3 Types of Deadbolt Locks to Secure Your Front Door

3 Types of Deadbolt Locks for Your Front Door

Deadbolt locks offer high security for your front door. Their one-of-a-kind locking mechanism secures your home against physical attacks like kick-ins, hammering and drilling. Deadbolt locks are available in many styles too — each has different functions, as well, even if they look very similar.

This post will explain some of the most popular deadbolt lock types, including their advantages and drawbacks to help you understand which deadbolt lock aligns with your security needs. If you plan to replace your home locks, let us help you choose the right one. We’ll start with the three types of deadbolt locks on the market.

1. Traditional Deadbolts

The locking mechanism of traditional deadbolts, which are the most widely used deadbolts, requires turning a key. Two popular types include single cylinder and double cylinder.

Single Cylinder Deadbolts

Single cylinder deadbolts are quite common in residential homes. Such locks use a key slot on one side with a thumb-turn mechanism on the other side; the key slot generally faces the outside of a door. This system also allows you to unlock and lock single cylinder deadbolts using a thumb turn from the inside. 

One of the best things about single cylinder deadbolts is that they are inexpensive and provide a simple locking and unlocking mechanism. However, single cylinder deadbolts are not a safe option for intruders and children who could easily open the doors from one entry point. Since single cylinder deadbolts require keys, there is also the possibility of losing them or struggling to get inside in a hurry.

Double Cylinder Deadbolts

Double cylinder deadbolts are less common than single cylinder deadbolts, but they are a bit more secure. Since the door has key slots on both sides, no one can open it without keys and it requires you to unlock the door from the inside and outside to gain access. This is ideal if you have a toddler at home who could easily open the doors and wander outside.

Double cylinder deadbolts will upgrade your level of home security making break-ins more challenging. Yet, there are drawbacks to a double cylinder deadbolt. For one, they pose a problem when you’re in a hurry. Even during an emergency, such as a fire hazard when time is of the essence, you still have to find the keys to unlock the door.

Additionally, if you somehow lose the keys, you must replace or rekey the whole lock. Some cities like San Jose, California don't allow double cylinders in residential homes. In these locations, installing a double cylinder deadbolt is not an option. This makes keyless deadbolts a better option, and smart deadbolts the best option.

2. Keyless Electronic Deadbolts

Electronic deadbolts have the same mechanism as regular deadbolts, but they're keyless. Such locks are equipped with a keypad or touch screen, and instead of a key, you have to use a password. A keyless electronic deadbolt is ideal for you if you often lose keys or if you don’t want to leave a spare key around. However, they typically cannot be connected to Wi-Fi or other smart home technology like smart deadbolts.

3. Smart Deadbolts 

Smart deadbolt locks are more than just a keyless system — they have a host of benefits that beat any regular deadbolt to maximize your home security with features including:

  • Offline Access: Our locks don't keep you waiting helplessly outside your house if there is a glitch. And you can avoid Wi-Fi connectivity issues with our offline access codes.
  • Hack-proof: Hacking your lock by guessing the code becomes impossible with our Hack-Proof Digital Keypad technology. Our smart locks also have an Advanced 3D Fingerprint Sensor that false images cannot manipulate. 
  • Remote Operation: The Lockly smartphone app lets you control your door remotely and keep it safe even when you are not home. Let your friends and family in your home without revealing the actual code to them; generate eKeys and eBadges for Lockly smart locks. They can be used as one-time codes or set to inactive after a specific time length.
  • Transfer and Control: Lockly makes the use of multiple locks simpler, too. Our Air Transfer lets you securely transfer access profiles from one lock to another. Plus, if you want to voice control our smart locks, you can connect to voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
  • Ease of Installation: Rekeying our locks is super easy using our rekeying kits. We have also prepared an easy to understand step-by-step video instructions to help you install our smart locks by yourself in only 15 minutes max.

Deadbolt Security With Lockly

Home security should be a top priority, and Lockly makes protecting your property easy. Lockly access touch fingerprint reader can be easily attached to a traditional deadbolt and provide all of the benefits of a smart deadbolt, like access control features. If you’re looking to make the full transition, shop our array of smart lock products, to secure your front door bolt lock, your family and your peace of mind.

Mehedi is a freelance writer for SaaS, marketing and real estate businesses. He's the founder of PowerhouseBlogger. Mehedi is growing businesses with sizzling writing, one piece at a time.