cancel

Find Qualified
Local Contractors

Select Service:
Enter Zip:

community forums

Featuring over 100 topics of interest to DoItYourselfers.

Different Types of Security Locks

comments
  • Currently2.87/5 Stars
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
out of 711 votes


Hasp

 

  • Consists of a metal hinge and an anchoring bolt so locks can be secured to gates, sheds and garages.
  • Conceals the mounting screws when the lock is in place.
  • Insert a padlock through the ring and lock to secure the hasp.
  • Another type is the hasplock, which has a padlock attached to it, which makes it impossible to lose the padlock when the hasp is open.

  • Barrel Bolt

     

  • A sliding lock mechanism used to provide security for average weight doors and windows.
  • Is surface mounted where the bolt slides into a catch on the other side of the door.
  • Available in decorative finishes and with surface or universal strikes.
  • Some have spring action to hold the bolt in place, and some are lockable.

  • Strike

     

  • The metal plate the latch slides into on the doorjamb or frame.
  • All new locksets come with strikes, but some homeowners may want to replace them with high-security strikes or replace damaged ones.
  • Adjustable strikes are available that provide 1/4” adjustment to allow for door and frame warpage.


  • Latch Guard

     

  • Used on in-opening doors.
  • Reinforces the door and prevents spreading of the frame.
  • The standard 7” latch guard fits all backsets, deadbolts and key-in-knob locks.
  • The 12” latch guard also fits all double locks, mortise locks and access control locks.
  • Latch guards for out-opening doors protect the latch or bolt. Several sizes and types are available, ranging from 6” to 12”.

  • Combination Lock

     

  • User must dial a combination to open the lock.
  • Hardened solid steel alloys make better locks and shackles.


  • Pin-Tumbler Padlock

     

  • Provides maximum security for valuables.
  • Pin-tumbler locking mechanisms make padlocks harder for thieves to pick.
  • Tumblers with five or more pins provide the best security, while four pin is the next best.
  • Hardened solid steel and steel alloys make better locks and shackles.
  • Solid extruded brass padlocks are more resistant to rust than steel, but can be damaged more easily.

  • Tubular Cylinder Padlock

     

  • Offers many key changes by replacing the cylinder.
  • Usually used in electronic security systems, but some owners of motorcycles and expensive bikes use them as well.
  • Pins are arranged in a circle and are exposed.
  • The key is cylindrical


  • Cable Lock

     

  • Uses the combination of a lock and cable to lock and secure objects in a variety of applications. 
  • Some models have a chain or cable permanently attached to a combination or keyed lock.
  • Chain or cable often has a protective plastic coating to prevent scratching.



  • U-Bar Lock

     

  • Provides maximum protection for bicycles, gates, etc
  • Hardened steel shanks resist cutting.
  • Available in combination lock or keyed lock versions.



  • Gun Lock

     

  • Fits over the trigger housing of guns to prevent firing of the weapon.
  • Some models have a sound alarm to warn that the gun is being tampered with.
  • Some have tamper-evident devices to alert owners that the gun has been disturbed.
  • Some models can lock multiple guns at once.


  • Trailer Lock

     

  • Used to secure standing trailers by rendering the towing device inoperable.
  • Locks cover or fill the coupler socket so it cannot be mounted on a ball.
  • Courtesy of NRHA.org

    member comments

    or Register to leave a comment.

    If you have a question you would like answered, please visit our Community Forums.

    articles we like

    EPA's Position on Radon

    What the EPA says about reducing the risk of radon... read more

    Safety in the Kitchen - Part of Everyday Living

    This article makes kitchen safety as elementary as baking a cake... read more

    Find the Right Lender Before You Buy a Car

    Find the Right Lender Before You Buy a CarIf you're in the market for a new car, there's more to take into consideration... read more

    sponsored articles of the day

    diy centers

    Research and explore a wealth of wisdom on these topics