When it comes to your home’s door locks, quality and reliability are key. Securing your home and protecting your privacy requires understanding the various types of door locks available today. In this guide, we will walk you through many lock types designed for exterior and interior doors so you can confidently choose the right one for your property and lifestyle.
The Main Types of Residential Door Locks
From sliding bolt locks to Rocky Mountain Hardware’s Bluetooth-enabled smart locks, each type of door lock is designed to cater to different security needs. Here, we break down the differences between some of the most common lock options for internal and external doors.
Internal Door Locks
Equipping your interior doors with quality locks ensures a sense of privacy and security for yourself and your guests. Whether you’re in need of a lock for your bedroom, bathroom, closet, or elsewhere, here are a few of the lock types you will encounter during your search.
Sliding Bolt Lock
A sliding bolt lock is exactly what it sounds like—a bolt that one slides to engage the lock and secure the door. These locks are simple yet effective for bathroom and bedroom doors.
Chain Lock
Often found in older homes, a metal chain lock can be used to secure internal doors or can be used in conjunction with other locks on an exterior door.
Privacy Lock
Privacy locks are often found in bathrooms and bedrooms. They have a simple push-button or twist mechanism to lock the door from the inside, providing you and your guests the ability to conveniently close off these private areas while in use.
External Door Locks
Properly securing your home’s exterior doors—from entry doors to sliding patio doors—protects you and your family from intruders and keeps your belongings safe. Today, there are a range of dependable lock types with convenient features targeted toward different lifestyles. Some of the most common exterior door locks seen on the market today are:
Rim Lock
A rim lock is one of the oldest types of door locks. It attaches to the surface of the door and typically includes a single lever and sliding bolt.
Mortise Lock
Also found in older homes, the mortise lock is embedded into a pocket (AKA the mortise) cut into the edge of a door. It offers a smooth exterior finish while safeguarding your home.
Euro Cylinder Locks
Euro cylinder locks have a distinctive design characterized by a long, cylindrical shape with a keyhole on one side and a cam mechanism on the other. They are typically installed within the door, running horizontally. Euro cylinder locks can be operated from both sides of the door. They are usually key-operated from the outside, while a thumb-turn or knob on the inside allows for easy locking and unlocking without a key.
Door Bolts
Door bolts offer a simple yet effective solution for additional security or privacy. Installed inside doors, they provide an extra layer of defense against intrusion. Although not a standalone security solution, they work best with other lock types for bolstered safety. Rocky Mountain Hardware offers high-quality door bolts in finishes designed to suit a variety of styles.
Electronic Smart Locks
Convenient electronic smart locks have gained popularity in recent years and are commonly used in modern homes. A smart lock is a combination of robust hardware components and advanced software capabilities. The hardware is typically composed of a deadbolt mechanism, a motorized locking system, and wireless communication features such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. These features allow users to govern door access remotely from any location through applications on compatible devices, such as smartphones or tablets.
Rocky Mountain Hardware’s smart lock systems incorporate many of these advanced features as well as automatic door locking upon closure, keyless entry options using PIN codes, and integrations with other smart home systems like voice assistants and security cameras. Check out our Bluetooth Smart Deadbolt for an entry lock that provides convenience, ease, and peace of mind.
Understanding the various door lock types is integral to establishing a secure and comfortable living environment. Each type offers unique advantages, so it’s important to choose one that’s tailored to your needs. This comprehensive guide is your first step to mastering door lock varieties, assisting you in making informed choices for your home’s safety and tranquility. If you are looking for luxury door hardware that will improve your home’s aesthetics, browse our robust collection.
