What Kind of Lock Is Best for Your New Home?

There are two basic kinds of door locks:

Spring Latch or Slip Bolt Locks
Dead Bolt Locks

Spring Latch Locks

Spring latch locks merely lock the doorknob so the spring-loaded latch can't turn and release the door for opening. These are the kind of locks that are sometimes defeated using a credit card in movies. (And while it's tricky, it can be done!) A burglar can also merely smash the doorknob and lock with a large hammer and break in.

Spring latch locks do have a few good points though:

They're inexpensive
They're easy to install
A protective metal plate surrounding the doorknob can add another level of security

Dead Bolts

If you're really looking for the best home security locks, consider a deadbolt. Deadbolts use a cylinder, a "throw" (the bolt) that slides in and out of the door jamb and a thumb turn, permitting you to open the deadbolt from inside your home.

A horizontal deadbolt lock won't prevent a burglar from prying the door apart. A vertical (surface-mounted) deadbolt, on the other hand, resists the separation of the lock from the jamb. Experts, like the pros at State Farm Insurance, say this is the most secure home lock you can buy.

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