Locksmith Hillsboro: Lock and Key Types
There are many different kinds of locks and keys. People are often surprised at just how many options they have. Locksmith Hillsboro serves Hillsboro, OR and makes sure that locals have full awareness of what their options are. We try to make things make sense so that customers can choose the best option for them. If you have a child starting school who might need a lock for their locker, you might consider a padlock. If you own a home that you believe could benefit from extra security, then you might want to look into deadbolts. There are so many different options, and here, you will find them explained. We also go into detail about the various types of keys out there – from electronic keys to skeleton keys. Read on for all of the information you need! Any questions can be directed to your local locksmith.
Different Lock Types
Padlocks
These locks are not attached to something permanently, so they can be moved around. There are many different size options available and they are very simple to recognize. You can get keyed padlocks or combination padlocks. You might find combination padlocks on a school locker, for example. This will open the lock when the combination is correctly entered. You can also have a padlock that is key retaining, which won’t let the key come out if they padlock is open. Non-key retaining lock is the opposite.
Furniture Locks
Furniture locks can be installed on desks, cabinets or even sliding doors. They tend to come in either push button style or bolt style. Push button style furniture locks will come with a rod that comes out from the back of the lock. Bolt style locks, on the other hand, will have flat metal that comes out of the side of the lock. You tend to have the ability to install furniture locks on existing hardware.
Knob Locks
Knob locks tend to be used along with deadbolts. You’ll find them most frequently at residential properties.
Deadbolts
Deadbolts tend to be installed on doors that open to the outside, so you won’t find a deadbolt on a bathroom or closet door, but you will find that they are installed on front entry way doors. There are single deadbolts, double deadbolts and lockable thumb turn deadbolts. Single cylinder deadbolts are very common when it comes to homes in the United States. They work by using a key cylinder on the outside. A double cylinder deadbolt, on the other hand, uses a key cylinder on the outside and the inside of the door. One problem that people have with them is that during an emergency, a double cylinder deadbolt can make it difficult to get out fast. A lockable thumb turn has a thumb turn on the inside. When people are inside a home, that thumb turn can be set in an unlocked position.
Lever Handle Locks
These are found most frequently in commercial properties on inner doors. They use a big push down style handle instead of a knob. Lever locks are common when handicap accessibility is required.
Now that you know a bit about some of the different types of locks available, let’s go over some of the different kinds of keys!
Different Key Types
You have a lot of options when it comes to keys. From skeleton keys to electronic keys, there is never a shortage of options.
Transponder Key
A transponder key is sometimes referred to as a chip key. But in a nutshell, this is a key (electronic) which was created for cars. It’s activated when a signal or code is sent from the vehicle when the key is inserted into the ignition cylinder. A key like this makes stealing a vehicle very difficult. It’s also challenging to copy or program!
Double-sided Key
These types of keys are used on home locks. A double sided key will have two sets of teeth. This makes the lock harder to pick. A four-sided key will have four sets of teeth.
Key Card
Key cards are commonly found at hotels. You’ll be given a card that is programmed to your specific room, and inserting it into the slot on the door or scanning it will allow the door to open.
Abloy Key
This type of key is nearly impossible, if not completely impossible, to pick. You’ll find it on a disc tumbler lock. Where is this type of key popular? Finland!
Skeleton Key
A skeleton key is sometimes called a “pass key” – basically, it uses a single toothed end and a cylindrical shaft. The type of lock it is meant to be used on is a warded lock, but since these locks are not used anymore, “skeleton key” can basically mean a key that is able to open any lock of a specific kind.
Clearly there are many different kinds of locks and keys in existence today. If you have a key that you no longer use, you can always get creative with it and use it for crafting. It isn’t uncommon today to see keys that are vintage in style being used at wedding reception sites, for example.
Locksmith Hillsboro serves Hillsboro, Oregon and the surrounding area and makes sure that locals have full awareness of what their options are when it comes to the different lock and key types. If you happen to be in our area of service, be sure to reach out to us with any questions. We provide consultations totally free of charge so that you can get all of the information you are looking for. If you aren’t in this area, then a quick search for a locksmith in your city should pull someone up who is able to answer all of your questions. Remember, these are just some of the lock and key types which are available – there are just too many to list! You are sure to find just what you are looking for. You’ll find the perfect fit for your needs!