Different Kinds of Locks

The need for locks goes back thousands of years, humans have spent large quantities of time trying to keep their secrets a secret. There have been all kinds of things locked away, behind various complicated contraptions all aiming to achieve the same goal; security. Having extra locks on hand can be incredibly helpful if you need to lock something up to keep it undisturbed. Whether it is securing your bike so that it doesn’t get stolen, locking up your shed so your tools are safe, or even just locking a very secret diary, some things are better left private. 
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There are many different types of locks on the market, all of them helpful tools to have in the home to assist the quest for privacy. In most American homes, you will typically see a deadbolt - the larger bolt that is used on your outside doors. This deadbolt can be a single, double, or lockable thumbturns. A single deadbolt requires a key from one side of the door, and can be locked by turning a lever on the other, while a double deadbolt requires a key on both sides. A lockable thumbturn can be locked by lever or by key on one side, and only by key on the other.
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    Padlocks are a different subset of locks because they can be removed from whatever they are locking up. A padlock typically comes as either a combination lock, or a keyed lock. Combination locks are great because they eliminate the need for a key. You can easily reset a combination lock to a new code if someone guesses your birth date, as opposed to needing to get a new key made if you lose it. Both have their pros and cons, and can be purchased at most hardware stores for a nominal price.  
In the interior of most homes, you will see either knob locks or lever locks on doors. These are small locks that are used to lock the bedroom or bathroom doors for privacy, and are very easily broken with brute force. It is important to accompany these locks with deadbolts or other locks on external doors for optimal safety. 
Mortise locks are often seen in commercial buildings, as they are advanced versions of deadbolts that require more skill to pick. These locks feature a non-locking latch controlled by a lever, with a deadbolt underneath. Meaning, even if the deadbolt is compromised, the latch will remain locked until someone flips the lever.
Electronic or smart locks are new on the market, and there will likely be awhile before we see them become mainstream. These feature electric combinations, or apps on your smartphone to control. They can be great additions when used with traditional locks, as electrical outages will prevent you from entering your home. 
Keeping your property safe is an important part of being a homeowner. You didn’t spend your time and money purchasing the things in your home to lose them to a thief that didn’t try very hard, did you? The goal with these locks is to keep your possessions safe, so at the very least, upgrade your locks and put up a fight for your security!
    

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