Everything You Need to Know About Deadbolts

In this post, our trusted locksmith will explain everything you need to know about deadbolts.

Do you know how to make your home safer? With a deadbolt. A deadbolt is the most basic level of security for doors in residential buildings and commercial buildings.  

Deadbolts are a type of lock that can be found on exterior doors. Deadbolts open only with a key or a handle. Unlike spring locks, deadbolts cannot be opened with force. If you apply more force, deadbolts will only resist more. That is why deadbolts have been the most preferred locks for home or office security.

Deadbolts provide an extra layer of security for the home or business owner by preventing criminals from gaining access to the interior through these doors and provides a sense of safety in the event of a fire emergency. 

What is a deadbolt?

The other name for deadbolts is security. Deadbolts offer maximum security because they are fitted to the door frame and need a handle or key to open them. The word “Dead” here implies that this lock will not move by itself and needs a key to operate.

Types of Deadbolts

Deadbolts come in many shapes and sizes, but most have two components: an outside cylinder is installed into the door jamb near the edge with hinges. An inside cylinder that locks when turned from either direction. 

Different models also offer additional features such as keyless entry, pre-drilled holes for padlocks, and single-sided deadbolt locking mechanisms for increased convenience. Deadbolts are of different types.

Cylinder deadbolts

Single-cylinder deadbolts are the most common. They will accept keys on only one side, whereas a double-cylinder deadbolt accepts on both sides. They do not have a twist knob. In some areas, double cylinder deadbolts are banned for the sake of fire safety as they cannot be opened from inside.

Vertical deadbolts

Another version is the Vertical deadbolt. It prevents a person from inserting a crowbar into the doorjamb and prying it open by jimmying.

Mechanical deadbolts

You can operate these deadbolts mechanically by pushing buttons. They have a keypad where you punch your unique code to gain access or to exit. 

People prefer mechanical deadbolts as they do not need power and batteries. Another great advantage of mechanical deadbolts is that they are keyless and keyhole-ree. Thai prevents lock-bumping and makes them bump-proof.

Electronic deadbolts

Here the deadbolt is keyless and operates using a lighted keypad. It may also use biometric recognition, proximity sensors, etc for access control and locking. They may also operate through an app using WiFi or Bluetooth.

Exit-only deadbolts

Here the deadbolt is retracted at all times by the inside lever. Here, the outside lever cannot be operated at all.

Classroom function deadbolt

This type of deadbolt prevents an unknown person from projecting the deadbolt to open it. But it also allows a person on the side to open it by using the thumb turn if he/she is accidentally locked inside. Here the thumb turn will only retract the deadbolt and not project it.

Whatever be the type of deadbolt, you need a professional locksmith to install, repair or replace it due to its complex mechanism.

Common Deadbolt Problems You Might Face

While deadbolts are the ultimate answer to home or office security, they too run into problems like these.

Deadbolt does not turn

This happens often if the deadbolt is exposed to humid or salty air. If the deadbolt is on a door of a shop near a busy street or by the seaside, this is bound to happen. This is because dirt or salt might clog the deadbolt preventing it from turning freely.

Do not try to force open a deadbolt if it does not turn. You might make it jam further. Do not use your key repeatedly if the deadbolt does not turn. The key might break and get stuck inside.

If the deadbolt does not turn, all you have to do is call a professional locksmith. They can dismantle, clean, and reinstall the deadbolt in no time.

Broken Key inside a deadbolt

This happens when you try to force a deadbolt open with a key. The key breaks and gets stuck inside. Then, only a professional locksmith can open the deadbolt, remove the key, and make a new one.

Faulty or broken deadbolt

Sometimes a deadbolt gets damaged beyond repair. Then, it can be repaired or replaced only by a professional locksmith.

When you think of home or office security, think of deadbolts. Always get your deadbolt installed by a professional locksmith. Choose A-Access Lock & Key. We are the key to your security! Get in touch with us today for locksmith needs in Charlotte and its suburbs.