Every home needs to be secure for the person inside to be at ease, and not have to worry about intruders or unwanted visitors. Here is a list of different types of locks to help you decide which one is best for your peace of mind:
1. Single Cylinder Locks
- Easy installation with Phillips head screwdriver
- Universal handing; fits both right-handed and left-handed doors
- Fits all doors 1-3/8" to 1-3/4" in thickness
Last update on 2026-06-23 at 17:43 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
These are the most common locks found on American homes. They require a key to be unlocked from the outside with a simple thumb turn on the inside. These types of locks are usually found on external doors, like home entrances.
2. Double Cylinder Locks
- 🔐Excellent function: lock and unlock by turning the outer key or the inner key, and the hard latch escorts your safety.Please note that the key of each lock is unique and multiple locks cannot be opened.
- 🔐Extra security:Solid copper cylinder keyhole, solid steel latch, high security, with anti-pry and anti-collision function, suitable for the door that needs of keys to enter and protect privacy.
- 🔐Adjustable backset：Suits for a variety of doors with a range of thickness of 35 mm to 50 mm (1-3/8"to 2"). Adjustable latch suits for back plate with 60mm (2-3/8") or 70mm (2-3/4")..Notice: The latch plate is not removable.
Last update on 2026-06-23 at 17:43 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Double cylinder locks work similarly, but require a key on either side of the lock. They are more secure than single cylinder locks, but are less common because of the inconvenience of having to use a key on the inside and because of the more expensive alternative.
3. Knob Locks
Knob locks are usually seen on external doors as well, providing the primary source of security for a home. This is not the most ideal lock to provide security as the lock resides within the door knob rather than in the door. This makes it extremely easy to break in to.
4. Jimmy-proof Deadbolts
- 【PERFECT DESIGN】: Single cylinder rim locks for doors, Zinc Cylinder With 2 Piece KW1 Keys Gold Plated Finish, this single cylinder deadbolt is strong, high quality and durable, giving you peace of mind that your home will remain protected against intruders.
- 【EASY INSTALLATION】: Installation is quick and easy, including instructions. The deadlock is a surface-mounted, cross-bolt locking device which can be mounted to door thickness 1 1/4"(32mm) to 2 1/4"(57mm), wood or metal doors. It can be installed inside or outside, on left or right side doors.
- 【SECURITY】: Constructed of Diecast Jimmy Proof Deadbolt With Shutter-Guard Prohibits Tampering, Using our Jimmy Proof Deadbolt, durable deadlock, resistant design, it will protect your entryways security. When you are not at home or midnight, you will not worry about your children's security in the house.
Last update on 2026-06-23 at 17:43 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This deadbolt is mounted on top of a door, making it a popular option for apartments and double doors, because it requires minimal modification of the door itself. This lock is more effective than a regular deadbolt because the brackets interlock with the deadbolt itself – making it harder to break into.5. Lever Handle Locks
![Berlin Modisch Entry Lever Door Handle Lock and Key Slim Square Locking Lever Set [for Front Door or Office] Reversible for Right & Left Sided Doors Heavy Duty – Satin Nickel Finish](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31EBq7Jr+6L.jpg)
- Designed to complement modern contemporary style interior and exterior doors for commercial and residential applications
- Heavy duty high grade security door lever handle Includes a reversible handle that makes it perfect for fitting left or right handed doors
- Uniquely crafted low profile square shaped door lever Entrance Set With 2 3/8 inch- 2 3/4 inch adjustable backset latch and square corner striker
Last update on 2026-06-23 at 21:06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
These are not secure locks, yet are seen on many commercial use doors. That is thanks to the ease of usability. It only requires one hand to use; the key turns the lock and the handle can be twisted to enter the door.
6. Chain Locks
Often used as an additional security measure, these locks are most often seen on hotel doors. They are not very secure and can be broken with some force, but allow the person using them to partially open the door without unlocking the chain.
7. Mortise Lock
- REPLACE OLD OR BROKEN DOOR LOCKS – When your sliding door mortise lock is broken or old, don’t replace the door entirely, just get a new mortise door lock
- FOR SLIDING DOORS – This mortise lock replacement can be used on sliding patio doors constructed of wood, aluminum and vinyl, and fits on W and F manufactured handles
- 45 DEGREE KEYWAY - The keyway of the mortise door latch rests at a 45 degree position when the hook is fully extended in the locked position
Last update on 2026-06-23 at 17:43 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Mortise locks are very secure as they require a pocket to be built into the door where the lock is fitted and it locks onto the wall opposite the door. It is not a lock that is attached to the surface of the door, nor does it fit inside the door knob. These locks can be used with a key on either side of the door.
8. Standard Rim Latch
These standard latches are very common. They attach to the surface of a door, with two components, one sitting on the frame and one on the door itself. The latch locks automatically when a door is closed. From the inside, it can be unlocked using the thumb-turn and from the outside, it requires a key.
9. Dead-bolting Rim Night Latch
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This works and looks exactly like a standard rim latch, except it is more secure with the addition of a deadbolt. The deadbolt can be put into effect with the use of a key on the outside of the lock. The key needs to complete two full rotations to deadbolt it shut.
10. Barrel Bolt
Also known as sliding bolt, this is a fairly traditional lock. It uses a cylinder with a small handle that is slid into place locking the mechanism into its metal frame, which is bolted to the door. This manual lock is meant to be used when you are inside the house for some extra security.
11. Multi-point Locks
Multi-point locks are usually key-operated and fitted into the body of the door while locking into the door frame. When the lock is used, multiple bolts will engage into the door frame usually with a minimum of 3 points and sometimes 4 or 5 points.
12. Childproof Door Locks
These locks are most often featured at the top of the door, out of reach of children. The lock is fitted into the top of the door frame and can easily be installed. These are meant for the security of your children within the house rather than for unwanted visitors.
13. Keyless Lock
- Keyless entry for enhanced security, no keys to lose or forget
- Auto-Lock feature automatically re-locks after 5 seconds, Inside lever always unlocked
- Keypad illuminates so you can see it at night
Last update on 2026-06-23 at 17:43 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Keyless locks are a more modern alternative for exterior doors. They feature a keypad in which a code can be programmed. These are ideal for households with multiple people as they don’t require keys that are quite often misplaced.
14. Touch Screen Lock
Touch-screen locks are similar to keyless locks, except they don’t feature push buttons, but a finger-print proof screen. These resist the wearing out that push buttons cannot. They can also be programmed with smart home devices like the Alexa.
15. Smart Lock
- ANYWHERE ACCESS: With built-in WiFi compatibility, you can easily and securely connect your Schlage Encode Deadbolt to your home WiFi network to control and monitor your home from anywhere with the Schlage Home app
- PEACE OF MIND: Lock and unlock from anywhere, manage up to 100 access codes for keyless entry, view lock history, receive customizable notifications and easily manage multiple locks at once - all when paired to the Schlage Home app and connected to a secure WiFi network
- VOICE CONTROL: Works with Alexa and Google Home for optional, hands-free convenience when paired with the Schlage Home app and a voice enabled device
Last update on 2026-06-23 at 17:43 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Smart locks are the new age alternative to the traditional lock, keeping up with the ever growing trend of smart appliances.
These locks can work through Bluetooth or WiFi and connect with your phone to work remotely. The one’s that connect to Wifi allow you to let people in and out of your home without even being present, and yet being satisfied in knowing that your home is safe.
Consider all your options before deciding on a lock, and our advice is to never rely on just one lock to secure your home. We hope this list helps you decide what you require and keeps you and your family safe and secure!
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Your description of deadbolt locks was really interesting to read. The fact that they have a lot of extra security mechanisms really convinces me that these are my best bet at making my house safer to live in since we have a lot of doors that can be hard to track and keep secure. I’ll look around for any residential locksmiths that sell these and have them install some for us.