Deadbolt locks, a ubiquitous security feature, function by augmenting the primary locking mechanism of a door. Typically, a deadbolt lock comprises a cylindrical key cylinder and a bolt that extends from the door frame into the door itself.

The primary objective of this lock type is to bolster security by necessitating the use of both a key and manual effort to unlock it, thereby deterring unauthorized entry into a building or room.

Understanding the Deadbolt Lock

A deadbolt lock is a door locking mechanism that employs a bolt, which must be activated either by a key or manually by turning the thumb on the door’s interior side.

This lock type offers superior security compared to spring-activated cylinders as it cannot inadvertently be left unlocked and does not necessitate significant force to open.

Deadbolt locks are commonly employed on exterior and interior doors leading to rooms that require heightened security, such as bedrooms or bathrooms.

The Mechanics of Deadbolt Locks

A deadbolt lock serves as an additional layer of protection atop a regular doorknob lock. They utilize a bolt to prevent the door from opening, rather than merely locking the handle into place. The deadbolt can be opened by turning an exterior knob and pushing it inwards, but only when power is applied. Deadbolts are typically found on exterior doors, such as front and back entrances.

Unlike spring-operated locks, deadbolt locks operate without a spring; simply turning a key retracts or extends the bolt into the strike plate on the door frame. This makes it significantly more challenging to force open with a crowbar or similar device.

Components of a Deadbolt

Your deadbolt comprises several parts that work in unison to secure your door shut:

• The Thumbturn: This is the part of the deadbolt inside your home that you use to lock and unlock your deadbolt.
• The Deadbolt: This is the piece of the lock that secures your door shut.
• The Turn Piece (also known as a Tailpiece): This is a metal bar that extends through your door from the outer key cylinder to the inside of your door. It contains all of the moving components within this segment.
• Keyhole: Your keys operate this part of your lock, allowing them access to engage with other parts like those mentioned above so they can work properly.
• Strike Plate: This makes contact with the strike box when closed.
• Lock Housing: This is part of your lock that houses all the other components listed above. Many types of locks and their corresponding lock housings, including deadbolts, mortise cylinders, and more.
• Security Ring: This secures the latch bolt in place once the bolt has been fully retracted into the body.

Types of Deadbolt Locks

The type of deadbolt lock you opt for depends on your needs and preferences. Here are the most common types:

Single-Cylinder Deadbolt Lock

This lock type employs a thumb turn on the door’s interior side and a key on the exterior side. It’s commonly used in residential homes but can also be used to secure doors in offices or apartment buildings.

Double-Cylinder Deadbolt Lock

The double-cylinder deadbolt necessitates a key on both sides of the door. These locks have an extra bolt that provides heightened security for your home or business by preventing burglars from forcing open the door from outside after entering through another opening, such as an open window or garage door opener.

Electronic Deadbolt Lock

This deadbolt lock type employs an electric motor to turn the bolt into place. While it might seem like this would be more susceptible to damage than a manual lock (since there are more moving parts), studies show that electronic deadbolts are far more secure than their non-electric counterparts.

Electronic Deadbolt Locks offer all of the same security and durability as their mechanical counterparts but with the added benefit of being able to program a unique access code for each user who has permission to use it (such as yourself). This can be especially useful if you have roommates or family members who need access to certain areas throughout your home at different times throughout the day (or night).

For example, Kwikset Powerbolt 2, Schlage FE595, and Schlage BE365 are the most common electronic Deadbolt locks.

Vertical Deadbolts

Vertical deadbolts are similar in many ways: they’re attached vertically on either side, or top/bottom edges instead of horizontally placed like standard versions would have been placed. This placement offers greater protection against prying attempts since there’s less space between doors’ frames & walls when compared to these other options.

However, it doesn’t generally come with extra features such as keyless entry, so all doors must still be locked manually before entering or exiting your home (otherwise, someone could bypass both locks).

Smart Deadbolt Lock

Smart Deadbolt Lock: This type of lock is a more advanced version with many features. With the rise of smart technology, keyless locks that connect to your home network, Wi-Fi, or other smart home technologies are now available. These allow you to use your smartphone for easy programming and access anywhere worldwide!

For example, Yale Next, Kwikset Halo, Schlage Sense, Schlage Encode, and Schlage Connect Deadbolt locks are the most common smart Deadbolt lock model.

Rim Deadbolt

A rim deadbolt lock is a type of lock that is installed on the inside surface of a door, typically near the doorknob. This type of deadbolt lock has been used since before keys were invented and continues to be used today as it works well with all types/sizes of doors (lightweight or heavy).

A rim cylinder deadbolt is the same as it sounds—a locking mechanism that fits into the strike plate on your doorframe. These are slightly less secure than mortise locks because they don’t require matching housing on both sides of the door, but they’re significantly cheaper and easier to install.

Mortise Deadbolts

A mortise deadbolt lock is a very strong and secure type that can be used for exterior and interior doors.

Mortise Deadbolts are built with a metal body that houses both a deadbolt and latch lock, making them difficult to force open by hand (and harder for people without keys). They’re more expensive than rim cylinders and require special installation techniques, but they offer greater protection against forced entry and tampering attempts by intruders.

Choosing the Best Deadbolt Lock

Determining the best deadbolt lock for your home is a subjective matter. The ideal solution depends on your needs and tastes, so choosing an option that meets both is important.

If you want a deadbolt’s benefit but don’t have room for one on your door (or it doesn’t fit), consider looking into rim deadbolts. These are installed on the edge of your door and are designed to fit in places with no holes for traditional Installation. They’re also great for renters who aren’t allowed to modify their doors (or don’t have permission from their landlord).

If you don’t want to worry about forgetting or losing keys all the time, consider looking into electronic or smart deadbolts instead! These types of deadbolt locks allow users more control over access than regular keys would allow them. These allow you access with an app on your phone—no needfor keys!

If you want the benefit of a deadbolt, consider opting for a standard single-cylinder. For the best security, consider investing in a more expensive mortise deadbolt.

Next, you need to determine the level of security you require. If this is merely an additional layer of protection in an area with low crime rates, investing in something basic like an electronic keypad lock or even a simple “key through” setup might suffice.

Ten Most Trusted Deadbolt Lock Brands

If you’re in the market for a new deadbolt lock or are unsure which brand is best for your home, consider these ten brands homeowners trust the most:

1. Schlage: Schlage is one of the market’s most trusted deadbolt lock brands. It’s been around since 1909 and has been making high-quality locks for homes and businesses for over 100 years. Schlage Deadbolt locks are durable, reliable, and easy to use.
2. Kwikset: Kwikset offers a wide range of options, from standard models to ones with keypad entries or fingerprint readers built into them and smart locks that connect via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi through an app on your phone.
3. Yale: The Yale deadbolt lock has a good reputation and is often found in many houses. The best part about the Yale deadbolt lock is that it allows you to control access to your home with a keyless entry system, so you don’t have to worry about losing or stealing keys.
4. August: August has created a smart lock that opens automatically with your phone! You can use August lock as an app-controlled door lock so that anytime you’re not around, your front door will be locked automatically.
5. Weiser: This company makes high-quality deadbolts for securing your home or business premises against intruders. Weiser deadbolts use advanced technology such as TouchLock fingerprint scanning technology that lets you unlock the door with just one touch of your finger.
6. Defiant: This company has been designing security products like deadbolts lock and has built its reputation on creating high-quality security products that are stylish and easy to use.
7. SimpliSafe: Simplisafe smart deadbolt locks are known for being easy to install and affordable compared to other options on this list.
8. Hornbill: Hornbill makes high-quality locking systems for high-traffic areas such as offices or schools. You can choose from many locking mechanisms, including keyless entry and fingerprint Hornbill smart locks!
9. Emtek: The Emtek deadbolt lock uses high-quality materials like brass and stainless steel to make its locks. Emtek lock has an easy-to-install keyless deadbolt that works with almost any existing handle set.
10. Alfred: The Alfred deadbolt lock is another great option for those looking for something less expensive but still reliable and durable.

Deadbolt vs. Deadlatch: Which is Better?

A deadbolt is a type of lock that uses a bolt to secure a door in place. A deadlatch (also referred to as a spring bolt) is similar to a deadbolt in that it uses a bolt to secure a door, but the bolt is spring-loaded and automatically throws into place when the door is closed.

Deadbolts are more secure than deadlatches because they require you to turn the key manually before unlocking the bolt. In contrast, with the latter, you can push down on your doorknob and walk right through.

However, installing and removing deadbolts can be difficult for people who lack experience with construction or home repair—they’re not hard per se but require some specialized tools that may not be readily available at your local hardware store.

Deadlatches are easier to install (and remove) since all they require is attaching some screws; however, they’re also more common targets for burglars since no special knowledge or skills are required to break through them during an attempted break-in.

Deadbolt vs. Mortise Lock

Deadbolts and mortise locks are two types of door locks. For more information about Deadbolt locks vs. Mortise locks, please check this article to know more about them: Mortise Vs Cylindrical Locks: A Comparative Analysis

Choosing a Good Deadbolt Lock

While choosing a deadbolt lock, consider the following factors:

• Resistant to kick-ins or brute force: Ensure it’s resistant to it. This is for obvious reasons: if your lock can be easily opened by someone who doesn’t have the key, you risk having your home invaded at any moment.
• Look for a lock with key control: This means the key can be removed from its position in the lock. If it can’t be removed (for example, built into the knob), there’s no way to enter without damaging the door or breaking through your window. This could be an issue if you lose your keys.
• Seek out saw resistance: A good deadbolt has teeth on its interior side, which make it extremely difficult to cut through with a hacksaw or other power tools—but not impossible!
• The case of the deadbolt: If a burglar breaks through your door and uses a crowbar or other tool to remove your lock from its casing, they can take it with them without much trouble. A hardened steel case will be more resistant to this attack than other materials, such as brass or aluminum.
• Consider a double-cylinder lock for maximum security: A single-cylinder lock is easier for burglars to pick open using tools like bump keys or credit cards! Double cylinders are much harder because they require both key pins to work properly—which means they won’t work if only one pin is inserted incorrectly into either keyway hole (or “bit”).
• Budget-friendly: Most people will agree that they don’t want their security investments to cost them an arm and a leg. They don’t need fancy features like fingerprint scanners or keypads; they want something durable and reliable without spending too much money on it in the first place!
• Compatibility With Other Locks: When shopping for a deadbolt lock, it’s important to consider how well the new lock will work with your existing locks.
• Lock Grade: recommend a deadbolt lock at least ANSI Grade 2 or Grade 1; avoid Grade 3 or non-rated deadbolts for exterior doors.
• Easy Installation: look for products with simple instructions, saving you time and effort during Installation. It’s also important to ensure no compatibility issues when combining two types of locks (for example, an electronic keypad lock and a physical key).
• Security Features: some locks have features designed for increased security, such as a keypad that can be disabled with a secret code or biometric fingerprint scanner.
• The lock’s lifespan: some deadbolts must be replaced after just a few years, while others can last up to 20 years without any issues.
• Price: Your new deadbolt lock may vary depending on its quality and features.

FAQs About Deadbolt Lock

Can someone break into a deadbolt lock?

Although a deadbolt lock is designed to be secure, there are instances in which it can be compromised. One of the manners in which a deadbolt may be vulnerable to potential burglars is when they are made from certain materials.

Can You Pick a Deadbolt?

You can pick a deadbolt, but it’s not easy. To be successful, you need to have the right tools and know what you’re doing. Lock picking is an art that takes years of practice and dedication to perfect.

What type of deadbolt should I get?

A Grade 2 deadbolt is the minimum you should consider. For exterior doors, I recommend a deadbolt lock of at least ANSI Grade 1 or ANSI Grade 2; avoid locks rated at grade 3 or lower. For interior doors and windows, get what you can afford (within reason) as long as it’s not a low-quality lock made by a cheap manufacturer.

What is the most secure type of deadbolt?

Deadbolts are rated according to their strength from Grade 1 to Grade 3. A Grade 1 is the highest and provides the most security. The lock should resist force equal to that of a sledgehammer or crowbar (300 pounds) applied directly to the door frame around it. A Grade 2 deadbolt can withstand 200 pounds, while a Grade 3 deadbolt can withstand 150 pounds of force on the door frame around it. That’s a lot of force!

Conclusion

Deadbolts are a great way to add security to your home and protect against unwanted intruders. Any good deadbolt will have a pick-resistant lock that is difficult for attackers to break into, but there are some things you should consider when choosing the right one for your home.