith Las Vagas, you can rest assured knowing that there are skilled professionals
ready to assist you with all your lock and key needs.
Over the centuries, locks have evolved from their simplest form into numerous and sometimes complex types. Nowadays, we have padlocks, knob locks, Euro profile cylinders, cam locks, deadbolts, mortise locks, pin tubular locks, wall-mounted locks and many more. Are you wondering which of them is the best one? This largely depends on the space that needs security. That’s why before buying one, make sure you know where you will use it.
