Deadbolts & Latches

A deadbolt lock, as the name suggests, has a bolt that must be slid into or out of place via a key or turning mechanism. They are usually made of steel, bronze, or brass, and extend deeper into the door frame than normal door latches. Deadbolts provide an added measure of security on a door because they are heavily enforced and not spring activated. They cannot be pried open with a knife blade, credit card, or other method of breaking in.

A single cylinder deadbolt has a keyhole on one side and a turning mechanism on the other, usually a kind of simple thumb-turn lever. This means that a key is only required to unlock one side of the lock, making it a simple and convenient option for exterior and interior doors. Single cylinders are the most common type of deadbolt found in American homes, due to their inexpensiveness and ease of use.

Double cylinder deadbolts have key slots on both sides, meaning a key is needed to lock and unlock the deadbolt regardless of the side you’re on. While they are less convenient, they do offer more security. They are especially useful for doors with glass panels, disallowing intruders from breaking the glass to turn the lock from the other side.

A strike plate is a metal plate that is screwed into the door frame and has an opening to receive the deadbolt whenever it is turned to the lock position. Heavy duty strike plates are screwed further into the door frame to reinforce the frame and the lock. Strike plates help lessen the likelihood of the frame splitting if someone attempted to open the door by force.

Latch-based locks are spring-loaded, meaning the locking mechanism is located within the door handle itself and is triggered by the turning of the handle. Deadbolts are separate from the door handle and operate by key or manual turning mechanism, providing an extra measure of security on the door.