Choosing The Right Deadbolt For A Secure Front Door
The security of your home starts at your front door. The right deadbolt makes it hard for a burglar to get past the front door, which may be enough deterrence to make them move on to the next home. Your locksmith can show you a variety of locks with which you'll make a stand against a break in attempt. Here is what you need to know about the ways to lock your front door.
Type and Grade Are Key Factors in Any Lock Design
Regardless of the style of deadbolt, it must be shatterproof and challenging to cut through to provide a good defense. Have the locksmith show you their hardened steel ANSI Grade 1 deadbolts for the best protection. Cheaper locks can be broken by a blow from a hammer or the bolt cut through with a hacksaw. Don't leave these options open to a home burglar. Get the best made lock available in the design you choose.
Deadbolt Styles
- Single Deadbolt - This is the standard lock found on most homes, including newly constructed homes. This lock sits within the door with a metal bolt extending from the door into the doorframe. A knob on the inside of the lock is turned to extend the bolt into the frame and retract it again. A key is required on the outside to move the bolt. The door must be modified to accommodate the lock and the frame must be strong enough to prevent being pried away from the door so the bolt can be cut or pushed through a weak frame.
- Double Deadbolt - A similar design to the single deadbolt, this lock requires a key on both sides to move the bolt. Some locations prohibit this type of lock as it can prove to be a fire hazard to those people who need to escape through the door but don't have a key.
- Jimmy-Proof Locks - Also called external mounted locks, these require only a small hole to be drilled through the door for the key-activated cylinder. The lock has two components, one which attaches to the door and the other to the inside wall. A knob on the door component turns to move the bolt into the component sitting on the wall. Besides requiring less modifications to the door to install this lock, one benefit is that the door frame cannot be pried away and the bolt pushed through a weak frame.
- Vertical deadbolt - This deadbolt works similar to the jimmy-proof lock by using two components to the lock. But the door component slides into the wall component when the door is shut and the bolt moves up into the wall piece. This completely conceals the bolt so a burglar can't get access to try to cut through it.
For more information, visit a locksmith like Action Lock & Safe.