What is a Deadbolt and How Does it Work?

Deadbolts are a type of locking hardware used on exterior doors. It has several features to consider when compared with padlocks. Deadbolts come in three main varieties: single cylinder, double cylinder, and touchpad deadbolt locks. The majority of American homes feature single-cylinder deadbolts.

The most common residential deadbolts are single-cylinder locks. To open or close the lock, they use a key cylinder on the outside and a thumbturn (rosary) on the inside. There is only one major drawback for these deadbolts. If access to the interior is attainable (via a nearby window or even through the peephole in the door), then the thumbturn can be turned and the door can be opened from the inside without a key.

A key cylinder on the interior and exterior of a door is used by a double cylinder deadbolt to address this problem. These have the obvious disadvantage of necessitating a key from the inside in order to unlock the door if it is locked.

This can be an issue in emergency or fire situations when there's a risk of being trapped. It is highly recommended that a key be left on the inside in a residential situation to provide for an easy escape during an emergency.

Touchpad deadlocks allow you to enter your home quickly and securely without having to remember anything after every storm. These locks are ideal for use on any new door because they generally fit standard holes. Touchpad deadbolt locks may come with a variety of extra features in addition to lit keypads, such as programmable six or more user codes, one-time guest or other visitors' access codes, user codes that can be temporarily disabled, a lockout feature that disables the lock after 5 incorrect inputs, and radiofrequency remotes that allow you to lock or unlock the door from up to 30 feet away. Each touchpad deadbolt also comes with emergency override keys for your convenience and peace of mind.

How secure are electronic deadbolts or keyless deadbolts locks?

The world has gone from keyed locks to electronic door locks, a development that has revolutionized the market. The issue is, will this transition be beneficial or harmful? Is it true that electronic door locks are secure?

The sensation of hearing a door snap shut just as you realize your keys are on the other side is something that many people have felt before.  If you have a standard door lock, reentry might imply calling a professional local locksmith.

Until recently, keyless door locks were a luxury, costly, and necessitating expert in locks installation and wiring. Keyless door locks have evolved as technology has advanced and smart homes have become more prevalent, with simple do-it-yourself options and integration with smart devices. A keyless lock allows you to enter the house in seconds by using a code, your fingerprint, or even your smartphone.

The primary advantage of a keyless entry system is convenience. In the morning rush to get everyone out the door on time, fumbling for keys can add valuable minutes to your routine. A keyless entry system lets you leave the house without worrying about losing your keys or locking yourself out.

Are they safe? Or are they safer than standard locks? They can be. Are they safe? Are they more secure than standard locks? The answer is maybe. If a keyless lock makes you more likely to close your doors when you leave, less likely to hide a key under a doormat, and make lots of extra keys to share that you eventually lose track of, then yes, they can be safer.

A keyless lock can greatly lighten the weight you carry. Because a keyless lock is a code-operated lock it doesn't need a key. The integrated illuminated 10-digit keypad on keypad locks allows homeowners to input a code to unlock the door. Keypad locks are quick and convenient, at least when the code is changed frequently and keys aren't worn down, and as long as you pick codes that you can remember. If you pick an easy-to-guess password like your birthday, house number, or phone number, all semblance of security is lost. Keypad locks also offer many benefits.

Users can collaborate on the code and give it to their children and extended family members, eliminating the need for keys. Many keypad locks may be programmed with temporary passwords that allow specialists, dog walkers, and babysitters access while also restricting how long each code lasts. There's no extra weight to carry, and there's nothing to lose since most keypad locks are battery operated There's no more room to carry or lose, and because most keypad locks are battery-operated, they'll always work (as long as you replace the batteries on a regular basis).

There are, however, a few disadvantages. First, if you forget your code or lose your phone, you may be locked out of your own home. Also, if the batteries die in your keyless entry system, you will be unable to enter your home. While many systems have a backup keypad or mechanical override, it is still an inconvenience. Additionally, if someone gains access to your code or fingerprint, they can enter your home without your knowledge. To prevent this, it is important to change codes frequently and never use easily guessed codes like your birthdate or address. It is also important that you do not share your code with anyone you don't trust implicitly.

Related article: Best and Worst Door Locks 

Need to Install a New Keypad Deadbolt? We can help!

If you're looking to install a new keypad deadbolt, our residential locksmiths can help. We'll make sure that your new lock is properly installed and working correctly. We can reset a forgotten password combination and help you in an emergency situation. At USA Lock and Key, we can help you choose the right keypad lock for your home and budget and install it quickly and easily. We also offer a wide range of other locksmith services, so whether you're locked out of your home or need to change the locks for security reasons, we can help.