At Dorset, we understand that choosing the right door lock is about more than just keeping unwanted visitors out. It's about creating a harmony between security, convenience, and even your home's aesthetic. The lock you select impacts your daily routine, affects your peace of mind, and influences your home’s overall security.
Traditional mechanical locks have secured homes for centuries but cutting-edge smart locks integrate with your entire home security system. So which should you choose when the available main door lock types are so vast and varied?
Common Door Lock Types
At Dorset, we offer a range of door lock types to suit different door styles and security needs:
Mortise Locks: These locks fit into a pocket (or mortise) cut into the door edge. They typically consist of a lockset with a keyhole on one side and a lever or knob on the other. We find mortise locks particularly suitable for exterior doors due to their sturdiness and security. They require professional installation but provide excellent security and durability.
Cylindrical Locks: Also known as bored locks, these are installed by drilling two holes in the door - one for the handle and another for the locking mechanism. We design our cylindrical locks to be more straightforward to install than mortise locks while still providing good security for internal doors.
Deadbolts: These offer additional security beyond what a spring bolt provides. When engaged, a deadbolt extends a solid metal bolt into the door frame, making it significantly harder to force open. We recommend installing deadbolts as supplementary locks on exterior doors for extra security.
Rim Locks: These locks mount on the interior surface of the door rather than within it. While you might have seen them on traditional properties, our modern rim locks combine vintage aesthetics with modern security features to give you the perfect security solution.
Digital Locks: Our digital locks use electronic mechanisms rather than mechanical keys. They operate via keypads, touchscreens, biometric scans, mobile or remote controls. Our digital locks offer convenience without compromising security. Our smart locks also connect to your home network, allowing you to control and monitor your door from anywhere using a smartphone app. Our smart locks offer features like remote locking/unlocking, access logs, and integration with smart home systems.
Comparison Between Lock Types
When helping our customers choose between main door lock types, we consider several factors:
Security Levels:
- High Security: Our mortise locks and deadbolts offer the highest mechanical security.
- Advanced Security: Our digital and smart locks provide excellent protection with added convenience features.
- Standard Security: Cylindrical locks work well for interior doors where maximum security isn't the primary concern.
Ease of Installation:
- DIY-Friendly: Our cylindrical locks and some digital locks can be installed with basic tools and skills.
- Professional Installation Recommended: Mortise locks require precise cutting and fitting, while smart locks with advanced features benefit from expert setup to ensure all connectivity features work properly.
Best Use Cases:
- Front Doors: We recommend mortise locks, deadbolts, or our premium smart locks like the DG405.
- Interior Doors: Cylindrical locks provide appropriate security and ease of use.
- High-Traffic Areas: Our digital locks excel in settings where multiple people need access.
- Rental Properties: Smart locks allow property managers to grant and revoke access remotely.
Smart Locks vs. Traditional Locks
The shift towards smart locks is something we've been pioneering at Dorset, and here's why they're gaining popularity:
Enhanced Convenience: No more keys to lose or forget. Our smart locks let you unlock doors with your fingerprint, a code, or your smartphone.
Remote Access: Whether you need to let in a delivery person while you're at work or check if you remembered to lock up, our smart locks give you control from anywhere.
Access Monitoring: Our smart locks keep detailed logs of who enters and exits, sending alerts to your phone when specific users access your home.
Flexible Access: Grant temporary codes for visitors or maintenance staff without worrying about collecting keys afterwards.
Traditional locks still have their place, offering reliability without dependency on power or connectivity. However, we've addressed these concerns in our smart lock designs by including mechanical override options and long-lasting battery life with low-battery warnings.
Factors to Consider Before Buying
Before investing in a new lock, we advise our customers to consider:
Material: The construction material affects durability and security. Our premium locks use hardened steel components resistant to drilling and sawing.
Mechanism: Different locking mechanisms offer varying levels of pick resistance. Our advanced locks include pick-resistant features like sidebars and mushroom pins.
Security Certification: Look for locks that meet established standards. Our locks are tested against common attack methods and many carry certifications like the British Standard Kitemark.
Brand Reputation: You’ll want to buy your locks from a manufacturer with proven track records. At Dorset, we've been committed to security innovation, quality manufacturing, and a competitive door lock price range for decades.
Compatibility: Ensure the lock works with your door type and thickness. Our team can help determine which locks will fit your specific doors.
Recommended Locks for Different Needs
Based on our extensive experience, here are our recommendations for different security scenarios:
For Maximum Security: The DG 405 Push-Pull Digital Door Lock represents our highest level of security with multiple access methods including palm vein recognition, fingerprint ID, password, and RFID. With WiFi connectivity and an integrated camera, it offers both physical security and smart monitoring capabilities.
For Family Homes: We often recommend our DG 404 model, which balances advanced security features with user-friendly operation that works for family members of all ages.
For Rental Properties: Property managers appreciate our DG 402 model, which allows easy management of multiple access codes without requiring physical key handovers.
For Interior Doors: Our DG104 Mortise Digital Door Lock provides appropriate security while complementing interior design with multiple finish options.
For Budget-Conscious Customers: The DG 400 Digital Push Lock offers essential smart features at a more accessible price point without compromising on core security functions.
At Dorset, we believe that when choosing amongst different door lock types, the right lock is a personal choice that depends on your specific security concerns, daily routine, and home architecture. That's why we offer consultations to help you find the perfect lock for your unique needs. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge smart technology or reliable traditional security, we have options designed to protect what matters most to you.