Deadbolts

Deadbolt door locks are fitted to outside property doors to add extra protection. They are different from nightlatch door locks in that they do not contain a spring to activate the opening mechanism. This means that the lock cannot be forced by applying a sudden huge amount of force causing the lock to spring open. They are a keyed lock with either one or two revolving cylinders. The amount of cylinders depends if you would like the door to have a handle on one side or to have locks on both sides. Although having a lock on both sides increases security it provides a health and safety risk because the door will not open without a key.

For optimum security many properties employ both a deadbolt and spring-bolt lock. Due to the impenetrability of the deadlock, it is often only used for external doors as a method of securing it overnight. The spring-bolt or night latch system is designed to be a far quicker method for gaining access and so is a far more practical device for doors in constant use or where there is a high danger risk and subsequently a greater need to escape quickly. Multi-purpose mortice locks are particularly popular when it comes to a safe solution for home security; offering the flexibility of a spring-bolt with the added optional dead-bolt integrated, it helps to ensure your property’s security.

A variation of the deadbolt can often be found in door locks for bathrooms. The simple sliding lock can either be contained internally within the door structure, or externally visible, using a simple bar or latch to support the bolt. In public toilets they often feature a symbol to indicate whether the stall is vacant or not, which again is integrated with the simple sliding deadbolt. These are cost-effective, safe and quick locking mechanisms used throughout the world, and which ably demonstrate – albeit in a highly rudimentary form – the way in which the deadlock works, even in far more complex systems.

Some deadbolts can be accessed both internally and externally, something that is particularly useful for primary residential and commercial doors. However, there are those that are only accessible from one side, perhaps used for a store cupboard or another situation where there is a single point of entry only. This provides added security for items held under lock and key, ensuring that nothing can be removed without the primary keyholder being aware.

Historically speaking the deadbolt has always been a key security feature for buildings of all statures. The solid strength provided by a physical bolt, moved only by the turning of a key (or a latch in some cases) provides a sturdy deterrent to intruders. Penetrable only by severe brute force and not the jimmying and prying that spring-loaded locking devices are susceptible to, in its simplest form the deadbolt is an extremely uncomplicated and safe mechanism. Whether as a standalone lock, or as part of a more complete integrated system with a night latch.