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A homeowner locks the front door of a house.

Locksets and Security Accessories for Your Home

There are a number of door locks on the market specifically catering to residential living. And securing your house starts with knowing what types of door locks are beneficial in each instance.

Let’s take a look at the different types of locksets that are commonly used in a residential setting and some extra security devices that you can install at your home.

Cylindrical Locksets

These sets which rely on a tumbler mechanism to lock a door are probably the most common type of residential locks. The latch is engaged into the strike plate, essentially locking the door, using either a button lock or a keyed lock. In the typical home, the door is locked from the inside with a turning button or push button and locked from the outside using a key. They can be installed with a knob or lever handle, which are ADA accessible and are much easier to grab than a knob lock.

On their own, cylinder locks do not provide the highest level of residential security. This is important to note when the cylinder lock is installed on an exterior door. They should be combined with a deadbolt lock or a cylinder guard to prevent the lock from being picked, pried, forced, or bumped.

DIY: Learn how to clean and repair door knobs.

Watch this video to learn more about the differences between residential mortise and cylindrical locksets.

Mortise Lockset

Mortise locks are often used in residential living facilities, like student housing and apartment complexes. They have a flat box deadbolt design, where the lock fits into a recessed door that includes two faceplates. The lock has a pin tumbler mechanism which can be operated from either side except when the door is locked. It operates by turning the inside knob, or through the use of a key from the outside.

Related article: Our Guide to Door Lock Parts.

This video explains how to replace a mortise lock.

Rim Latch Lock

This type of lock has a rim cylinder on one side of the lock and a surface mount latch on the other side. Because these sets lock automatically when closed, they are popular in residential facilities. When used for an exterior door, they are coupled with a deadbolt lock.

This video explains how to replace a rim latch lock.

Euro Cylinder Locks

These locksets are less popular in the U.S., but are widely used for residential and commercial properties in the U.K. They have a pin and tumbler mechanism and the cylinder core can easily be changed out in order to rekey the door.

This video explains how to replace a Euro lock cylinder.

Are there other types of locks for residential settings?

Privacy locksets are used within interior rooms. These types of hardware have locking buttons on the inside knob, but no key is needed to lock or unlock, as they are used in restroom and bedrooms that have multiple accessibility needs. These types of locksets are used with knobs or levers and can be easily opened from the outside with a slim object in cases of emergency.

Security Grading for Residential Locks

All locks are classified under specific grades to meet certain requirements. Locks are categorized in either Grade 1, 2 or 3. Here are the differences:

  1. Grade 1 locks are considered the best security available. These locks meet all commercial building standards and can also be used in residential facilities through deadbolt locks. Locks that meet ANSI Grade 1 include commercial lever handles, but do not include standard knobs, mortise locks, or handle sets.
  2. Grade 2 locks can also meet light commercial building standards and exceed standard residential security protocols.
  3. Grade 3 locks are considered good. They provide minimal residential security, but do meet residential building requirements.

Get more tips for Boosting Residential Security.

Great Valley Lockshop  Is Your Source for Residential Security Solutions

Let us help you prevent home invasions and burglaries with our professional residential security services that will allow you to sleep more soundly at night.

We offer free service estimates and courteous service within the communities of Malvern, Downington, West Chester and King of Prussia. Contact Great Valley Lockshop today for more information about our extensive locksmith services in Pennsylvania.

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