We all want our property to remain secure, but if you’ve ever shopped for a lock, you’ll know that it’s a daunting market with multiple options. How do you choose which offers the most security? From simple padlocks to keyed locks and high-security keypads, the goal is to make it as difficult as possible to gain access to your belongings. To ease the confusion and help you make the right choice for your property, we’ll explore padlocks vs security locks and the differences between the two.
What are the different types of door locks?
Locks come in all shapes and sizes, as well as levels of security:
5 Lever Mortice Deadlock:
A 5 lever mortice deadlock is typically seen on wooden doors and can be locked from inside and outside with a key. This style of lock is fitted within the actual material of the door, not to the surface. If the deadlock isn’t BS3621 approved, it will usually have a nightlatch attached for added security.
Regular 5 lever mortice deadlocks aren’t as secure as mortice deadlocks conforming to BS3621, because there are no hard plates to protect against drilling or similar burglar techniques. This type of lock is usually found on internal doors, or external front and back doors.
Multi-Point Locking System:
Multi-Point locking systems are fitted into the body of the door and lock into the frame of the door. When the lock is engaged, there will be several bolts which engage into the doorframe, with between 3 and 5 points of locking. Multi-point locking systems are found most often on uPVC and composite material doors, such as front doors, as well as on patio or French doors. They can also be fitted to aluminium and timber doors.
The benefit of this type of lock is that there are more locking points, which makes it harder for someone to force the door and break-in. It’s also easy to change the cylinder if you want to upgrade it at a later date. However, if you don’t know how to correctly use the system, you may end up not locking the door which can cause security issues.
Rim Automatic Deadlatch with Key Locking:
Rim automatic deadlatch locks, also known as a nightlatch or Yale lock, are fitted to the inside of the door using a key locking cylinder. You use a key to open the door from either side of the door, but they won’t be the only lock on the door. This style of lock also has a mortice lock fitted for added security. Rim automatic deadlatches are used on wooden or glass-panelled doors, and they’re common on external front or back doors.
The advantage of using a deadlatch is that it’s easy to use and will lock the door automatically when you shut it, but unless you use a BS3621-approved latch, you’ll need an additional lock such as a mortice lock fitted to improve security.
Euro Cylinder Locks:
Used on front or back doors in most cases, but sometimes on internal doors such as in offices or hospitals, euro cylinder locks are commonly fitted to uPVC and composite doors. They are used with a multi-point locking system and may also be used alongside mortice deadlocks or sashlocks.
Euro cylinders are easy to upgrade or change, easy to operate and they can be keyed with a master key so fewer keys are needed to access the property. They’re also ideal for preventing lock snapping, drilling or picking.
Padlocks:
A padlock is a type of lock that is detachable – it secures items by way of a sliding or hinged shackle, whereas a standard lock is fastened in place. Padlocks are often used for garages, sheds or gates and storage units to keep them locked. The beauty of padlocks is that they’re portable, but they also act as a visual deterrent against unwanted attention from thieves, which makes them a popular choice.
There are several types of padlock. Combination padlocks are perfect if you need several people to have access, whether it’s a room or a piece of equipment, as you don’t need to worry about keys – all that’s required is a security code that everyone who needs access can remember. The downside to this type of lock is that they can be susceptible to lock picking, but they’re affordable, easy to install and they allow you to change the code as often as you want.
Knob locks:
Many doors are equipped with a knob lock, which is a cheaper door lock that has a lock cylinder. They don’t offer exceptional levels of security as they can be broken into easily, so they’re not suitable for entry doors where you need higher levels of security. If your door has a knob lock installed, you may want to upgrade the lock to a mortice deadlock or something similar.
How do combination locks work?
The best combination padlock is either a discus type lock, an anvil or shutterlock style, or shackle combination locks. Closed shackle padlocks are the most resistant to break-ins, and the style that most insurers will insist on as they’re highly secure and harder for thieves to break.
There are several styles of combination locks, all of which feature dials which are used to open the lock. Each of the dials is connected to the internal locking mechanism in the lock, so that when you turn the dial to the correct number, it will open the lock. When all numbers and dials are open, the combination lock will open. This style of lock often supports the use of a key as well as the dials, so you have the option of turning the dials to unlock it or use the key instead.
How do security locks work?
Security locks are designed to protect against the weaknesses that a standard lock has. They use certain features that offer additional protection against your home being broken into, keeping you, your family and belongings safe. Security locks are a great option if you’re looking to upgrade your standard front door lock for something stronger and more durable.
There are several features of a security lock that you should look out for when choosing the right lock.
Pick and drill resistant locks
One of the biggest weaknesses to standard locks is that they can be picked and drilled too easily. They feature pin and tumbler locks which can be ‘bumped’, a common type of lock picking where a special key is used to manipulate the pins to open them. High security locks have pick and drill-resistant key cylinders which are made with hardened steel inserts, rotating pins and sidebars, among other features, which makes it harder to break them. They’re not impenetrable but they will stand up to attempted entry much more than a standard lock and tend to be more effort for thieves so it can act as a deterrent.
Durable hardware
Some environments require more protection, not just from criminal activity but also high traffic and physical conditions. Standard grade hardware might not be up to the pressure placed on doors in these areas, so heavy duty locks are the go-to as they’re designed to maintain high levels of security even when placed under extensive use or difficult conditions. Look for Grade 1 security and heavy-duty cylindrical locks, as well as locks that are fire-rated, will withstand harsh weather conditions and are made from materials that won’t rust and are resistant to sawing and crowbars, such as heavy-gauge steel.
No unauthorised key copying
Copied keys can make even the most advanced of locking systems accessible, so some lock manufacturers have actually created locks that won’t accept unauthorised duplicates. This prevents someone from making a copy and gaining access to your property. This system ensures you have full control over your property and who can access it, without having to worry that someone will get in without your knowledge. It’s ideal for commercial properties where multiple people will be coming and going every day.
Choosing the right locks for wooden, uPVC and composite doors
The material of your door alters the type of lock you’ll need. A wooden door, for example, should have a lock that meets the BS3621 standards, such as a mortice deadlock, mortice sash lock or a nightlatch. If you live in a flat, the lock should meet the BS8621 requirements instead. A uPVC door will often have a multipoint lock with a euro cylinder, though for extra security you should check that the cylinder lock is either SS312 Diamond Approved or TS007 3 Star. For a composite door, you should check that the lock has been tested to PAS24 standards and has a Secure by Design certificate for security against attacks.
When choosing a padlock, there are several considerations to make. Shackle style padlocks may be the most commonly used padlocks, but they’re also the most easily attacked, so where possible, use another style. Unless they’re fixed with certain shaped hooks, the shackle is left exposed which makes it easier for people to cut or rip at them with saws or cutting tools.
Opt instead for a lock-bolt solution like a padlock for roller shutters, which offers more security. Armoured padlocks include a brass body which is protected by steel armour, and one-piece padlocks are entirely made from steel which are considerably stronger than aluminium padlocks.
It’s important to look for materials that are going to be as resistant as possible to cutting or sawing, as this makes them harder to break. Most padlocks will have a basic level of water resistance, but brass-bodied locks often have steel shackles which may rust or corrode over time. Look for padlocks with a waterproof coating if you intend to use it outside for added protection from rust and to prevent grit and grime getting into the padlock and jamming it.
Likewise, a padlock with a larger body and thicker rod will be more secure and harder to break into. The size of the padlock you choose will be dependent on what you’re locking it onto, but the shackle thickness is one of the of the most important elements to check.
You also need to check the horizontal and vertical clearance which need to be greater than the thickness of the material you’re locking through. You should only use a padlock with a long shackle when absolutely necessary as these can heighten the risk of someone gaining unauthorised access.
Padlocks vs security locks: Which do I choose?
When it comes to deciding which lock to choose, you need to weigh up security with convenient and portability. A padlock, for example, is portable, easy to use and doesn’t need to permanently be attached to the door. But you’ll need a padlock with shouldered shackle to have protection from bolt cutters or forced entry. With various grades of padlocks, you need to be sure you’re choosing the right style for the highest protection, if the area you’re securing calls for it.
If the area always needs to be secured and you don’t require that level of portability that a padlock provides, high security locks are the best option. For exterior doors, for example, or entry doors where you want to minimise unauthorised access, security locks that are fixed in place are the best choice that will ensure your property is kept secure at all times. Premium mechanical combination models such as the Super 8 7055 deliver heavy-duty protection through reinforced construction engineered for demanding residential and commercial applications where portable padlocks simply cannot match the level of security required.
Conclusion
It’s vital that you secure your home or business property and choosing the right lock for the job is essential for achieving that. From front and rear doors to internal doors, outbuildings and more, there are different locks for different jobs, and knowing the differences will help you ensure your property and the items within it are safe. It’s worth doing your research into the area you need to secure, the material it’s made from and the options available, or checking in with a member of our team for advice to help you make the right decision.
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