Why Your Door Needs a Deadbolt

Most homes have two locks on the front door: one embedded in the door handle itself and one just above called a "deadbolt".

What most people don't know, however, is that when it comes to actual security, only one of those locks is doing the real heavy-lifting, and that lock is the deadbolt.

What is a Deadbolt?

A deadbolt, as mentioned above, is a lock on a door that utilizes a solid metal bolt that goes directly into the door frame, providing a strong, physical measure of security that goes beyond the lighter security found in most handle and knob locks.

Though it may seem like overkill having a deadbolt installed when you already have a keyed lock on your handle, this is actually a vital step in making sure your home is well-secured against would-be intruders. While "the credit card trick" that you may have seen on TV or done by a friend (but which we are sure you've never done yourself, dear reader) does work on the handle lock (though a good door adjustment can deter this as well), this trick does not work on deadbolts, making them far more secure.

This lock also only has one purpose; while the door lock also has the purpose of being turned to allow passage, the deadbolt's only purpose and design is security, meaning its simplicity is a feature rather than a flaw.

This lock can also be rekeyed to match your handle lock and any other doors on the house, and there are plenty of options for deadbolt smart locks, should you desire a more modern and accessible touch for your front door security.

If you don't have a deadbolt currently, or if your deadbolt isn't functioning correctly, don't let your house be susceptible to intrusion any more - contact South Shore Lock & Key today!