Locks and Door Knob Types
What Kind of Door Knobs and Locks is Best for You
The safety of your home is always a top priority for Australians. As professional locksmiths, we are committed to the security of our clients.
Whilst everyone knows that doors locks are a home’s first security point to keep unwanted people from entering your premises. You may not know that there are different types of locks. It is good to have a clear understanding of the differences between various types of locks and door handles especially if you are in the market of deciding to buy one for your home or business’s exterior or interior doors.
A general idea of what you need the lock and doorknob for will aid your buying decision to ensure that you are getting the right handle for your requirements. Prices for doorknobs varies heaps from a low of about $30 up to $800 and even more! In most cases, you get what you pay for. Quality locksets are finely machined from high-quality steel and brass and are beautifully plated with brass, bronze, chrome, or similar finishes.
Beyond functionality, doorknobs, hinges, and similar hardware components can add significantly to a door’s beauty. Making this important locks and doorknob choice can be a bit overwhelming. Sometimes it’s best to consult the experts. Melbourne Locksmiths is always available to give you our expert advice.
We also have listed the types of locks and doorknobs to help you make your house and business as safe a possible.
Passage Lockset. Also known as Passage/Hall/Closet Doorknobs. The passage/hall/closet function is ideal for doors in hallways, closets, and other rooms where a key is not necessary. The lock is freely operational from both sides of the door at all times. Can be used between rooms where privacy is not important. Has two, non-locking knobs, one on each side of the door. Some models use levers instead of knobs. Available in a wide variety of styles and finishes.
Privacy Lockset. An interior lockset designed for privacy rather than for security.This lockset is used primarily in bathrooms and/or bedrooms, intended for the purpose its name suggests – privacy. Has a locking button on the inside knob but no key device on the outside knob. Can be either 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. Available in a wide variety of styles and finishes. 
Dummy Doorknob. Also known as inactive door handle or lever. Stylish solutions for doors where only a pull is needed. These are used when no locking or latching operation is required. Available in a wide variety of styles and finishes.
Entry Lockset. Also known as entrance door locks. A very important piece of door hardware. They need to look attractive to add beauty to your home (after all, the front door is one of the first impressions you get to make with any visitor). Entrance door locks, of course, have an even more important job to do. They keep you and your family safe and secure inside your home. Also to keep your personal belongings safe when you are out and about. 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 medium security entrance-door lock. A quality feature on entry locksets is a deadlatch.
Deadbolt Lock. Provides maximum security on a door. 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.
The bolt locks the door to the frame and helps prevent someone from prying the door open. The throw is the length the bolt is extended from the lock housing. The industry standard is a 1” throw.
Locks are designed to fit specific size holes and backsets. Backset refers to the distance between the edge of the door and the centre of the handle. A single-cylinder deadbolt is operated with a key from the outside and with a turn button on the inside. It is used mostly with solid metal or wood doors. A double-cylinder deadbolt is operated with a key on both the inside and outside. It is best used on a door with glass in or around them as the style prevents someone from breaking the glass, reaching in and unlocking the door. Double-cylinder deadbolts can pose a danger during an emergency. If the key is missing or not readily available, people could be trapped inside a locked house. In some areas, codes may not permit this style of a deadbolt.
Surface-Mounted Deadbolt. Also known as Deadlatches, Nightlatches and Deadlocks. Squarish in shape and mounted on the surface of the inside of the door. The bolt may be turned with a key or a turn knob. Instead of sliding into the door frame, the bolt slides into a surface-mounted strike.
Mortise Lock. Consists of a flat, rectangular box that fits into a recess in the door from its edge. Also includes two faceplates that include the knobs and keyholes. Available in right- or left-handed styles. Has a pin tumbler locking mechanism in a cylinder. Latch operates from either side except when the outside knob is locked. Deadbolt operates by a turn of the inside knob. A key from the outside operates both the deadbolt and latch bolt. Used on many types of doors, from heavy entrance doors to apartment buildings and residential doors.
Night Latch. Also known as night locks. Installed on the inside surface of the door. Has an automatic locking feature. The large, spring-loaded latch automatically locks whenever the door is closed. For light security and usually used in combination with another lock.
Keyless Entry System. An electronic lock that controls access to a building or vehicle without using a traditional mechanical key.For advanced home security and convenience. Audio and visual indicators confirm the lockset is activated. Audio and visual indicators confirm the lockset is activated. Some models will sound an alarm after the incorrect code has been entered more than three consecutive times. Anti-theft rolling code feature ensures the same code is never used twice. Some systems are compatible with some garage door openers so the homeowner only needs one remote.
Handleset. dress up your front door and are available in various finishes to coordinate with our other door hardware. Usually, an entry set that combines a lockset with a deadbolt, the deadbolt is located just above the knob or handle. Can be a one- or two-piece unit. Available with both single- and double-cylinder deadbolts. Styles of locksets also will vary widely. Available in a variety of styles and finishes.
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