Building Hardware Resource

Each kind of lock is designed for specific application. Knowing the main features and applications of different can be a lot of help. Below is a main classification of locks.

Passage Lockset

Passage lockset is used inside the home in hallways or closets between rooms where privacy is not important. It has two non-locking knobs, one on each side of the door. Some models use levers instead of knobs.

                      passage lockset                                             privacy lockset

Privacy Lockset

This is an interior lockset designed for privacy rather than for security, usually having a locking button on the inside knob but no key device on the outside knob. It can either be a knob or a lever.

In an emergency, the lock can be opened from the outside by inserting a narrow object through the small hole in the outside knob and either depressing or turning the locking mechanism inside, depending on the type of lock.

Dummy Knob

Used only for decoration or applications that do not need a latch, dummy knob has no latching mechanism and does not turn.

The three kinds of locks above are all available in a wide variety of styles and finishes.

                               dummy knob                                   entry lockset

Entry Lockset

This is a medium security entrance-door lock with two doorknobs that can be locked from both the inside and the outside. One type locks from the inside by turning or depressing a small button, while a key must unlock the outside knob. Some models must be locked with a key on both the inside and outside. In other models, only the inside knob can lock or unlock both sides of the set.

A quality feature on entry locksets is a deadlatch.

Deadbolt Lock

Deadbolt lock provides maximum security on a door. It was called “dead” because there are no springs to operate the bolt. It is only operated manually with a key or a thumb turn from the inside.

More information about deadbolt lock can be found in another blog: Deadbolt Lock.

Surface-Mounted Deadbolt

It is squarish in shape and mounted on the surface of the inside of the door. Instead of sliding into the door frame, the bolt slides into a surface-mounted strike. The bolt may be turned with a key or a turn knob.

                      surface-mounted deadbolt                             mortise lock

Mortise Lock

Consisting of a flat, rectangular box that fits into a recess in the door from its edge, mortise lock is used on many types of doors, from heavy entrance doors to apartment buildings and residential doors. It also includes two faceplates that include the knobs and keyholes and has a pin tumbler locking mechanism in a cylinder. Latch operates from either side except when the outside knob is locked while deadbolt operates by a turn of the inside knob. A key from the outside operates both the deadbolt and latchbolt.

Mortise lock is available in right- or left-handed styles.

Night Latch

Installed on the inside surface of the door, night latch has an automatic locking feature. The large, spring loaded latch automatically locks whenever the door is closed.

It is for light security and usually used in combination with another lock.

                         night latch                                               keyless entry system

Keyless Entry System

Designed for advanced home security and convenience, they are usually audio and visual indicators confirming the lockset is activated. Anti-theft rolling code feature ensures the same code is never used twice. Some models will sound an alarm after the incorrect code has been entered more than three consecutive times. Some systems are compatible with some garage door openers so the homeowner only needs one remote control.

handleset

Handleset

It is usually an entry set that combines a lockset with a deadbolt, which is located just above the knob or handle. It can be a one- or two-piece unit and is available with both single and double cylinder deadbolts. Styles of this kind of lockset also vary widely.