Safety locks are very important to ensure safety on different surfaces. These are no longer only useful systems in homes or premises, but they are also essential mechanisms for the operation of different equipment like safes, grocery carts, lockers, etc.

Depending on the device in which it is going to be used, one type of security lock or another will be necessary. In the following article we discovered the different typologies that exist and how to choose the most suitable one.

Types of security locks

To choose the right security lock, the most important thing is to identify the specific need of the device or place where it is to be implemented. You don't need the same type of lock for a door as you do for a safe.

It is also important to consider the material from which it is made. practically all locks are currently made with different types of steels (stainless, galvanized, reinforced or solid), although there are also those made of iron or nickel.

There are different types of locks in the current market, each with specific characteristics. These are the main ones:

Cylinder lock

They are the most common and are named after the cylindrical structure of the centerpiece with pear bowler. Of this type, there are high-security cylinders with anti-bumping, anti-extraction, anti-drill and anti-scratch cylinders, depending on the needs.

Built-in or built-in locks

These locks have a device on the handle for opening from the inside which turns the latch. Traditionally, they have been installed on bathroom doors and inside homes to isolate some areas from others and to be able to open from the inside.

Overlay locks

They are usually installed on thin-thickness doors. For this reason, they are used on terraces and accesses to gardens. Its mechanism of action is exposed on one side.

Tubular locks

In this type of locks the handle and the lock are linked together in the same mechanism. They are usually installed in places or areas of the home with the same features as built-in ones. The difference is that they can be opened or closed from the inside by pressing a button. Ideal for bathrooms, rooms or offices that we want to close from the inside.

Multipoint locks 

This type of locks is the most used in central access doors to homes because of their high level of protection. Its main characteristic lies in the fact that incorporates several locks in the center, as well as in the lower and upper part of the door. These locks are activated with a single internal system that allows them to be closed at the same time. They are highly secure and, of course, the most difficult to force.

Electronic or digital locks

These are similar to those in hotels and are available in various types and models: by alphanumeric code, by fingerprint, through the mobile phone and an app, by Bluetooth, etc. This type also It is known as a smart lock.

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What is the most suitable lock depending on the type of door?

To increase the effectiveness of the locks, it is also necessary to choose the most suitable door for each case.

• Armored doors: These types of doors are the ones that offer greater security and, therefore, they are the ones that should have a lock that provides maximum security. Therefore, in this type of door, it is recommended to use a multi-point lock.

• Armored doors: these are not very resistant doors, so a multi-point lock with several locks would also have to be installed to reinforce security.

• soft doors: these are the most used doors in interior rooms and, therefore, it is sufficient to install mortise locks or tubular locks.

• Metal doors: with these doors, which are insulating due to polyurethane, cylindrical or multi-point locks should be used to increase security.

Recommendations for choosing the best security lock

To choose the best security lock you will have to take into account the quality of the materials used in these. You can choose locks made of iron, nickel or stainless steel.

Apart from the material, you have to choose a security lock that incorporates a additional prevention method against bumping. Bumping is one of the most used techniques currently used to force the bolt. It consists of inserting a manipulated key into the lock cylinder and hitting it in order to make the pistons of the lock “dance”.

With this, What is achieved is that the pistons of the cylinder spring simultaneously when the key is struck, allowing it to be rotated and, therefore, the security door to be opened. To avoid this technique, it is best to use a lock with an anti-bumping mechanism.

Despite choosing the best security lock, over time you are always suffer from wear and tear that ends up causing malfunctions. Therefore, it is important to know the main flaws in order to be able to remedy them as soon as possible.

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Common faults in high-security locks

These are the most common faults that high-security locks can cause:

• The key doesn't fit: It can happen because the wrench is in poor condition or because the cylinder has some dirt. To solve this, you have to properly file the wrench to avoid burrs or clean the cylinder carefully.
• The latch does not work: Misalignment of the same due to normal use of the door. It can be solved by adjusting the screws/part of the door frame or lubricating the latch with graphite spray.
• The latch gets stuck: This can happen because the door has been moved for some reason. It can be solved by bringing the latch to the new position or by adjusting/replacing the door hinges to bring it to the original position.
• Difficulty turning the wrench: This is usually due to lack of lubrication. To do this, you have to apply graphite spray and if this does not work, the lock will have to be changed.

Do you need help choosing the best security lock for your devices or mechanisms? In CLR we can help you. We are experienced in developing an electronic lock that It is activated by smartphone, motion sensor or wireless key, and which makes it possible to improve performance using the best materials and methods for its manufacture. Contact us and find out more about this smart lock.