5 Different Types of Door Locks

A door lock is a physical security mechanism that controls access to buildings and rooms while restricting entry to unauthorised individuals. When you think about it, door locks are really just barriers that need specific methods to open them, whether that's keys, codes, or even your smartphone.

We classify lock types based on how they actually work. Some are mechanical systems that rely on physical keys and moving parts you can see and hear. Others are electronic systems that use electrical circuits and keypads to function. Then there are smart systems that connect to your home's wireless network and work with smartphone apps.

We also think about where these locks get used most. You've got residential locks for homes and apartments, commercial locks for offices and shops, and industrial locks for warehouses and big manufacturing buildings. Each situation needs something different.

Here are the five main types of door locks you'll come across:

• Deadbolt locks: These use solid metal bolts that slide deep into your door frame for serious security. 
• Mortise locks: These fit into a pocket cut right into the door edge and give you multiple locking points. 
• Knob locks: These put the locking mechanism right inside the door handle itself for easy everyday use. 
• Smart locks: These work with your phone or keypad so you don't need to fumble around for keys. 
• Lever locks: These use horizontal handles that are much easier to operate than round knobs

Each type works best in different situations, and choosing the right one depends on where you're installing it and how much security you actually need.

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1. Deadbolt Locks

A deadbolt lock is basically the tough guy of door locks. It uses a thick, solid metal bolt that slides deep into your door frame to keep intruders out. What makes deadbolts different from regular door handle locks is that the bolt doesn't have any springs. It just sits there, locked in place, until you deliberately turn a key or thumb turn to move it. That's why burglars hate these things.

Here's how they work. When you turn your key from outside or twist the thumb turn from inside, you're moving a chunky metal bolt that extends about 25mm into your door frame. This bolt sits snugly in a strike plate that's screwed into the frame. Once that bolt is out there, your door becomes really hard to kick in or pry open. It's like having a metal bar holding your door shut.

We usually put deadbolts on the solid doors where they'll actually do some good. Think wooden front doors, steel entry doors, or those composite doors that look like wood but are reinforced inside. They work best on exterior doors where you've got a strong door frame to anchor into. Most of the time, you'll see them on front doors, back doors, or any entrance where keeping people out really matters. Installing one means drilling some precise holes, but it's worth the effort.

The materials matter quite a bit with deadbolts. The actual bolt is made from hardened steel because it needs to resist someone trying to cut or drill through it. The cylinder where you put your key is usually brass or zinc alloy, which doesn't rust easily and is tough to tamper with. All the little internal bits like springs and pins are stainless steel. For the outside appearance, most people go with satin nickel because it looks clean and doesn't show fingerprints, oil-rubbed bronze for that classic look, polished brass if you want traditional style, or matte black for modern homes.

You'll find deadbolts on residential front doors where families want serious security, apartment building entrances, and commercial buildings where controlling who gets in is important. We put them on side doors, back doors that lead to gardens, basement entrances, and basically anywhere you don't want unexpected visitors. They're the go-to choice when you want people to know you're serious about security.

A good deadbolt typically lasts 10 to 15 years, though this depends on what it's made from and how much use it gets. If you buy quality brass and steel deadbolts for your home and take care of them, they can easily run 20 years. Commercial places where tons of people use them every day might need replacements after 8 to 12 years. Weather, proper installation, and the occasional squirt of lubricant make a huge difference in how long they'll serve you well.

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2. Mortise Locks

A mortise lock is like the premium version of door security. Instead of just bolting onto the surface of your door, this lock system fits into a rectangular pocket that's cut right into the door's edge. It's basically a complete security centre that combines multiple locking mechanisms all working together from inside your door. Think of it as getting several different locks in one sophisticated package.

The way these work is pretty clever. When you turn your key from outside or use the controls inside, you're not just moving one bolt. You're operating a whole system of bolts and latches that work together. There's usually a deadbolt that slides into the frame for security, a latch bolt that retracts when you want to open the door, and sometimes even a night latch that lets you lock the door so it only opens from inside. All these parts coordinate from within that rectangular case that sits inside your door.

We install mortise locks on doors that are thick and strong enough to handle having a big rectangular hole cut into them. These work best on solid wood doors, heavy steel commercial doors, and reinforced entry doors where there's enough material to support the lock case. You'll often see them on older buildings with character, high-end homes where people want the best security, and commercial spaces that need to handle lots of traffic. Installing one requires cutting that precise rectangular pocket, which takes some skill and proper tools.

The materials in mortise locks are typically top-shelf stuff because these locks need to handle more complexity and stress. The main lock case is usually solid brass or heavy-duty steel that won't bend or break under pressure. All the internal mechanisms use hardened steel components designed to work smoothly through thousands of operations. The bolts themselves are hardened steel, and the springs are high-tensile steel built to last. You'll commonly see finishes like satin nickel for contemporary spaces, oil-rubbed bronze for traditional buildings, polished brass for classic appeal, and antique copper for heritage properties.

You'll find mortise locks on high-security residential front doors where homeowners want maximum protection, commercial building entrances that see heavy daily use, institutional buildings like schools and hospitals where durability matters, and historic properties where the lock needs to match the building's era. We also put them on office doors, hotel rooms, and anywhere having multiple locking points gives better security than a simple deadbolt.

These locks typically last 15 to 25 years, depending on how well they're made and how much use they get. Commercial installations where hundreds of people use them daily might need some attention after 10 to 15 years, though the main lock case often keeps going much longer. Home mortise locks with normal family use can work effectively for 20 to 30 years. Yes, there are more moving parts that can wear out, but quality mortise locks are engineered to handle that complexity and actually outlast simpler lock types.

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3. Knob Locks

A knob lock is probably the most familiar type of door lock you'll encounter. It's the classic round door handle with a lock built right into it. You know the type when you grab the knob, turn it to open the door, and there's usually a little button or turn mechanism to lock it from the inside. These are the workhorses of interior doors and the locks most of us learned to use as kids.

The way they work is pretty simple. There's a spring-loaded latch bolt that automatically shoots out when you close the door, keeping it shut. When you want to lock the door, you either use a key from outside or press a button or turn a little mechanism on the inside knob. This stops the outside handle from turning, but the inside knob still works so you can always get out. It's basic but effective for everyday privacy needs.

We usually put knob locks on interior doors where you want some privacy but don't need Fort Knox security. They're perfect for doors that are standard thickness, around 35mm to 45mm. You'll see them everywhere like in bedroom doors, bathroom doors, closets, and office doors inside buildings. For front doors and other exterior entrances, we typically pair them with deadbolts because knob locks alone won't stop someone who really wants to get in. Installation is straightforward with some drilling through the door face and edge.

The quality of materials really varies with knob locks depending on what you're willing to spend. The good ones use solid brass that'll last forever and won't corrode. Cheaper versions use zinc alloy, which is fine for interior doors but might not hold up great if exposed to weather. Inside, you've got spring-loaded parts that do the actual work, pin tumblers in the key cylinder, and hardened steel for the latch bolt. For looks, you can get polished brass for traditional homes, satin chrome for modern spaces, antique bronze for character, or brushed nickel for contemporary style.

You'll find knob locks all over residential homes for bedrooms and bathrooms where privacy matters, in office buildings for individual rooms where you just need basic access control, and as secondary security on exterior doors when paired with deadbolts. We also put them on closets, utility rooms, and interior commercial spaces where controlling access is useful but high security isn't the main goal. They're ideal when convenience and privacy are more important than keeping out determined intruders.

Most knob locks will serve you well for 7 to 12 years, depending on how much action they see. In homes with normal family use, they can easily last 10 to 15 years before needing replacement. High-traffic commercial spots might wear them out in 5 to 8 years because constant use puts stress on those springs and internal parts. Usually the spring mechanism or pin tumblers are the first things to give up, especially when dozens of people are using them daily.

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4. Smart Locks

A smart lock is what happens when traditional door locks meet modern technology. Instead of digging through your pockets for keys, you use your smartphone, punch in a code, wave a card, or even use your fingerprint to get in. These locks connect to your home's Wi-Fi or use Bluetooth to talk to your devices, making them perfect for anyone who's constantly losing keys or wants to control their door from anywhere.

The actual locking part still works with a physical deadbolt or latch that secures your door, but now an electric motor or solenoid does the heavy lifting instead of you turning a key. When you use your phone app, enter the right code, or show your approved credentials, the smart lock checks that you're allowed in and then fires up the motor to unlock the door. Most of them keep detailed logs too, so you can see exactly who's been coming and going and when.

We can install smart locks on basically any door where you'd normally put a deadbolt. They work great on wooden doors, steel doors, and composite doors, and most can fit right into existing deadbolt holes without major construction work. You'll see them on front doors, apartment entrances, office spaces, and rental properties where being able to manage access remotely is a huge convenience. Installation means mounting the electronic bits, programming everything, and getting it connected to your network.

Smart locks blend old-school lock materials with cutting-edge electronics. The bolt mechanism is still that trusty hardened steel for security, but now it's surrounded by reinforced plastic or metal housing to protect all the electronic components from rain and weather. Inside you've got lithium batteries for power, encrypted circuit boards for security, and weatherproof seals to keep moisture from frying everything. Many have touchscreen interfaces made from tough tempered glass or metal keypads. We always suggest getting models with backup key access just in case the electronics decide to take a day off.

You'll find smart locks on family homes where everyone wants keyless convenience, rental properties where managers need to create temporary access codes for guests, office buildings that want to track employee access, and vacation rentals where guests need to check in without meeting anyone face to face. We also install them on storage units, garages, and anywhere being able to control access remotely makes life easier. They're perfect when you want modern convenience without giving up real security.

Smart locks typically last 5 to 10 years, though this depends more on how well the electronics hold up than how often you use them. You'll need to swap out the batteries every 6 to 18 months depending on how busy your door is and which features you use most. The electronic components might need updates or replacement after 3 to 7 years as technology keeps advancing and new security standards come out. The mechanical deadbolt part can keep working for 8 to 12 years with basic maintenance, just like any traditional lock.

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5. Lever Locks

A lever lock is basically what you get when someone realises that round door knobs aren't always the most practical design. Instead of twisting a knob, you've got a horizontal handle that you just push down to open the door. The locking mechanism works the same way as knob locks, but the lever design makes everything easier to operate. You can open these doors with your elbow when your hands are full, which is why you see them everywhere in commercial buildings.

The mechanics are pretty similar to knob locks but with better ergonomics. You've still got that spring-loaded latch bolt that keeps the door closed, but the lever gives you way more leverage when you're operating it. Locking works the same way too as key from outside, thumb turn or button from inside. The locking mechanism stops the outside lever from working while keeping the inside lever functional so you can always get out. The big advantage is that pushing down on a lever takes much less effort than gripping and turning a round knob.

We put lever locks on all kinds of doors, but they're especially popular in commercial settings and anywhere accessibility is important. They work on doors from 35mm to 50mm thick and are perfect for office buildings, hospitals, schools, and any place where lots of different people use the doors regularly. For homes, they're great when someone in the family has arthritis or mobility issues, or when you just want that solid commercial feel. Installation is pretty much the same as knob locks with drilling through the door face and edge.

Lever locks are usually built tougher than regular knob locks because they're designed to handle more abuse. The good ones use solid stainless steel for the lever mechanism since it has to take more stress from all that pushing and pulling. Internal parts are typically hardened steel, and the cylinder housing is brass or zinc alloy to resist corrosion. The spring system uses heavy-duty springs designed to bounce back smoothly through thousands of operations. You'll see finishes like satin stainless steel in modern commercial spaces, polished chrome for clean professional looks, oil-rubbed bronze in traditional buildings, and various powder-coated colours to match specific design needs.

You'll find lever locks all over office buildings where people need to get through doors quickly, healthcare facilities where staff might have their hands full, schools with hundreds of students using doors daily, and homes where easier operation matters. We also put them on fire doors where quick exit is important, emergency exits that need to work smoothly under pressure, and anywhere that has to meet accessibility codes. They're the obvious choice when you want knob lock functionality but with easier operation and usually better durability.

Most lever locks will give you 8 to 15 years of good service, depending on how much action they see and where they're installed. Commercial places where hundreds of people use them every day might need some attention after 6 to 10 years because all that lever pushing puts stress on the springs and pivot points. Home lever locks with normal family use can easily last 12 to 18 years before needing replacement. Usually it's the lever mechanism itself or the return springs that wear out first, especially in busy commercial situations.

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How to Choose the Type of Door Locks to Install?

To choose the right door lock, you need to think about what you're actually trying to accomplish and what constraints you're working with. It's not just about picking the fanciest lock, it's about finding the one that makes the most sense for your specific situation.

Security level is probably the biggest factor to consider. Your front door needs serious protection, so you're looking at deadbolts or mortise locks that can actually stop someone who wants to get in. Interior doors like bedrooms and bathrooms just need privacy, so knob locks or lever locks do the job perfectly well without breaking the budget. If you're in a commercial building or high-crime area, you might need to step up to heavy-duty options that can handle tampering attempts.

What kind of door you've got really limits your options. Solid wood doors and steel doors can handle the big mortise locks or heavy deadbolts without problems. Those hollow core interior doors you find in many homes can only support lighter locks like knobs or levers, try to put a massive mortise lock on one and you'll just damage the door. You also need to measure your door thickness because some locks only work within specific ranges.

How much use the door gets makes a huge difference in what you should buy. If it's a commercial entrance where hundreds of people pass through daily, you need heavy-duty lever locks or mortise locks built for that kind of punishment. A bedroom door that gets used a few times a day can work fine with a basic knob lock. Rental properties are interesting because smart locks might actually save you money by eliminating the need to change locks between tenants.

Who's using the door matters more than you might think. Lever locks are much easier for people with arthritis or limited hand strength compared to round knobs that require gripping and twisting. Smart locks eliminate the fumbling around with keys that can be difficult for some people. If you've got kids, elderly family members, or anyone with mobility issues, these accessibility factors become really important.

Your budget and how much maintenance you want to deal with will guide your decision too. Smart locks cost more upfront and you'll be changing batteries every year or so, but many people find the convenience worth it. Traditional mechanical locks cost less initially and basically maintain themselves, but you're stuck with physical keys and the occasional lockout situation.

Environmental stuff like weather, humidity, and the security situation in your neighbourhood should influence your choices. If you're near the ocean, you need finishes that won't corrode in salty air. High-crime areas might justify spending extra on maximum security features even for residential applications. Extreme weather conditions can affect electronic locks more than mechanical ones.

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What is the best lock for a front Door?

A front door lock is basically your home's bouncer. It's the security mechanism that stands between your family and anyone who shouldn't be there. Unlike the privacy locks you put on bedroom doors, front door locks need to be tough enough to resist someone really trying to get in, whether they're kicking, prying, or using tools. They also have to work reliably through Sydney's weather changes and daily use.

When it comes to front doors, you've got three main options that actually provide real security. Deadbolt locks give you that solid metal bolt that slides deep into your door frame, making your door really hard to force open. Smart locks offer the same bolt strength but let you control everything from your phone and skip the key fumbling. Mortise locks are the premium option with multiple locking points, but they're more complex and expensive.

For most people, a good deadbolt lock is your best bet when security is the main priority. These things use a thick metal bolt that extends way into your door frame, so even if someone tries to kick your door in, they're fighting against solid steel. The simple mechanical design means there's less stuff that can break, and they keep working even when the power goes out or your Wi-Fi is down.

Smart locks become the better choice when you want serious security plus modern convenience. This makes sense for busy families who are always losing keys, people who travel frequently and want to check their door from anywhere, or rental property owners who need to give temporary access without meeting tenants. Today's smart locks have the same bolt strength as traditional deadbolts but add features like seeing who's been at your door and controlling access remotely.

Mortise locks are the top-tier option for people who want maximum security and don't mind paying for it. These give you multiple locking points and are incredibly difficult to defeat, but they need professional installation and work best on solid, thick doors. Think high-end homes, security-conscious families, or properties in areas where break-ins are a real concern.

The big things to consider are what kind of door you actually have since some locks only work with certain door materials and thicknesses, how your family lives where convenience features might be worth more than traditional approaches, what's happening in your neighbourhood since higher crime areas might justify spending more on premium security, and how comfortable you are with technology because smart locks need occasional battery changes and updates that mechanical locks never require.

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What is the best lock door material for a front door in Sydney?

UPVC doors are your best bet for most Sydney homes because they give you solid security, handle our weather beautifully, and save money on energy bills without breaking your budget. They won't warp when it gets hot, crack during those occasional cold snaps, or fade in our intense sun. Plus they work perfectly with any deadbolt or smart lock system you want to install.

Go with solid wood doors if you've got a heritage home or want that premium look where appearance matters as much as keeping people out. They provide excellent security when built properly, but you'll need to stay on top of maintenance in Sydney's climate with regular staining or painting to keep them looking good and functioning properly.

Choose aluminium doors for modern homes or if you're near the coast where salty air can mess with other materials over time. They're incredibly durable and basically maintain themselves, but they cost more and might look out of place on traditional-style homes.

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What is the best lock for a UPVC door?

UPVC doors are basically plastic doors with steel reinforcement inside that have become really popular in Australian homes because they're tough, energy efficient, and don't need much maintenance. The thing about these doors is they come with pre-cut slots and mounting points for specific types of locks, which means you can't just slap any old lock on them like you might with a wooden door. The plastic material won't let you cut big holes for things like mortise locks, so you're pretty much stuck with whatever mounting points the manufacturer included.

Euro-cylinder locks are your go-to option for most UPVC doors because they're literally designed to slide right into the standard cylinder holes that come pre-drilled in these doors. The actual lock mechanism sits in a metal housing in the door frame, and you just push the cylinder in and secure it with one screw. They give you decent security without breaking the bank, and if something goes wrong, they're cheap and easy to replace. Multi-point locking systems are usually your best bet for serious security because when you lift the handle, they engage locking points all the way up and down the door instead of just in one spot. This spreads the force around and makes it really hard for someone to force the door open, plus it takes advantage of the full strength of your UPVC door. Smart locks can work really well on UPVC doors as long as you pick ones made specifically for euro-cylinder holes, so you get all that keyless convenience without having to modify your door structure.

Installing locks on UPVC doors is usually pretty straightforward because everything's designed to fit the standard holes and mounting points that are already there. You don't need to cut new holes or mess with the door's weather sealing, which keeps costs down and prevents problems later. The downside is you're really limited in what you can retrofit since you can't cut large pockets into the plastic material like you could with wood. Basically, you're working with euro-cylinder systems and whatever mounting points came with your door, but honestly, that still gives you plenty of good security choices.

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What is the best lock for a wood door?

Wood doors are still the classic choice for Australian homes because they're incredibly versatile when it comes to security options. You can cut, drill, and modify them to accept pretty much any lock system you want, from basic privacy locks to complex high-security systems. Solid wood doors are particularly great because they're strong enough to support heavy-duty locking mechanisms, and even hollow-core wood doors can handle most residential locks without problems. The big advantage is that wood lets you be really precise with your cutting and drilling.

Single-cylinder deadbolts are usually where most people start with wood doors because they give you excellent security without getting too complicated to install or maintain. Solid wood handles the stress of the bolt mechanism beautifully, and you can upgrade to high-security cylinders that resist picking and drilling if you want extra protection. Mortise locks are the premium choice for wood doors because you can actually cut that big rectangular pocket into solid wood without weakening the door, giving you multiple locking points and maximum security all in one system. Smart locks work fantastic on wood doors because you can modify the door however you need to fit different mounting requirements, and the solid material gives you stable mounting for all those electronic components.

The great thing about wood doors is you can install basically any lock type by cutting and drilling as needed, they're strong enough to support heavy-duty mechanisms, and they look good with most home styles. The downsides include more complex installation that usually needs professional cutting, the wood expanding and contracting with weather changes which can throw off your lock alignment, and needing regular maintenance to keep both the door and locks working smoothly. Wood doors also need proper sealing and finishing to prevent moisture from getting in and messing with your lock operation over time.

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What is the best lock for an aluminium door?

Aluminium doors are all about being lightweight while staying strong. They're built with hollow metal frames or thin-walled sections that keep the weight down but still give you solid structural strength. You'll see them everywhere in modern Australian homes and commercial buildings because they're tough as nails, won't rust even near the ocean, and basically take care of themselves. The catch is that lightweight construction means you're working with slim profiles and not much material thickness, which really limits what kinds of locks you can actually fit.

Mortise locks with latchbolts can work on aluminium doors if there's enough meat in the door frame to cut that rectangular pocket, though you'll need to find compact mortise systems made for skinnier door profiles. Hook bolt systems are usually your best bet because they're designed specifically for the narrow spaces and limited thickness you get with aluminium doors, and that hook mechanism grabs into the frame in a way that's really hard to force open. Smart locks can be perfect for aluminium doors when you pick models designed for narrow profiles, since many electronic systems are actually more compact than bulky traditional locks and can squeeze into spaces where big mortise locks just won't fit.

The big thing with aluminium doors is dealing with those slim profiles and narrow backsets. The backset is basically how far the lock sits from the edge of the door, and aluminium doors usually have 35mm or less compared to the 60mm or 70mm you get with thick wooden doors. This really narrows down your choices to locks specifically made for these tight dimensions. The hollow construction also means you need locks that don't require tons of solid material for mounting, which is why hook bolts and compact electronic locks often work way better than heavy traditional mortise systems.

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What is the best door lock brand in Australia?

When you're shopping for locks in Australia, you want brands that actually understand our conditions and have proven they can handle everything from tropical humidity to desert heat while meeting our safety standards. Lockwood is probably the name most Australians recognise since they've been making locks here for decades, covering everything from basic home deadbolts to serious commercial security systems that tick all the boxes for Australian Standards AS4145. Gainsborough is another solid Australian choice that's built a great reputation in residential locks and really knows how to make stuff that's easy for regular people to install on different types of doors. Whitco is your go-to for aluminium door hardware since they specialise in window and door systems and make locks specifically designed for those slim profiles and tight spaces you get with modern Australian homes. Carbine focuses on the premium end with high-security stuff for commercial applications, and their products often go way beyond minimum requirements if you want serious protection. Lane covers both residential and commercial really well with a full range that includes old-school mechanical locks and modern smart systems, all designed to handle our crazy weather and security needs. These brands have earned their stripes by consistently delivering quality products, having local support when you need help, and making locks that are actually tested and approved for Australian conditions rather than just importing stuff that might not work properly in our climate.

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What are the different types of door locks for commercial properties?

Commercial properties need security systems that can handle way more abuse than anything you'd put on your house while managing access for dozens or hundreds of different people every day. You're not just keeping burglars out, you're dealing with fire safety rules, making sure disabled people can get through doors easily, and managing who's allowed where without creating a nightmare of key management.

Mortise locks are basically the workhorses of commercial security because they pack multiple locking mechanisms into one tough unit that can handle thousands of people using them daily. These typically combine a deadbolt for security with a latch bolt for regular operation, all sitting in a heavy-duty case that goes right into the door edge. The commercial versions often have smart features like automatically retracting the deadbolt when you operate the inside handle, which helps buildings meet fire code requirements.

Push bars or panic bars are absolutely essential for emergency exits where people need to get out fast during fires or other emergencies. These horizontal bars run across the door and unlock everything when you push them, so anyone can escape immediately without hunting for keys or trying to figure out handles. Fire codes require them on emergency exits, and they have to work instantly even when people are panicking or can't see clearly.

Keypad locks make life so much easier for offices and employee areas where you need to control access without dealing with hundreds of physical keys that people lose or copy. These electronic systems use number codes that you can change whenever you want and set up with different access levels for different staff. They're perfect for businesses that need to track who's coming and going or give temporary access to contractors and cleaning crews.

Magnetic or electric strike locks work with those buzzer systems you see everywhere in office buildings and retail stores where the receptionist can unlock the door remotely. The electric strike replaces the normal strike plate in your door frame and can be activated from inside when someone buzzes or uses an authorised card or code. It's great for controlling access while still letting staff work normally.

Access control systems with ID cards or fingerprint scanners are the premium option for businesses that need serious security and detailed records of who went where and when. These systems can track exactly which employee entered which area at what time, give different people different access levels, and connect with alarm systems and security cameras. Card readers work with those proximity cards or key fobs everyone carries, while biometric systems use fingerprints or even face recognition for maximum security.

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How does commercial door locks differ from residential door locks?

The biggest difference is just how much punishment commercial locks have to take compared to residential ones. Your front door at home might get used a dozen times a day, but an office building entrance could see hundreds of people going through every single day. Commercial locks are built and tested to handle 100,000 to 500,000 operations, while residential locks are usually only tested for maybe 10,000 cycles. Put a residential lock on a busy commercial door and it'll be broken within months.

Everything about commercial locks is just tougher and more heavy-duty. The steel components are thicker, the springs are designed for constant use instead of occasional use, the mounting hardware won't work loose after thousands of door slams, and the strike plates can handle doors closing hundreds of times daily without getting beaten up. Even the key cylinders use harder metals and more durable pin systems because they're getting keys shoved into them and turned constantly all day long.

The physical hardware is way more robust too. Commercial strike plates are much bigger and use longer screws that go deep into the building structure, door reinforcement plates spread the stress across wider areas so things don't crack or break, and the hinges are heavy-duty models that can support doors getting slammed constantly. The locks themselves are usually bigger and heavier than home versions because they need all those stronger parts inside.

Then there are all the compliance requirements that make commercial locks completely different from residential ones. Fire codes require specific types of locks on emergency exits, panic hardware that lets people escape immediately, and systems that automatically unlock when fire alarms go off. Accessibility rules mean commercial locks have to work with limited strength and coordination, which is why you see lever handles instead of knobs everywhere. Security standards are typically much higher too, requiring locks that can resist professional picking attempts, drilling attacks, and forced entry techniques that go way beyond what residential locks need to handle.

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How does Lost Key Locksmith can help you in choosing the type of door lock?

Lost key locksmith take all the confusion out of picking the right locks by offering comprehensive selection services that actually match your specific situation instead of just selling you the most expensive option. Our locksmith provides professional product selection based on what kind of property you have, how much security you actually need, and what you can realistically afford. We handle complete installation for everything from basic home deadbolts to complex commercial systems with multiple access levels. Plus we do thorough assessments where we look at your current setup and spot security weak points you might not have noticed.

Our locksmith expertise covers pretty much everything you could need. For homes and apartments, we help families figure out whether they want deadbolts, smart locks, or privacy locks based on how they actually live and what makes sense for their daily routines. On the commercial side, we design and install complete security systems including those heavy-duty mortise locks, panic hardware for emergency exits, keypad systems for employee access, and full access control solutions that meet all the fire codes and accessibility requirements. We're also really good with smart lock technology, helping both homeowners and businesses integrate modern convenience with solid security while making sure everything actually works reliably.

The thing that sets us apart is our on-site security audit where we actually come to your property and look at your specific situation before recommending anything. We also do phone consultations where you can describe what you're dealing with and get expert advice on the best options for your budget. This way you get locks that actually fit your doors properly, provide the security level you need, and keep working reliably for years instead of causing problems.

Ready to get the right security setup for your property? Give us a call at 0482095238 or shoot us an email at info@lostkeylocksmiths.com.au for expert advice and professional installation. Check out www.lostkeylocksmiths.com.au to see everything we offer, and remember we come out with our $0 call-out fee so you know exactly what you're dealing with before spending any money.

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