Door locks and handles offer more than just a sense of style to entryways; they also secure your home and provide privacy. Over time, however, wear and tear is unavoidable. That’s why it’s essential to have a lock that will hold up to constant use and withstand a variety of elements. Here are some of the best aluminum lock door cylinder types to consider for your next replacement or renovation project.
A euro cylinder lock is one of the most common types of cylinder locks; it’s seen in both residential and commercial properties. This type of lock is easy to install, modify with extra security measures, or replace. Many of these cylinder locks are assigned a BSI Kitemark star rating to give homeowners, landlords and locksmiths peace of mind that they have been tested to high standards.
The majority of these cylinder locks feature pin tumbler technology. This works by aligning a series of pins on the inside of the cylinder with the ridges on the key. The key must have the right shape and length to be able to unlock the lock. There are various types of keys available for a standard euro cylinder lock, including dimple and symmetrical keys. Dimple keys have unique dimple characteristics that make it difficult to pick and can add extra security to your cylinder lock.
Many cylinder locks can be ‘keyed alike’ to work with a single master key. This makes it easier for landlords to manage multiple properties and their tenants. This is especially convenient for those with large houses or apartments that have a separate kitchen, living area, and bathroom. There are several advantages to using a keyed-alike system over a standard lock; it’s more cost-effective and reduces the risk of lost or stolen keys.
Padlocks are another popular type of aluminum lock door cylinder, offering an excellent level of protection in areas that you want to keep locked up. There are two main types of padlocks: keyed and combination padlocks. Keyed padlocks require a key to unlock, and combination padlocks allow you to enter a combination of letters or digits into a code. Both of these options are useful for protecting equipment, files, or cash from theft and sabotage.
Lastly, mortise locks or rim door locks are a great choice for doors that will be subject to a lot of pressure. These are often used for apartment doors, glass doors, or even large commercial doors. They’re attached inside the door frame and can secure the entire door opening by securing all of the points in the latch mechanism. These are also more difficult to open, requiring a significant amount of force to disengage.
When repairing or replacing a damaged cylinder, be sure to measure the lock hole carefully to ensure that the new lock will fit well. It’s also important to use the correct tools and follow the manufacturer’s instructions when cutting the lock hole. A poorly cut hole can weaken the door and make it more susceptible to break-ins.