Locks are essential pieces of door hardware, protecting your home, and providing invaluable privacy and peace of mind. There are many types of residential door locks on the market today, and they each work a bit differently to secure a door in place. Below, learn more about three of the most common kinds of locks.

A Guide to Residential Door Locks

1. Deadbolts

Deadbolts are extremely popular because of their strength and ease of use. Deadbolts contain a cylinder with pins inside. Inserting and turning the key in the cylinder moves the pins that then engage and disengage the lock itself. With a single-cylinder deadbolt, a key opens and closes one side of the lock, while the other hand is opened and closed with a manual switch. With a double-cylinder deadbolt, both sides open and close with a key.

2. Chain Locks

Chain locks are frequently found in older homes and hotels. They come in two separate pieces, a plate that affixes to the door and a chain attached to the nearby doorjamb. They are almost always used as additional door hardware, a supplement to the other lock(s) currently installed. When the chain is threaded into the plate, it lends extra security and lets a person open the door slightly to see who is on the other side. Typically these are only used on internal doors, such as bedrooms.

3. Doorknob Locks

Doorknob locks are another standard type of door hardware, though they are most effective for interior doors. This is because they don't possess the same strength as deadbolts, and they are more prone to giving way under force, both of which limit their security capabilities. Still, they are excellent at ensuring privacy within the home. When the key rotates the cylinder of a doorknob lock, a spring is released, which inserts the lock itself into the wall. These kinds of locks are usually engaged by turning a switch or pushing a button on the opposite side of the knob.

If you experience problems with your door hardware, contact Elyria Locksmith Service, Inc. For nearly four decades, their locksmiths have been serving customers throughout the Lorain and Cuyahoga County, OH, region. They offer residential, commercial, and automotive lock repair and installation and critical replacements. Call (440) 366-5625 or visit their website to request a free estimate.