Door locks are crucial security devices that safeguard your home from unauthorized intrusion. The market offers a wide range of anti-theft door locks, diverse in design, safety levels, and usage methods. If you're unsure about the best lock for your door, tailored to your home type, this article introduces you to common types of locks. Stay tuned.
1. Key Locks
Essentially, key locks, also known as mechanical locks, operate through mechanical force. Simply insert the key into the lock and turn it clockwise or counterclockwise to unlock, depending on the type. It's that easy to open the door lock.
Components of traditional door locks include the lock cylinder, lock bolt, and keyhole. When the key is precisely inserted, the lock bolts move, lifting the keyhole piece, allowing the key to rotate. If the key doesn't match the lock or is in the wrong position, the internal saw-toothed parts won't align, preventing the key from turning and unlocking.
Advantages
Key locks are advantageous due to their low cost and user-friendly nature. To purchase a mechanical lock, you only need to spend a few tens of thousands to a few hundred. Once you have the key and corresponding lock, just insert them into the door, and you're done. This is the sole advantage of this type of lock.
Disadvantages
Traditional mechanical locks utilize metallic key mechanisms. Users often face issues of forgetting or misplacing keys. Due to prolonged use, lock components may rust, leading to key jamming during locking/unlocking. Traditional locks also pose the risk of being 'hacked' by cunning thieves more than smart locks.

Key locks are a widely adopted type of lock in households.
2. Digital Locks
This type of lock is an improvement from traditional mechanical locks and is extensively used in many households. These digital locks operate by entering preset numeric codes, eliminating the need for keys. This adds convenience for users, avoiding the risk of accidentally losing keys. Moreover, the lock's material ensures durability, providing reliable protection for your property and assets.

DIY Travel Digital Lock HAFELE TSA 331 Black 482.09.009
Advantages
- High-security capability is the main advantage of this type of lock.
- No need for keys, unlike traditional mechanical locks, avoiding risks like key loss.
Disadvantages
- Not suitable for individuals with poor memory, as it's challenging to avoid accidentally forgetting the password, rendering the lock unusable.
- It can be challenging to use if the number grooves accumulate thick dust or get wet in the rain, causing the numbers to jam and creating difficulties in operation.
3. Fingerprint Locks
Fingerprint locks are a type of modern electronic door lock among the most advanced locks today, alongside coded locks, controllers, and proximity cards. Fingerprint door locks, in simple terms, are keyless locks that open with the fingerprints of family members. Without a registered fingerprint, access is impossible. Therefore, this type of lock is incredibly convenient.

Fingerprint Lock
Advantages
- High security level: according to biometrics, no two individuals share the same fingerprint. Therefore, faking fingerprints is not easily accomplished, making fingerprint locks highly secure and safe.
- Easy to use: there's a common misconception that fingerprint locks, being tech-driven, would be challenging for users, especially older individuals. However, with guidance from staff, you can easily operate the lock. All family members can effortlessly perform the door locking and unlocking procedures.
- Quick opening time: no need to carry a jingling keychain or waste time finding the right key for the lock. With a fingerprint lock, simply place the pre-registered finger on the fingerprint reader, and the lock opens in 1 second.
Disadvantages
- Not suitable for outdoor installation, as exposure to rain and strong winds cannot guarantee the durability and lifespan of the lock.
- Fingerprint recognition may fail when fingers are wet or sweaty.
- Fingerprint locks are relatively large and thick, requiring the door to be of a certain thickness. Consider choosing the right type of fingerprint lock that suits your needs.
4. Cable Locks
Cable locks are widely used today, ideal for securing your motorcycles and bicycles. These products are easy to use, simply by looping the cable through the wheels or securing it in a fixed and firm position. Some premium cable locks come equipped with a 110dB alarm to enhance the safety of your equipment.

Advantages
- Compact, lightweight, easy to carry, and user-friendly are the significant advantages of cable locks.
- Crafted from a robust alloy, resistant to corrosion and cutting by shears.
Disadvantages
- Being a separate item from the bike, it can be quite inconvenient, especially for forgetful individuals.
- Some types of cable locks require batteries for operation. Users will frequently need to replace batteries with frequent use of the lock.
5. Electronic Locks
Smart locks, also known as electronic locks, operate by applying advanced technology to the lock's mechanism. Common smart locks include fingerprint locks - using human fingerprints for access, card locks - utilizing RFID technology, and code locks - employing password strings. Smart locks can also be remotely controlled via smartphone through internet connectivity. These locks store access history in their memory, allowing users to monitor the entry and exit information of every household member or business personnel.

Electronic Lock
Advantages
With sophisticated automatic systems, electronic door locks can be remotely controlled and monitored. Whether for households or businesses, this feature is highly crucial. Remote monitoring applications allow users to use smartphones for unlocking or checking if anyone has entered their home. In worst-case scenarios like fires, if the homeowner is not present, the lock can be remotely opened for rescue operations by authorities.
Disadvantages
Users of electronic door lock technology are not immune to certain issues. For instance, losing the access card, forgetting the passcode, or being unable to use a injured fingertip for fingerprint scanning.
Explore some electronic locks available at Mytour Supermarket:
