Choosing New Door Locks for Your Home

From time to time, most homeowners will occasionally have to replace the entry door locks on their home.  If you are currently in the market for new doors locks, there are a number of considerations to take into account before you make your purchase.  In this article, we'll review some of the important features of home entry locks on the market today, so you can make an educated decision about what product is right for your home.

Today's door locks come in an array of colors and finishes to choose from, including finishes like Bright Brass, Antique Brass, Satin Nickel, Oil Rubbed Bronze, and more.  Many homeowners will choose a color or finish based on the finishes of other metal fixtures throughout their homes such as lights, faucets, hinges, etc.  Doing so can help maintain a consistent look throughout your home.  However, the other important consideration when it comes to finish is the longevity.  An inexpensive lock with a cheap finish will probably carry a one year warranty.  As locksets go up in price, you will also notice that the years of warranty generally increase as well.  The length of warranty you need may also depend on your geographic location.  If you live near the ocean in a salty environment, you should look for a lock with a lifetime finish.  Another consideration is whether your door handle is exposed to sunlight.  If so, UV rays may damage or fade a cheap finish very quickly.

When it comes to buying door locks, security is of course, of utmost importance.  Today, the top of the line in security are bump proof locks.  Lock bumping is a method of forced entry into a home that is gaining in popularity among thieves because it's so easy and fast, and because it leaves no signs of forced entry.  Today's bump proof locks may feature special key cylinders with pins that are impossible to pick and resistant to bumping.  However, for the best protection, you should look for locks that have no exterior keyway at all.  These locks typically feature a keypad on the outside so the homeowner can input a custom combination to open the door.

From a convenience standpoint, having a keypad door lock can be really nice, especially for families with pets and young children, or busy professionals who may not have time to mess around with keys.  Another convenient type of door lock is the remote control actuated lockset.  Much like a car remote, you carry a small remote on your keychain, then simply point it at your door and press a button to lock or unlock the door.  These uses for a remote control lock are numerous.  Handicapped persons can unlock their front door from inside the home without getting out of their chair.  You can give extra remotes to service personnel, nannies, or house cleaners.  Then each service person can get in your home as needed, but they will not have the ability to take a key to a hardware store and make a copy.  When the service contract is up, they simply turn the remote back in to you.

These are just a few of many issues to consider when you get ready to buy new locks for your home.  If you're still unsure what units might be right for you, consult the personnel at your hardware store, or contact an online or catalog retailer who offers a special selection of home security products.  A knowledgeable sales representative will be able to assist you in making the right decision.  Remember, home entry locks are a big investment, so take your time and shop carefully.  Not only do you want to get the most for your money, and that you're providing the best possible security for yourself and your family.