Security door locks: a must for all businesses

Doors without security locks are a thing of the past. According to Justen Radich of Cyclone Security Screens and Doors in North Brisbane, even simple ‘do it yourself’ locks are not enough to provide adequate security for your premises.

“Having a quality security locking system correctly installed by a professional is one of the few cost-effective technical deterrents for would-be thieves,” he says.

Choosing the right security lock

But deciding on the most appropriate security locks for your property is not always easy. You need to know as much about the structure and strength of doors and door and window surrounds as you do about the security locking systems themselves. Justen says providing the right advice is the other important role of professional security lock installers.

“Don’t just decide on a security locking system and tell them it’s the one you want. Locks have evolved from being opened by a simple turn of a key to being unlocked via combination keypads or swipe cards, so the choice of systems is varied and the technology behind them can be extremely sophisticated.

“Make sure you engage a reputable installer and ask them what they think the right security locking options are for your place. While good providers will describe each system and its use in clear and simple terms, it definitely doesn’t hurt to have an overall understanding of what’s what before you start.”

Cam security lock

The cam lock is the most common and simplest security lock for doors, cabinets, drawers and lockers. Invented in 1985 by Volker Guelck, it comprises a cam – a metal plate fixed to the bottom of the locking mechanism – which turns when the key is used.

Combination security lock

Today’s combination lock has its origins in a 17th-century invention called a 'letter lock', which was released using a series of numbers and symbols – the world’s first keyless security lock. Most combination locks are made up of a dial thatwhich rotates in both directions (clockwise and counter-clockwise) to select a particular sequence of symbols and numbers. This process aligns various tumblers to unlock the system. These days, manufacturers often make the combination lock more sophisticated by using electronic locking technology (see below for explanation) in conjunction with the conventional mechanism.

Cylinder security lock

The main part of this lock is made up of a cylinder which, when the key is inserted, rotates to turn an attached cam. This system requires you to turn the key in different directions to either lock or unlock the mechanism. Turn it one way and the cam pulls in the bolt and frees the lock from its housing in the frame of the door. Turn your key the other way and the cam lets the spring-loaded bolt shoot back into the doorframe housing and secure the lock.'

Deadbolt security lock

The only difference between this type of security lock and the preceding one is that a deadbolt lock doesn’t have a spring. In other words, the bolt is ‘dead’. This mechanism locks and unlocks the door either using a key or manually turning the inside handle. This is a good security option because its lack of spring mechanism inside makes it very difficult for even the most capable of thieves to pick.

Tumbler security lock

Tumblers fitted inside the bolt stop it shifting without the use of a customised key. This key has notches thatwhich raise the tumblers out of the bolt and therefore free up the bolt to be released.

Mortise security lock

Once common, mortice locks are used less today because they are more difficult to install than other systems. They incorporate a rectangular,-shaped flat-ish box recessed into the edge of the door.

Electronic security lock

This electronically -powered keyless security lock can be operated via access control systems or fitted straight to the locking system itself. This is an effective system for many businesses because access control systems have the technology to track access attempts via transaction logs.

Contact a locksmith to find out more about security door locks: