A deadbolt lock is a lock that can only be opened with a key or an inside thumbturn. These locks are difficult to manipulate or drill into. That makes them very effective at fending off attempted forced entry and providing the house with good security. In addition, these doors cannot be jimmied with a knife or any other object since they are not spring-activated.
An important thing you can do to secure your home is to install deadbolts on all your exterior doors. Deadbolts provide an extra layer of security, making it more difficult for intruders to break into your home.
Why Is Having Deadbolts Essential for Home Security?
Do you live in a high-crime neighborhood? Then it is necessary to lock all of your exterior doors to keep yourself and your family safe. A deadbolt lock offers reliable security, making it difficult for intruders to enter your home through an external door.
Deadbolt Locks Provide the Better Security
Installing your door with a deadbolt is one of the best ways to deter would-be burglars. Deadbolts are a particular kind of door lock with a steel bolt extending into the doorjamb. It makes it much more difficult to enter by force than a traditional doorknob lock.
If you want your deadbolt to work properly, insert the steel bolt into the doorjamb’s socket. To reinforce the socket or hole, use a striking metal plate. Without doing these, you make your door frame and lock vulnerable to break-ins.
Kicking in a door usually breaks the door frame, not the door itself. Make sure to use 3-inch screws on the strike plate. It will make it securely fastened into the studs of your door frame and not just the jamb.
Approved by Reputable Organizations
The American National Standards Institute is a non-profit organization that oversees the development of standardized frameworks for many businesses.
There are two main types of deadbolt locks. The first meets the ANSI Grade 1 criteria and the second meets the UL 437 criteria. Both types of locks have been tested to determine the strength and endurance of locks. These tests include drilling, prying, and picking. The lock must withstand all of these pressures to be considered effective.
A deadbolt must meet the ANSI Grade 1 criteria to be considered a commercial-grade product. It includes requirements such as:
- Features a bolt that extends one inch into the door frame
- Undergone 250,000 open/close cycles of testing
- Passed and tested in 250,000 open/close cycles
The UL 437 test is a high-security lock testing standard mandated by Underwriters Laboratories. This company is well-known for creating standards and evaluating products. The UL 437 test is an industry-accepted way to ensure that locks are up to par regarding safety and security.
Types of Deadbolts
Single Cylinder
There are many types of deadbolts, but the most common is the single-cylinder deadbolt. You can open and close this type from the outside using a key or from the inside using a thumbturn.
Do you have an exterior door with glass? Then the strength of the glass is an aspect to consider if you must install a single cylinder or not. Because single-pane glass is easy to break, single-cylinder deadbolts will not be effective in securing a door.
Double Cylinder
Although not common, double-cylinder deadbolts offer more protection than single-cylinder. A double-cylinder deadbolt lock requires a unique key for opening from inside and outside a door. These types of deadbolts are recommended for glass-covered doors or windows. Double-cylinder deadbolts reduce the likelihood of an intruder shattering the glass to reach inside and turn the thumbturn.
It is generally best to use single-cylinder deadbolts for safety reasons. One reason is that double-cylinder deadbolts require a key to open, which could slow you down in an emergency.
Locksmith Near Me
If you are in the Los Angeles area and looking for locksmith services for your home or business, Kardo Locksmith is the professional team to call. Our services include high-security lock installation, rekeying, and car key replacement, and we can recommend the best locking option depending on your needs. Plus, we have 24-hour locksmith service available seven days a week for emergencies. So do not hesitate to contact us for all your locksmith needs and free estimates.
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