• Padlocks – Padlocks are the only type of locks that are portable, not being permanently attached to something. It is great for locking down bikes, chests, toolboxes and much more. There are even padlocks with a shrouded shackle that is an extension of the body where the shoulders of the padlock raise up at the sides, making it harder for bolt cutters to cut through the padlock.
• Deadbolts – Generally used on external doors, deadbolts come in three primary varieties: single, double and lockable thumbturn. Single cylinder deadbolts are found on most American homes, being characterized with a key cylinder on the outside and a thumbturn on the inside to open or close the lock. The deadbolts do have one flaw, however, If someone can access the inside, it is easy to use the thumbturn to unlock the deadbolt. A double cylinder deadbolt uses a key cylinder on the inside and outside of the door. However, you will always have to require a key to get in or out of the area double dead bolted. The final type of deadbolt is a sort of hybrid of the two called a lockable thumbturn. It contains a thumbturn on the inside that works like a single deadbolt, except, the thumbturn can be locked using a key so that it cannot be locked or unlocked by the thumbturn.
• Knob Locks – Also frequently installed in residential houses, knob locks are normally installed as an edition with deadbolts. These locks are not that safe as the only option because the knob can easily be hammered off in order to allow entry.
• Lever Handle Locks – Lever handle locks are used for inner doors in commercial areas. They are easier to open than knob locks because they have a push down handle. Levers Handle locks are frequent victims of intruders applying force to the lever, trying to force the lock, although some levers are “clutch” levers, meaning if they are forced, they just turn, rather than killing the lock.
• Cam Locks – Cam locks are most frequently found in filling cabinets, mailboxes, and lower security OEM applications. They come in several lengths as to react to other locking mechanisms.
• Rim/Mortise Locks – Commonly found on commercial doors, entry glass doors, and some apartment doors, rim and mortise locks are very similar. Rim locks use rim cylinder locks and are mounted inside of a door. Rim cylinder locks always have a long metal piece extending out the rear of the lock that runs through the door into a locking mechanism on the opposite side of the door. Rim locks are held in place by two screws from the inside that screw into the back of the rim cylinder. The mortise cylinder locks, however, are threaded and actually screw into mortise hardware that is mounted within the door. They are held in place by a set screw and utilize a cam to actuate the locking hardware.
• Euro Profile Cylinders – Euro profile cylinders are more popular in Europe, even though they can be used here in North America in some sliding glass door locks and room dividing doors. They come in several types: single, double, and single with thumbturn.
• Wall Mounted Locks – Wall mounted locks are as they are named, mounted to the wall. They are commonly used for ‘hidden’ safety deposit boxes, safes, and alarm covers.
• Interchangeable Core Cylinders – Usually used by larger institutions, this lock gives the owner the ability to easily switch the locks without taking the lock apart by exchanging the core cylinder. Interchangeable core cylinders have two types of keys that work with the lock, they have the standard operator key that unlocks the normal lock and the control key, that unlocks the core to be able to replace it.
• Furniture Locks – These locks covers a variety of locks including cabinets, desks, and sliding doors. There are two primary styles, bolt style and push button style. Bolt style furniture locks have a piece of flat metal that extends to lock and secure the device. Push buttons style have a rod that comes out the back of the lock in to it’s shell.
• Vending/T-Handle Locks – These locks are majorly on vending machines and T-Handle locks. T-Handle locks are easy to replace when you open a device you are actually pulling the lock out. Placing a new lock back in when closing the device is all that is required to upgrade it.
• Jimmy Proof Deadbolt – Jimmy proof deadbolts are found on apartments and double doors. They are sometimes preferred because there are minimal door modifications required. This lock and bolt has a jamb bracket, preventing it from being pulled apart or forced easily from the outside.
• Rim Latch Locks – These locks has a standard or custom rim cylinder on one side and a mount latch on the other. These locks can auto lock the door behind you. These locks are not meant to take a large amount of force but can be paired with other locks.
• Key in Knob Cylinders – Generally found at the heart of most knobs, levers, and lower cost deadbolts. These are generally hidden inside the lock with the circular face only being visible. These are easy to replace, being that they are roughly the same from any manufacturer.

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Pros

• Easy to change codes. (You can also set temporary ones that expire after a certain time.)
• Ability to automatically lock after a few seconds of leaving. (Depends on Model.)
• Can link to bluetooth to operate via smartphone or tablet.
• No spare key needed to leave outside.

Cons

• Bad Weather (like extreme heat, sun, or cold) can create problems.
• Battery will need changing at least once a year.
• Someone can watch and learn your code.
• If you don’t change your code every so often, the keys will wear down, ‘showing’ your code.

So is it really worth the extra $100-$200 to install a new lock and bolt with a keypad? I’m not sure. Yes it is convenient to leave your key at home but it is so much easier for an intruder to watch and learn your code than try to pick a lock. Not to mention that the lock is still on the keypad, just giving thieves multiple choices when it comes to entering your home.

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