The front door to your home creates the first impression for both you and your guests, but it’s also the  first line of defence against unwanted intruders. Naturally, you’ll want to open the door to friends and keep it locked and secure from strangers.

The question is; what type of lock works best? Should you go with deadbolts, knob locks, smart locks, or a combination of each? Every type has itsadvantages and disadvantages, and you need to take into account these differences before you make a decision on how you’ll defend your front door.

RAM Locksmiths are your go-to locksmiths in Melbourne and Perth. We can help you choose which lock is best for your home’s front door, and professionally install them as well. In this article we will go through each style of lock so you can be better informed on which is the right one for you.

Knob Locks or Lever Handle Locks

You’ve seen these kinds of locks on a lot of doors. They are more commonly used for internal doors rather than external doors as they can be easily broken and are not the most secure. These kinds of locks are installed in the actual handle itself, rather than being a separate component. 

They are convenient, low cost and easy to install. However that low cost does come at the sacrifice of security. These kinds of locks are easier to pick or are vulnerable to brute force entry.

We don’t recommend using knob locks as the only lock for your front door. Combined with a dead bolt of smart lock, they would be suitable. If someone is home with the front door locked, you could have just the knob lock engaged, and leave the secondary locking for when you go out of the house.

They are best used for interior door security such as bedrooms and bathrooms, or board rooms and meeting rooms, rather than exterior doors.

Deadbolt Locks

Deadbolt locks provide the best physical security for external doors. They can be single or double cylinder. They are not spring-loaded so cannot be easily sprung open.

Deadbolt locks are key operated so can be picked, if a person has the time and skill, however thieves often want a quick lock pick so they aren’t interrupted or seen by someone while they’re being suspicious at the door.

When you want to secure something and show that it is secure, deadbolts are great. They not only work for your home but outdoor offices and internal doors which have highly valuable materials behind it.

The best deadbolt is an ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Grade 1 deadbolt. This indicates it is a commercial strength or heavy duty deadbolt.

Smart locks

These are keyless entry locks and are becoming more common in a modern age. Many cars are already keyless entry and start, and now homes are heading in the same direction.

They are opened through a number pad and PIN, RFID chips, or a radio remote or even finger scanning or a retinal scan. With the increase in smart homes, smart locks are becoming popular. You can connect with doorbell cameras, have remote monitoring through your smart phone, you can even lock and unlock your home from your phone.

As they are electronic they need to be battery operated to prevent issues. If there is a power outage you need to monitor the power levels of your lock so it doesn’t shut down. There is also a small risk of hackers getting in and breaking the locks, however this is more of a concern for commercial and industrial locations rather than home burglary.

Combination smart locks and knob locks are quite popular, giving two levels of security. Locking the door if you’re home, and double-locking your front door when you go out.

Short stay rentals and holiday homes are finding smart locks very popular. The ability to give a key code to a guest, remotely is both convenient and secure. There is no fear of a guest taking keys with them, and you can change the code each time for each visit.

Whatever lock you have installed on your front door we recommend having it installed on your back door and side doors, any entryway into your home. This gives you the same level of security for your home no matter which door someone tries to break in through.

We also recommend you have a professional locksmith from Melbourne, such as one of our specialist team from RAM Locksmiths, install your lock. This helps with warranty and guarantees that such an important piece of your home security is installed correctly.

If you have a choice of materials for your lock, solid steel or brass is the best for maximum strength and protection.

If you need an emergency locksmith in Ringwood, or would like to install one of our locksmiths in Hawthorn to install a new smartlock for your home, contact us today in Melbourne on 03 8784 3900 or Perth 08 9201 9232.

FAQ

Q: What types of deadbolts are available?

The most common types are single-cylinder deadbolts, which use a key on the outside and a thumb turn on the inside, and double-cylinder deadbolts, which require a key on both sides. Double-cylinder locks offer extra security but can be a safety risk in emergencies, so they’re best used with care and awareness of your local building regulations.

Q: How deep should a deadbolt bolt extend into the door frame?

A quality deadbolt should extend at least 25mm into the door frame, though 30mm or more is recommended for better security. The strength of the door frame itself is just as important. A weak or hollow frame can compromise even the best lock.

Q: Can a deadbolt be picked or bumped? 

Standard pin tumbler deadbolts can be vulnerable to lock picking and lock bumping techniques. For higher security, look for deadbolts with anti-pick and anti-bump features, such as those using security pins or restricted key systems. A licensed locksmith can advise on the best options for your specific needs.

Q: Are smart locks as secure as traditional deadbolts?

Smart locks can be just as secure as traditional deadbolts, and in some cases more so — many still include a physical deadbolt mechanism as a backup. However, their security also depends on the strength of your Wi-Fi network, app passwords, and how well the device firmware is kept up to date. A smart lock is only as strong as its weakest link, whether that’s the technology or the door it’s fitted to.

Q: Can I use a combination of lock types in my home?

Absolutely, and in many cases it’s the best approach. A common and highly effective setup is a deadbolt as the primary security lock combined with a smart lock for day-to-day convenience. Knob locks can remain on interior doors for privacy. A licensed locksmith can assess your home and recommend the right combination for your situation.

Q: Where does RAM Locksmiths operate? 

RAM Locksmiths has locations in both Melbourne and Perth, with registered security operations across multiple Australian states including Victoria, Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, and the ACT.

Q: Are RAM Locksmiths licensed and insured? 

Yes. RAM Locksmiths are registered and licensed security operators in every state in which they operate. All work is carried out by licensed security professionals, ensuring it meets the required standards.

Q: Do RAM Locksmiths offer emergency locksmith services?

Yes. RAM Locksmiths provide 24/7 emergency locksmith services across Melbourne and Perth, so whether you’re locked out at midnight or need urgent security repairs, help is available around the clock.

Q: Does RAM Locksmiths work with commercial clients?

Yes. RAM has an extensive commercial locksmith division covering businesses of all sizes, from small retail shops through to corporate offices, government facilities, hospitals, schools, and more. Their commercial services include access control systems, master key systems, CCTV, and alarm installations.