When considering a change to your residential or commercial locks, the choices on what to purchase can be disconcerting. At Nearby Locksmiths our commitment is to helping each customer to choose based on our familiarity with our variety of locks and how best to protect your property.
We can start by telling you that there are four basic types of locks: padlocks, levers, deadbolts, and knob locks.
Padlocks: There are an array of sizes to choose from with this type of lock, and most are not made for permanent installation. They apply a shackle for attachment to the object of interest. Usually, there are two styles to choose—combination or keyed. Both styles are made up three elements: a body, a shackle, and the locking apparatus. Unfortunately, padlocks are very easily ruptured through brute force or by someone who is skilled at picking locks or what is called “shimming” which is inserting a thin card between the shackle and the locking apparatus, gently forcing the lock to open.
Levers: These are styled as handle locks and are normally installed on the inside doors of commercial buildings. The lever either swings in an upward and downward motion to release the locking mechanism. They are made up of a key cylinder and a rotating turn knob. When the lever is set in motion, it is easy to open it, so it is considered the best type of lock for a commercial structure.
Deadbolts: Unlike lever locks, deadbolts are usually installed on external doors in homes and commonly include a knob lock. They are made up of a rotating cylinder that exerts enough force to push a bold into the frame of a door. The bold cannot retract unless the locking cylinder is rotated again. Deadbolts have more durability when it comes to direct force and they cannot be shimmed.
Knob Locks: These type of locks are used with external as well as internal doors for homes. They are designed in much the same way as deadbolts with a key cylinder and rotating knob, which controls the locking mechanism. Knob locks should be used on external doors accompanied by a deadbolt since they are not as resistant to being broken as deadbolts.
To find out more about residential or commercial locks that best suit your needs, call your locksmith Mascot locals rely on for advice on locks by calling Nearby Locksmiths at 1300 625 696.
