Primer of Locks for All Occasions

• NCJ Number: 98569
• Journal: Security Management Volume: 29 Issue: 5 Dated: (May 1985) Pages: 58-64
• Author(s): J Cytryn
• Date Published: 1985
• Length: 7 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article describes and evaluates locks for residential, commercial, and industrial security applications, with the simpler locks being designated for residential security and the more complicated ones for business security.

Abstract

The locks for residential security are classified as primary locks, which are installed by the builder, and auxiliary locks, which are installed after construction to increase security. The primary locks reviewed are (1) a latch, which causes the door to lock when it is closed; (2) a deadlatch, which is secured in the locked position and acts like a dead bolt when the door is closed; and (3) a deadlock, which uses a separate bolt that must be thrown after the door is closed. The deadlock is reported to provide the greatest protection, although it is less convenient than the other two types. The auxiliary locks reviewed are the rim (surface-mounted) night latch, rim deadlatch, rim deadlock, tubular (installed inside the door) deadlocks, brace locks, chain locks, and sliding glass door locks. The locks reviewed for commercial protection are provide security beyond that given with the residential locks. They include high-security, pick-resistant cylinders; cylinder-guard plates; latch-guard plates; pushbutton locks; office equipment locks; and filing cabinet bars. It is noted that security for industrial facilities often must go beyond that required for commercial establishments. The industrial protective devices described are found to be impractical, and some illegal, in other settings. The industrial locks reviewed are (1) panic bolts, which are placed on emergency exit doors and can be opened from inside without a key; (2) exit alarm locks, which permit exit at the push of a handle but set off a battery-operated horn when the lock is released; and (3) double-bar locks, which consist of two steel bars securing the door and controlled from outside by a rim cyliner and from inside by a turn knob.