Locksmithing, Security

Door Locks Explained: Which Lock Is Right for Your Home or Business?

October 6, 2026

Choosing a new lock can seem straightforward — until you start looking at the different types available.

Deadlocks, cylinder locks, mortice locks, night latches, padlocks and high-security locks all have different applications. The best choice isn’t necessarily the most expensive or complicated lock. It’s the one that suits your door, your property and the level of security you need.

At Premier Locksmiths, we help homeowners and businesses choose, install and maintain the right locking solutions for their specific needs.

The Most Common Types of Door Locks

Deadlocks

A deadlock provides a solid, straightforward locking solution and is commonly used on exterior doors where additional security is required.

Because the bolt cannot simply be pushed back from the outside, a properly installed deadlock can provide an important extra layer of protection.

Good for: exterior doors, security doors and situations where additional locking security is needed.

Mortice & Sash Locks

Mortice locks are fitted into the body of the door rather than simply being mounted on its surface.

A sash lock combines a latch with a deadbolt, allowing the door to be operated with a handle while also providing a secure locking mechanism.

Good for: residential and commercial doors where a more integrated locking solution is required.

Cylinder Locks

Cylinder locks use a cylinder mechanism operated by a key. They are widely used on modern doors and can be replaced or upgraded without necessarily replacing the entire lock.

This can be particularly useful if keys have been lost, a lock has become worn, or you want to upgrade your security.

Good for: a wide range of residential and commercial applications.

Night Latches

A night latch is mounted on the inside of a door, with the latch engaging automatically when the door closes.

They can be convenient for frequently used entrances, although the overall security of the installation depends on the quality of the lock and the door itself.

Good for: doors where convenient everyday access is important.

Padlocks

Padlocks aren’t only for garden sheds!

They can be used on gates, garages, storage areas, security chains and other applications where a removable locking solution makes sense.

For outdoor use, it’s important to choose a padlock designed to withstand the environment it will be exposed to.

Good for: gates, sheds, storage areas, chains and outdoor applications.

High-Security Locks

When standard locking isn’t enough, high-security locks can provide an additional level of protection.

These may incorporate more sophisticated key systems, stronger components or features designed to make unauthorised entry more difficult.

Good for: homes, businesses and properties where security requirements are higher.

So, Which Lock Do You Actually Need?

There isn’t one lock that’s right for every door.

Before replacing or upgrading a lock, consider:

1. What type of door do you have?
Wood, aluminium, steel and security doors can require different locking solutions.

2. Where is the door located?
An exterior entrance, internal office door, garage or garden gate will have different requirements.

3. How much security do you need?
A lock for a garden shed doesn’t necessarily need the same level of protection as the main entrance to your home or business.

4. How frequently is it used?
High-traffic entrances need reliable hardware that can cope with frequent locking and unlocking.

5. Is the existing lock actually the problem?
Sometimes a door that is difficult to lock isn’t caused by a faulty lock at all. Alignment, hinges, the door frame or general wear can all play a role.

Don’t Forget About Installation

Even a high-quality lock won’t perform properly if it isn’t correctly fitted.

The lock needs to be compatible with the door, correctly aligned and securely installed. A poorly fitted lock can be difficult to operate, wear prematurely or compromise the security of the door.

The right lock + the right door + the right installation = security that works.