Most locks can be opened and maneuvered with the right knowledge and skill of how they operate, although some cannot. This takes a great understanding of the different style mechanisms of locks and what they are mainly used for.
Before you secure your things, it is important to understand the locks that can be compromised and why, as this will ensure the highest protection for your belongings.
Here are the six most-used locking mechanisms for securing items and how they work.
- Padlocks. These locks have a three-piece system in place that uses a shackle, body, and locking mechanism. They can be either combination locks or keyed locks. As sturdy as they are, they can be broken by force, either with a hammer or bolt cutters.
- Deadbolt. These work with a rotating cylinder that moves the bolt into the door frame. Believe it or not, this style of locks can easily be lock-picked.
- Knob Lock. In most residential settings, you will find these locks present.
- Lever Handle Lock. You will find these locks in commercial settings, often on a door with a lever handle that includes a built-in lock. Unfortunately, these locks are also prone to be broken by lock picking or force. The lever moves the bolt into and out of place. Locks that have clutch levers installed cannot be broken into by weight and force, as the weight is taken off the locking mechanism. However, they are still not impervious to lock picking.
- Cam Locks. Because these locks were designed for older cabinets and lockboxes, cam locks are best used to provide low-level security for your appliances. The key rotates the cam into and out of the slot in the door. In terms of locks, these are not the most secure.
- Jimmy-Proof Deadbolt. These locks are often seen in older apartments or on double doors. Due to its double vertical bolting system, a jimmy-proof deadbolt is virtually impervious to all picking or break-ins. It also serves as a secondary locking mechanism.
There are a great number of locks that all serve different purposes, from the most generic under-the-counter safety lockboxes to the more durable and impenetrable security measures. Whatever you are trying to secure, there is a lock for you out there.
Whether keeping your tools secured in your truck or safeguarding something more precious, such as jewelry and finances, it is important to understand locks that can be compromised and why. There are multiple levels of importance whenever it comes to locking your things up.
