Have you ever felt overwhelmed when trying to buy a common lock? The truth is that there is a broad spectrum of different locks for home and business needs. As we use locks daily, we must understand the other options available, considering functionality and security factors. Today, our locksmith company near me will show you the most common locks on the market.

If you are new to locks, this article will help you decide which lock to acquire, but if you still have doubts about it, you can always call your favorite locksmith to get all the extra info!

Padlocks

Padlocks are the most common type of lock in the market, needless to say, the most popular and easy to identify. Padlock replacements have different sizes and are freestanding and portable. There are two different types of padlocks in the market: The combination padlock and the key padlocks.

In the case of combination padlocks, these have one or more numbers to dial to open the correct combination. However, these are often easy to decode, which doesn’t make them very safe. On the other hand, key padlocks can be more secure. This type of padlock can be re-keyable and non-re-keyable and can also be key retaining or not. Key retaining means that you cannot remove the key while the lock is open.

Deadbolt Locks

A deadbolt lock replacement can secure external doors, and they are also very cost-effective and have a few more options than padlocks. This locking mechanism works through a cylinder that runs directly through your door and has a keyhole outside. Deadbolts come in three different designs: single, double, and lockable thumb turn.

Single-cylinder deadbolts are very common in American households. These common locks have a key cylinder on the outside, and a thumb turns on the inside to open or close the latch. The weakness of these deadbolts is that they can open the door using the thumb turn if someone gets access to the interior.

The double-cylinder deadbolt uses a key cylinder inside and outside to solve the single cylinders’ issue. The disadvantage with double-cylinder deadbolts is it requires a key to open the door from the inside, which can be a problem if an emergency occurs.

The thumb turn provides maximum security and flexibility, a hybrid between the single and the double deadbolt.  It means that it has a thumb turn on the inside that functions as a single-cylinder lock but can be locked using a key, so it cannot lock or unlock the door.

You can leave a thumb turn lock unlocked in a home while there are people in the house, and it will work as a single door lock. But when the house is empty, this latch can be locked. Thus, the lock won’t be unlocked even if anyone has access to the door from the inside.

The Common Combination Locks

Combination locks need a sequence of numbers, letters, or symbols into a rotating dial pad to open. These bolts come in a single dial pad, multiple dials, and the most advanced ones with an electronic pad. Combination locks are most often used for padlocks, school lockers, and safes.

The Common Cam Locks

Cam locks provide simple security locks solutions, and you can find them in the market for fewer than 20 dollars. Cam locks come in a cylindrical base with a keyhole and a piece known as the cam. The functionality is straightforward; when you insert the key in the keyhole and turn it, the cam rotates or counters clockwise. There is a considerable variety of cam options, but straight and hooked are most common.

You can find cam lock replacements in cabinets, furniture, and smaller compartment, which may come in different colors and styles. Cam locks are also easier to install than most locks, but they won’t secure valuables highly due to their simple design.