Choosing a Lock Isn't as Simple as It Looks
Walk into a hardware store and you'll find dozens of lock types, styles, and brands. Which one is right for your door? It depends on the door type, your security needs, and your budget.
Here's a complete guide to the main types of locks for homes and businesses.
1. Deadbolts
The workhorse of home security. A deadbolt is a bolt that extends into the door frame and can only be moved by turning the key or thumb-turn — there's no spring mechanism, so it can't be "shimmed" open like a spring latch.
Single Cylinder Deadbolt
Keyed on the outside, thumb-turn on the inside. The most common type for home exterior doors.
- Best for: Most residential exterior doors
- Price: $30 – $200
Double Cylinder Deadbolt
Keyed on both sides. Requires a key to lock or unlock from inside. Prevents someone from breaking a glass panel and reaching in to turn the thumb-turn. But it's a fire hazard — you need a key to exit.
- Best for: Doors with glass panels near the lock
- Price: $40 – $200
- Warning: Check local fire codes — some prohibit double cylinders on exit doors
2. Knob Locks and Lever Handle Locks
The lock is built into the doorknob or lever handle. The locking mechanism is in the knob itself, not a separate deadbolt. These are less secure than deadbolts because the lock body is in the knob, which can be broken off with a wrench.
- Best for: Interior doors, low-security applications
- Price: $15 – $80
- Note: Never use a knob lock as the only lock on an exterior door. Always pair with a deadbolt.
3. Mortise Locks
A mortise lock is installed inside a pocket (mortise) cut into the door. The lock body is embedded in the door, making it stronger and more tamper-resistant than surface-mounted locks. Common in older homes and commercial buildings.
- Best for: Older homes, commercial doors, apartments with mortise frames
- Price: $100 – $300+
- Pros: Very strong, durable, resistant to force
- Cons: Requires a mortise cut in the door (professional installation), harder to replace
4. Rim Cylinder Locks (Rim Locks)
Surface-mounted locks that sit on the inside of the door. The cylinder (where the key goes) is on the outside. Common in apartments and older buildings, especially in urban areas.
- Best for: Apartments with thin doors, adding a secondary lock to existing doors
- Price: $30 – $100
- Pros: Easy to install, no mortise required, works with existing hardware
- Cons: Less secure than a deadbolt, visible on the door
5. Smart Locks
Electronic locks that replace or supplement a traditional deadbolt. Unlock with a keypad, fingerprint, smartphone, or proximity sensor. Many include a physical key backup.
Keypad Deadbolts
Enter a PIN code to unlock. No keys needed. Popular for households with multiple people.
- Price: $80 – $250
Smartphone-Connected Locks
Unlock with an app, grant temporary access, receive entry notifications. May require a hub or Wi-Fi bridge.
- Price: $150 – $300+
Biometric Locks
Fingerprint or facial recognition. Highest convenience, no credentials to lose.
- Price: $200 – $400+
6. High-Security Locks
Locks from brands like Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, and BiLock that offer enhanced resistance to picking, drilling, and key duplication. They use restricted keyways — keys can only be copied by authorized dealers.
- Best for: Businesses, high-value homes, properties with heightened security needs
- Price: $150 – $400+ per lock
- Pros: Extremely resistant to attack, keys can't be copied without authorization
- Cons: Higher cost, keys must be ordered from authorized dealers
7. Padlocks
Standalone locks not attached to a door. Used for gates, lockers, storage units, and sheds.
Combination Padlocks
No key needed — open with a dial or combination. Convenient but less secure than keyed versions.
- Price: $5 – $50
Keyed Padlocks
More secure than combination locks. Look for hardened steel shackle and a boron-alloy body.
- Price: $10 – $100+
Choosing the Right Lock for Your Door
| Door Type | Recommended Lock | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Home front door | Grade 1 deadbolt | $80 – $200 |
| Home back door | Grade 2 deadbolt | $40 – $100 |
| Apartment door | Deadbolt + rim lock | $50 – $150 |
| Commercial exterior | Grade 1 mortise or deadbolt | $150 – $400 |
| Interior bedroom/bathroom | Privacy knob lock | $15 – $40 |
| Gate/shed | Keyed padlock (hardened steel) | $20 – $80 |
| High-security need | Medeco/Mul-T-Lock | $150 – $400+ |
FAQ
What's the best lock for a home front door?
A Grade 1 single-cylinder deadbolt from a reputable brand (Schlage, Yale, Medeco). Install with 3-inch strike plate screws. Budget $80-$200 for the hardware.
What's the difference between a deadbolt and a mortise lock?
A deadbolt is a surface-mounted bolt that's added to a door alongside the knob. A mortise lock is installed inside a pocket cut into the door — it's stronger and includes both the latch and the deadbolt in one unit. Mortise locks are more secure but require professional installation.
Are smart locks as secure as traditional locks?
The best smart locks include a Grade 1 or 2 mechanical deadbolt, so physical security is comparable. The added considerations are battery life and potential digital vulnerabilities. Choose a reputable brand with encryption and a physical key backup.
Can I install a lock myself?
Deadbolts and knob locks can be DIY-installed with a drill and chisel. Mortise locks require professional installation. Smart locks vary — some are DIY-friendly, others need a pro. The critical step for any lock is proper strike plate alignment with 3-inch screws into the wall stud.
Need lock repair & replacement service right now? Call (855) 373-1159 and our 24/7 dispatch center will connect you with a licensed professional near you.