Are Your Locks Secure?

If you live in a part of the world where your home can be broken into easily, it is crucial to make sure that your doors and windows are secure. One way to do this is by investing in locks and having them professionally installed by the best locksmith in Johnson City, TN. 

There are several different types of locks available today. Depending on which kind of lock you use, there are various ways that it can be compromised (opened without proper authorization).

Here are the most common types of locks and their advantages and disadvantages:

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Deadbolt locks

A deadbolt lock uses a key on both sides to open. A deadbolt lock is often recommended because it typically offers more protection than other kinds of locks. After all, they require force from two directions to open them.

It requires both turning and lifting for disengaging. It also has a locking mechanism on the inside of the door and outside, making it hard to pick open.

There are two main types of deadbolts: single-cylinder locks, which only lock/unlock from one side, and double cylinder locks, which can be locked/unlocked from either side.

Double Cylinder Deadbolt Locks

The double cylinder type of deadbolt lock is often recommended by the best locksmith in Johnson City, TN.  because it requires both turning and lifting for disengaging the lock. 

If your door is already in place, you would need to hire a carpenter or locksmith to change it out, and if purchasing a new door, the lock must be purchased and installed at the same time as the door.

Single Cylinder Deadbolt Locks

A single-cylinder deadbolt lock only locks and unlocks from one side of the door, making securing entryways that need to be locked from both sides difficult. These locks do not have a locking mechanism on the inside of the door so knocking out this locking feature makes them easier to pick open than more secure double-cylinder deadbolts. 

You also don't necessarily need a key or combination for these locks because some are equipped with push buttons, others only require a screwdriver or bobby pin to open.

Lockable Thumb Turn

This type of lock has a locking mechanism on the outside that can be disengaged with a key. It also has an unlocked thumb-turn on the inside that allows you to open the door from either side. 

Similar to both single-cylinder deadbolt locks and standard knob locks, this type of lock is not recommended. It only requires pushing down on a thumb turn to disengage the outside locking mechanism. 

It is so easy for burglars or intruders to gain access without a key.

Cylinder Locks

This type of lock works by turning a cylinder and can be locked or unlocked by a key. These locks are easier to pick open than deadbolts. However, they do require a key for entry, which means that no one will be able to enter your home without the key. 

This makes them an option not as secure as other door locks but more secure than those with no key entry.

Multi-Point Locks

If you are looking for the most secure locks, consider multi-point locks. These locks use deadbolts or levers on all door parts that open, including the top and bottom sections. 

This type of lock provides increased security because the locking mechanisms are spread out across all parts of the door. 

These locks can also be keyless, so they do not require a traditional key to open them. The lock is disengaged using alpha-numeric buttons that need to be pressed or a digital keypad swiped in a particular pattern. 

Lockable Thumb Turn

This type of lock has a locking mechanism on the outside that can be disengaged with a key and an unlocked thumb turn on the inside that allows you to open the door from either side. 

Similar to both single-cylinder deadbolt locks and standard knob locks, this type of lock is not recommended because it only requires pushing down on a thumb turn to disengage the outside locking mechanism.

Padlocks

This type of lock uses hasps that go through the door and latch onto the opposite side with a combination or keyed locking mechanism

This style can be picked open reasonably quickly, but if you padlock your exterior doors (with something sturdy like a bike lock) when you're away on vacation, no one will be able to enter from outside. 

This is also used for sheds and garages where there is no need for people to enter from both sides.

Desk Locks

A desk lock is a locking mechanism often used on desks or filing cabinets. They usually have a flimsy key that you may not even need to open. This lock style is relatively easy for someone with the proper tools to pick open. However, any lock can deter your average burglar. It could be hard enough to pick open so they might not bother rummaging through your desk and files.  

This means that your files may still be safe. However, anyone who breaks into your home and has enough time will still have access. Desk locks are also relatively inexpensive. 

Sliding Door Locks

This type of lock is used for a secondary point of entry. Sliding door locks are usually weak. They can be easily ripped off or opened with a small hard object. 

Secure sliding doors with an outward-opening handle, which means they can't just slide open without someone releasing them first. If there's any sign that the door has been tampered with or forced, it's best to have it replaced by

Do you live in a part of the world where your home can be broken into easily? Then it is crucial to make sure that your doors and windows are secure. One way to do this is by investing in locks. Have the best locksmith in Johnson City, TN install it immediately!

The best way to ensure your door locks are secure is to contact Star-Spangled Locksmithing. With three generations of experience in the locksmith industry, we provide 24/7 emergency service. Call us at any time for all kinds of locksmith needs. 

We'll be happy to answer questions about our company or any locksmith need you may have! Call us at (423)427-2907!