The safety and security of employees and assets is important for any business. While there are different cameras and software used by businesses to ensure safety, a secure door lock is still as important as ever. These days, there are many choices when it comes to commercial door lock types. In this article, we will look at the different options available on the market and what to look for when selecting locks and locksmith services.
Commercial Lockset Types and Components
Before going into the details of the lock types, let’s see some basic components of a lock.
Components
Cylinder
Cylinder is the part of a lock that takes the key. If there is some issue with the cylinder, it will keep the lock from locking/ unlocking. The cylinder itself is made up of spring-loaded pins. There are both single-cylinder and double-cylinder types. The double cylinder variety takes a key on both sides. Being the main part of the lock, commercial door lock cylinder replacement is sometimes cheaper than repair.
Bolt
Bolt is the part of a lock that moves out from the lock when you want to lock the door. Also known as a latch, the bolt sits in the box carved out for it in the door frame. There are different types of bolts, including spring bolts and deadbolts.
In spring bolts, the spring releases when you try to close the door and it moves the bolt into the box to keep the door closed. The small clip inside the lock compresses when you insert the key to open the door, allowing the bolt to move back inside. The deadbolt lock variety has a cylinder that you have to open yourself with the correct key. This feature makes it a more secure option compared to spring bolts.
Strike Plate
Strike plate is the plate in the doorframe where the lock goes. Since the strike plate is not connected to the lock, it’s easy to replace this part.
Types
Here are some of the options available to you for securing the doors of your business:
Mortise Locks
Mortise locks have been around for a long time and their strength and reliability is one of the main reasons for their popularity. The locks can withstand frequent use, which makes them a good option for commercial settings where people come and go frequently.
In terms of their anatomy, mortise locks have many elements working together, including a spindle, strike plate, cylinder, handle, and add-ons like day/night switch and rose plates. The locks are also a secure option because the deadbolt is located inside the lock body.
Cylindrical Locks
Like mortise locks, cylindrical locks are also a popular option and can handle frequent use as well. A cylindrical lever lock has inside and outside levers and rose, a chassis, a latch, and of course a cylinder. Most cylinder locks have the lock within the lever.
In some cylindrical locks, there is an option to operate with a push button, along with using a key. The push button is usually placed on the side of the lock that’s inside the building. Anyone coming from the outside has to use a key to enter. The dual functionality makes it convenient for workers to quickly open the door when needed while keeping the key requirement in place for outsiders.
Keypad Door Locks
Keypad door locks are also quite common in commercial buildings and homes. The benefit of keypad door locks is that you don’t need to have a key for every user. Instead, you can simply share the key code with everyone. While the key code can also be shared with unauthorized users, the absence of a physical key can improve security by limiting the number of physical keys going around. Besides codes for opening the door locks, some locks also require other forms of authentication, including fingerprints, facial recognition, retina scans, etc.
Another useful feature of keypad door lock is that they can be used to restrict access based on job roles and time. Only the people within authorization at those times will be able to access. The lock also allows you to keep track of locking times. These layers of detail can further secure the premises. Here are some of the results you may find when you Google “commercial door locks near me.”
One company in Virginia Beach, VA, we spoke to that goes by the name of Speedy Locksmith LLC, said that you can never really carry all of the world’s locks in one inventory but that most reputable locksmith services should at least carry the most popular brands that are in demand such as panic bars. This Virginia Beach locksmith said he’s got way more inventory than the norm “just in case” in his words.
Panic Bars
Panic bars, also called crash bars, are different from many other commercial locks. As the name suggests, panic bars are usually meant to be useful in normal and emergency situations. The doors can be used to evacuate people in case of a fire hazard.
Panic bars are keyless and don’t need any cylinder. The lock is operated by the bar. Pressing the bar retracts the door latch to open it.
Electric Strike Locks
Electric strike locks combine features of a keypad door lock with a crash bar or panic bar. A main feature of commercial electric strike locks is that instead of the strike plate in the lock, these have an electric/energized plate. This electric strike plate controls the opening of the door. With electric strike locks, visitors need to be “buzzed” in, so you’ll need an intercom or bell for the person.
There are choices within the electric lock category as well, including fail-secure locks and fail-safe locks. Fail secure are more popular and they stay locked when there’s a power outage. The main difference between the locks is in their circuitry. Fail-secure locks unlock by closing the circuit and applying a current to the strike. Fail-safe locks stay locked by closing the circuit and applying a current.
Magnetic Locks
Magnetic locks are normally used on doors that don’t have any levers or doorknobs. The locks are installed on a door frame that has a handle. The lock has a set of magnets, with one magnet on the door and the other one on the door frame. The door remains shut when the magnets meet, so there needs to be a release system to dispel the magnetic charge. To help with the automatic operation of the door, there is a sensor that senses people so the door can be opened for them. As a safety measure, there is also a release button to manually open the door if the sensor system fails for some reason.
Wall-Mounted Locks
As the name suggests, these locks are mounted in the wall. In commercial settings, these locks are often used by businesses as emergency access to building keys. The locks are normally installed during construction, but they can also be installed afterwards.
Door Closers
Sometimes the people moving through the door don’t have the time or inclination to close the opened door. A door closer is used to make sure that the door will be closed and latched.
These are the different types of locks you may find in a search for “commercial door locks near me.” The best option for you will of course vary depending on the nature of your business, security requirements, and budget. Before choosing one lock type over another, take the time to consult a commercial locksmith for recommendations. An experienced technician will be able to guide you by listing your place of work and making suggestions according to your security requirements and budget.
Considerations
Within each type of lock, you will also find many varieties offered by different manufacturers. Here are some of the things you have to consider when searching for locks:
Lock Size
There may be a difference between the size of your traditional lock and the type of lock you’re wanting to install. Make sure you look at the specifications diagram along with reading the features so you know the size of each component.
Usability
In some commercial settings, it’s sometimes simply not possible to open the lock manually every time. If this is the case with your business, then consider which type of remote access will be suitable for you. If you decide to go with an electric lock, check if it’s fail-secure type or fail-safe type. Also, check for the auto lock feature and an exit button to allow you to exit from the inside.
If you decide to go with the keypad, Wi-Fi enabled type, check for options available for keyless entry: Does it allow you to unlock from anywhere? Is there an option for voice control — is it Alexa or similar products? Also check the auto lock features: Does it automatically lock as you leave and unlock when you come? With these locks, you also have the option to choose between completely keyless locks and those that provide both options.
Durability
With locks that will be used frequently, durability becomes a factor as well. Read what customers have to say about the durability of the locks. A lock consists of several components that need to function in tandem. Make sure you choose a product from a manufacturer that is known to provide quality products. With some types of locks, such as panic bars, read how many open and close cycles the door is designed to handle.
Aesthetics
Some commercial settings require that the lock is pleasing to the eye along with being highly functional. Fortunately, you can find many different locks that have both of these qualities.
Master Key Feature
The master key feature is a very useful feature to have. The key can be in the form of a physical key or a code programmed into the key system. In a master key system, there are keys that are designed for specific doors or areas and a ‘skeleton’ key that can unlock all doors. Master keys allow you to keep record of who is authorized to open which door.
There are a variety of manufacturers of commercial door locks: Lowes, Amazon and other stores have listed different options. Compare the products listed there to find a suitable manufacturer.
Commercial Locksmith Services
The need for locksmith services is strong as there are many new lock technologies that require proper installation and maintenance. Locksmiths provide a wide range of services, including residential, commercial, and automotive services. There are certain things you have to look out for when you are selecting a contractor. Here are two things you should ask about when you contact technicians:
Emergency Services
There are no fixed times when you’ll need the help of a commercial locksmith. And, depending on the time of the day, you may also have limited time before closing or opening the business for the day. This is why an emergency locksmith service is a must. The technician should be available at short notice, so they can come and make repairs or replacements as needed to secure the premises.
Besides asking for recommendations from other businesses and colleagues, do some of your own research. Enter “24 hour locksmith service near me” in your search engine to get a list of contractors in your area. On Google, the list is accompanied by a map pinpointing the locations of the contractors and also showing other useful information, such as contact information, website, and customer reviews.
Go through the reviews of the businesses to see what customers have to say. Also, visit the official websites of the business to read about their 24-hour locksmith services.
Cost
In the next step in your research, make a list of all the companies you will contact. Contact them for a meeting or explain your requirements over the phone to get a cost estimate. Of course, the cost will depend on the type and extent of service you need.
Locksmith Services
From high-security commercial door locks to security cameras, commercial locksmiths provide a wide range of installation and maintenance services. Here are some of the services you can expect:
Consultation for High-Security Locks
High-security commercial door locks are a requirement for many businesses. The level of security will vary but some of the features you can find with these locks include double authentication, card access, fingerprint scanning, face recognition, keyless entry, etc. The security requirements also vary according to where the lock will be placed in the building. Commercial locksmiths specialize in the installation of such systems. They will work with you on analyzing the security needs of your business and making recommendations for each installation.
Repair and Replacement of Locks
Each lock has an expected lifespan regardless of their strength and durability. Besides people, the condition of the lock can also be affected by the environment. If a component of your lock isn’t functioning as normal and you think that it’s going to fail soon, contact your technician to have a look at it. Maybe a simple replacement of a part can make it function properly again. Besides that, the lock technician will also be able to assess the condition of other locks installed at the same location or at the same time.
Rekeying
As mentioned before, the master key opens all doors, so it’s useful to have one of these in case any of the keys given to employees get lost.
Related Services
Besides the door locks, a commercial locksmith can also help you secure a number of other things related to security. They can help you install locks on the cabinets and safes in the offices. Many businesses require locks on storage spaces to ensure that business-related documents are secure from theft and damage. The locksmith will be able to recommend the type of lock for the safes. Also, in case the locking system fails, they will be able to fix the lock without damaging the contents of the safe.
Installation of security cameras is another service many locksmiths offer. Ask the technicians you contact if they also offer camera installations.
Conclusion
In your search for a locksmith service, you’ll likely find many contractors operating in your area. Take the time to read the service pages of all potential services and also check the opinions of customers about those services. Also, before contacting them, get an idea of the different types of locks in the market so you have a good starting point for the discussion.
Many manufacturers sell their locks online so you can get detailed information about the specifications and features of their products. Finally, keep these points in mind when speaking with a locksmith:
- Create a list of contractors working in your area instead of talking to just one that’s recommended by someone you know.
- You’ll likely need the service of a locksmith in an emergency situation, so ask contractors about how long it will take them to respond.
- Make sure they have experience in installing the type(s) of lock you have selected for your business.
Name: Good Lock
Address: Virginia Beach, VA 23464
Phone: 757-755-0605
Website: www .good–lock .com
