Types of Door Locks: Find the Solution for You

Assorted residential and commercial door locks

Residential Locks

Electronic Door Locks

Keypad deadbolt on a front door

By far, the most popular type of door locks we install residentially are electronic door locks and smart locks. These locks have a keypad or touchscreen that lets you enter a code to unlock your door. You can get them with a traditional key cylinder or go completely keyless. They are a secure, modern option that eliminates the all-too-common problem of losing keys, and some let you use your phone to open your doors as well. They are surprisingly affordable and can easily pay for themselves if you tend to misplace keys. We’ll come out and install your electronic door locks so they’ll be secure for years to come.

Entry Door Knobs and Levers

This is the most common type of “traditional” residential lock. They are affordable and quick to install. If you’re moving into a new place and need new locks quickly and at a low cost, standard entry knobs are a good option. They are good for rentals and short-term housing, or for those who are not into the technology of a smart lock. Entry door levers are easy to use because they need less force to rotate. We often recommend these for seniors or anyone who may have trouble turning a round door knob. Some entry levers are even ADA compliant.

Deadbolts

The classic deadbolt is still the standard-bearer for affordable home security. Tried and true, it gets the job done.


Commercial Locks

Commercial doors take far more traffic than residential doors, so commercial hardware is built heavier. Here are the common types of commercial locks to be aware of.

Cylindrical Lever Locks

Cylindrical lever locks are common for commercial applications mainly because they’re built for heavier usage than similar residential designs. They can be operated with a key or a combination push button.

Mortise Locks

Mortise locks are among the most heavy-duty locks available and are used in commercial environments with very heavy use. The bolt of these locks is housed within the lock body, which makes it less accessible and more resistant to forced entry.

Panic Bars

Panic bar exit device on a commercial door

It sounds like an odd name for a lock, but panic bars (aka crash bars or exit devices) are very common on commercial properties. The panic bar is the bar you push to open the door when exiting a building. Pushing the bar automatically unlocks the door, but this only works from the inside. When the door closes, the outside remains locked.

Panic bars are used in places like stores, restaurants, or theaters where there may be a large number of people inside. If there is an emergency, people can exit without having to work a door handle. Panic bars also help buildings meet ADA requirements.

Card Access and Access Control

For card readers, mobile credentials, and networked access control, we refer customers to our partners at PASS Fire & Security.


As always, we are happy to help you find the lock that is best for your specific situation, so don’t hesitate to call us anytime at 314-833-7900.


Need a locksmith? Call 314-842-2200 for 24-hour service, or request service online.