Choose the Right Front Door Lock: The Key Steps to Follow

Michael Davis
PINKYS lock with lever and deadbolt on rectangular escutcheon in black finish.
PINKYS lock with rectangular escutcheon and keyed cylinder in brass finish.
PINKYS lock with round knob and interior thumb turn on rectangular escutcheon in black.
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Security. We all need it from our iron doors, and the locks we choose play a crucial role in bumping up the protection a door provides to your home. Fail to find the perfect match between door and lock, and you make it easier for people to gain access when they're not wanted.

But if you get it right, your lock becomes a barrier so strong that it seems like it's crafted by wizards of home security. You just have one challenge to face: finding the right lock to ensure entry is impossible for all but you and anybody else who has a key. These tips will guide you in the direction of a lock designed specifically for your door.

PINKYS all locks

Tip 1 - Understand the Different Lock Types

In a simple world, all doors would use the same type of lock and you wouldn't have to worry about choosing a type. But that simple world would make it far easier for thieves to figure locks out. Plus, you'd have fewer options for door hardware, creating a homogeneous look and feel for every home.

So, there are different types of locks used for different types of doors. These are the four most common.

PINKYS deadbolt

Five-Lever Mortise Deadlock

This is the type of lock used for the majority of residential homes. Operation is simple: the lock acts like a deadbolt that locks or unlocks based on your actions. There's no automatic locking with a five-level mortise.

Five-lever locks are common in wooden doors but won't offer the strength needed for a steel or iron door.

Multi-Point Key-Based Lock

A multi-point lock delivers multiple points of locking along the door frame, improving security significantly over single-point systems.

Multi-point lock example

Rim Automatic Dead Hatch

These locks provide automatic locking functionality and are commonly used in commercial or multi-unit properties.

Rim lock example

Smart or Electronic Lock

Smart locks use keypad entry, cards, or biometrics for high-security access control.

Smart lock example

Tip 2 - Consider Door Hardware Security

Look for ANSI-rated locks to ensure tested and certified security performance.

Door lock hardware

Tip 3 - Inspect Both the Lock and Keys

Always ensure smooth key operation and inspect hardware for defects before installation.

Double door lock diagram

Tip 4 - Check the Keyhole

Narrow keyholes improve resistance against tampering and lock-picking attempts.

Inside lock mechanism

Tip 5 - The Door Frame Matters as Much as the Lock

A strong lock is only as secure as the frame supporting it. Proper alignment and structural integrity are essential.

Door lock system diagram

Find the Perfect Lock (and Door Handles to Match) With PINKYS

No door is complete without the right combination of lock and handle. At PINKYS, we design systems that balance security, durability, and architectural style.

Explore our door collections to find the right match for your hardware:

Popular product options include:

PINKYS is that manufacturer. We create coordinated lock-and-door systems designed for both security and aesthetics, ensuring your entryway performs as well as it looks.

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