Why All Homes Should Have Deadbolts

Deadbolts are a strong contender when it comes to the field of physical security. Their enduring popularity is due to their relatively low cost and effectiveness. Deadbolts hold up against many forms of criminal attacks far better than their spring-loaded counterparts—including lock picking and brute force attempts. There’s a reason why deadbolts have become so commonplace in both residential and commercial security: because they work. Just because a lock engages does not mean it’s fully secure. A professional locksmith can help you determine the best locks for your East Hartford home for different applications.

Basics of Deadbolt Locks

Deadbolts are fairly simple in design, which is part of what makes them so effective. In a traditional spring-loaded lock, the bolt inside is held in place using a spring (hence the name) which expands and retracts to lock and unlock the door. In a deadbolt, the spring mechanism is absent, and the lock operates using the key.

The bolt part is known as the “throw,” and is usually one solid piece of metal that fits into hardware installed in the doorframe when engaged. The plate that the deadbolt fits into in the door is called a strike plate. Deadbolts and spring-loaded knob or lever locks are often used together on exterior doors.

Why Deadbolts Are Effective

Deadbolts are mounted inside the door with the associated hardware inserted into the door frame. Since the throw fits into the doorframe and not just the door itself, as with a spring-loaded lock, a deadbolt provides more significant protection against attack than traditional locks. In most cases of home invasion, the intruders utilized forceful tactics in order to gain access. This includes kicking the door in or battering the door, and account for over half of all burglaries according to the latest statistics.

Most security experts, such a locksmiths, recommend that every exterior door on your home that is capable of being outfitted with a deadbolt should be. That’s because spring-loaded knob and lever locks are too easily overcome by criminals using tactics such as lock-picking, bumping, and even breaking with a hammer. Deadbolts are more effective than standard locks, but must be kept in good repair to function optimally. They are considered an absolute must for homes to ensure a bare minimum of security protection. There’s no reason to go without deadbolt locks on your home.

While you could certainly add advanced security features to your home, including an intercom system, CCTV cameras, or alarms on every door and window, without properly functioning deadbolts there’s really no point. It’s much more worthwhile to invest in ensuring that your foundational security features are operating at their best before you move on to advanced tactics. Just because your home has deadbolt locks doesn’t mean they’re operating effectively, either. If the strike plate is not securely fastened, or the deadbolt doesn’t go all the way into the right spot, or the key sticks in the lock when you try to use it, then the deadbolt should be replaced as soon as possible. Often when an intruder kicks at the door, they break the door frame, which is why it’s essential the bolt fit all the way in and that the strike plate be securely fastened.

Types of Deadbolts

• Single-Cylinder Deadbolt: This is the most commonly found type of deadbolt lock, especially on homes. Their mechanism is fairly simple: they have a keyhole on the outside and a thumb-turn lock on the inside. Single-cylinder deadbolts are recommended for most homes, unless your door has glass that can be broken from the outside, allowing an intruder to reach the thumb-turn lever.
• Double-Cylinder Deadbolt: This type of deadbolt has a keyhole on both the interior and exterior face of the lock. That means that to engage and disengage the throw, there is no alternative but to use a key. While this type of deadbolt is highly secure, it can also pose a risk if a fire breaks out in the home. It’s important to strongly consider whether this type of deadbolt is appropriate by weighing the benefits and risks.
• Keyless Deadbolt: These deadbolts operate using single-cylinder hardware, but instead of having a keyhole on the outside, keyless deadbolts employ either a physical button keypad or a digital screen. You type in a pin number of your choosing in order to open the door lock. Keyless deadbolts can be more convenient than manual ones because there’s no worry about losing or misplacing your key as long as you can remember your passcode. They are also more secure than physical deadbolts, although they cost more as well.
• Jimmy-Proof Deadbolt: Jimmy-proof deadbolts are far less common than the other types, but still deserve a mention. A jimmy-proof lock can either be single- or double-cylinder depending on the best option for the door in question. In this type of lock, the lock itself is installed on the door’s exterior and the strike plate is on the interior of the door plate. Two vertical bolts interlock with one another when the lock is engaged. Jimmy-proof deadbolts that feature double-cylinder construction are illegal for multi-family dwellings in New York City and other parts of the country because of the danger they create during a fire or another emergency that requires a swift exit.

Properly functioning deadbolts can be a great addition to your home’s security for a relatively low price. The security they provide is essential to protecting your home. If you’re looking to have one or more deadbolts installed or replaced at your East Hartford, Connecticut residence, contact a locksmith team for a consultation and price quote. A locksmith will be able to provide you with installation of all of the above types of deadbolts, as well as many additional lock and security services. If you’ve been the victim of a break-in, it’s imperative that you have your locks replaced and upgraded as soon as possible to restore your home’s security as well as your peace of mind.