Kinds of Deadbolts

Install a single-cylinder deadbolt on solid, windowless doors. Single-cylinder deadbolts require key entry on the outside and have a rotating twist knob on the inside to operate the bolt mechanism. Because an intruder could conceivably reach the knob and open the door by breaking nearby glass, single-cylinder deadbolts should not be installed on doors with windows or within 40 inches of windows.

Consider double-cylinder deadbolts for doors in proximity to windows. Double-cylinder mechanisms require a key for both outside and inside operation. This offers protection from attempts to reach through a broken window to operate the bolt. One drawback to the double cylinder design is the need to use a key to get out the door if quick evacuation is necessary during a fire. Some local fire codes prohibit double-cylinder deadbolts on new construction.

Protect against prying entry by installing interlocking vertical deadbolts. Encased in metal and mounted on the surface of the inside of the door, vertical deadbolts feature an external keyway and a rotating twist knob inside the door. The design offers a bolt which moves up and down to interlock with the striker mounted on the doorframe. Vertical deadbolts lock automatically when the door closes and are considered to be more resistant to the horizontal forces applied by an intruder attempting to pry the door open.

Install a keyless deadbolt and stop worrying about getting locked out due to a misplaced key. These locks require no keys. They are opened when a code entered on a mechanical or electronic keypad actuates a horizontal deadbolt. The code can be reprogrammed as security needs change. Traditional methods of defeating a keyed lock, such as picking or drilling out the cylinder, are ineffective with a keyless design. Another advantage of keyless deadbolts is improved accessibility for the elderly or disabled who may have difficulty managing a key.