The Three Lock Cylinder Options

When the time for commercial or residential lock change comes, you have to make a number of important decisions as the property owner. You would want to get the highest possible level of security without making compromises with the safety and convenience of the people with authorized access. One of the major decisions that you need to take has to do with the type of cylinder which the new lock will have. All mechanical locksets from the spring bolt to the deadbolt ones use one of three types of cylinder designs. Find out more about them and how they compare.

Selection Based on Detailed Comparison

The door locks with a single cylinder can be locked and unlocked only from one side. They are usually used for the interior doors and more specifically for the bathroom and master bedroom doors. In these cases, they are locked from the inside for maximum privacy. These locks offer a fairly low level of security when they are used for exterior doors. This is because in this case they can be operated only from the outside. When you are inside the house, you will not be able to lock the door.

The double cylinder locks can be operated with a key from both sides. This enables you to get exterior doors locked when you are at home for maximum security. At the same time, in case of an emergency the locked door can act as a barrier preventing the quick exit from the building. This is because you will be able to get outside only if you use the key. That is why it is recommended to keep the key near the door or inside the door lockset. Additionally, you must operate the key carefully even when you are in a hurry to avoid breakage and the need for key replacement.

The third option is a double cylinder with a thumb turn on one side. In this way, you can lock the door from the outside using the key. When you are inside, you simply need to use the thumb turn to lock the door and make it more secure. In case of an emergency, you will be able to get outside safely without the need to use a key. This lock replacement option has optimal balance between security and safety. Another benefit is that the thumb turn is easy to operate even by children and the elderly who often stay at home and require a higher level of protection.

Finally, no matter which cylinder option you select, you need to ensure that the locking device which you purchase will be of high quality. It must be made from a strong metal and have a secure pin system preferably with six pins.