The World of Locks is Much Bigger than Most People Think

Locks simply don’t get enough credit for all of the different things that they can secure. Sure, I am a little biased since I work with locks all the time but it’s still a valid point. When most people think of a lock they think of sticking a key in a keyhole or something like a padlock. 

The truth is there are a huge variety of different types of locks in the world. Some are just simple mechanical devices and others are sophisticated electronic devices that take a computer program to control them. They are all amazing in their own way too.

Yes, in case you have not guessed, this article is about locks. More specifically, it’s an overview of many of the most popular locks in the world these days. Some of the locks you are probably familiar with and yet others will be a surprise. So, let’s get ready to take a look at a sampling of the various types of locks there are in the world.

Simple Mechanical Locks

• Keyed locks/Knob Locks

Well it’s never a bad idea to start off a tour of all the worlds different types of locks with the most commonly found lock you can buy. That’s exactly the case with common keyed mechanical locks or locks called knob locks. These are found on a majority of homes and business still despite the fact that there is now so many other types of locks available. Old habits are hard to break I guess.

Not much has changed with these locks over the years except on their locking mechanisms. These days you can by sophisticated sidewinder cut key locks to go in them or 

• Deadbolts

Here is another very popular type of lock that has been around for a long time. These can be single-cylinder or double cylinder locks that you need a key to deactivate them. They are a simple lock that is hard to pick and they are very strong too. These locks can be as simple as a lever you push into place to reinforce a door or deadbolt that has a sophisticated tumbler system to lock it into place.

• Lever handle locks

These are hybrid type locks that combine the best features of both simple keyed locks and deadbolts. The main thing about them is they are keyed on one side and the lever or the handle itself controls the locking mechanism on the inside.

• Padlocks

This one really needs no explanation. These are the locks that protected your locker at school, secured that lock chain on your bike or kept your tool shed doors locked up tight. Padlocks come in all different shapes and sizes.

• Mortise locks

These are older type locks that are hard to pick but very difficult to install. That’s because these locks are actually recessed into the doors they are placed in. It’s something that is not easy to do on such things as heavy wooden doors. They are fairly decorative in nature and they work well so they are still popular to use today.

More Advanced Electronic Locking Devices

• Keyless entry pads

Just like the name says these electric unlocking devices require no keys to enable them to work. Usually you have to enter some type of numeric code into them to get them to work.

• Garage door keypads

Here is another electronic type locking device that we are all familiar with. It is like dialing an old type of pushbutton phone so you can activate your automatic garage door to open.