Nowadays, there are many types of lock available on the market, from the most advanced digital door lock to your classic, cylindrical lock. While their main purpose is to secure your valuables or properties from theft or vandalism, they come in a variety of design and have a different locking mechanism to offer varying levels of security.
In this article, we'll explore all there is to know about a cylindrical lock and the benefits of using it.
What are cylindrical locks?
Cylindrical lock or cylindrical locks are the most common lock type amongst all. Designed to be installed through the door with a knob or lever on either side, this lock type typically comes in a variety of finishes, door thickness options, backset dimensions, and strike options. Also, the decorative trim option for this lock type is generally limited and only offered by certain manufacturers.
What is the mechanism of cylindrical locks?
Cylindrical locks are designed so that only one key can rotate them. Inside the cylindrical lock, there are numerous sets of pins, along with a barrel.
Every pin in the lock is of a different height, which rests in a cylindrical void. The void goes through the centre of the barrel and into the area above it. Atop each void is small springs that hold the pins in their respective placements. The bottom pins in each set rest completely inside the plug when no key is present while the upper pins in each set sit partially inside the plug.
The upper pin placement effectively secures the cylinder to the surrounding housing, preventing it from rotating. Meanwhile, the notches on the key are made to align with the pins so that when it’s engaged, it pushes each pin to its predetermined height.
When the right key is placed into the lock, it’ll push the upper pins into the barrel’s housing, leaving a clean line between the pins.
Once the line is cleared, the barrel will rotate and release the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism of cylindrical lock or cylindrical locks may seem complicated but that’s because it’s something that you can’t see unless you disassemble every component of the cylindrical lock. Regardless, it’s not recommended to take them apart unless you can assemble them again.
Where is cylindrical lock typically used?
Cylindrical lock or cylindrical locks are typically found in homes, offices, and interior doors. As there’s no mortise lockset involved, cylindrical lock requires less time for installation, making it relatively easy to install and replace, even if you’re not a locksmith. Ahead, we'll discuss some of the functions of the cylindrical lock.
Functions of cylindrical lock
Like any other lockset, cylindrical lock serves multiple security and non-security functions for varying rooms, be it in a house, office, business premises, or schools. Here are some of the functions of a cylindrical lock:
Passage lock always allows for operation from either side. There’s no locking mechanism involved in this lock.
Privacy lock only allows for operation from one side of the door. The lockset is secured from the inside of the door by depressing a pushbutton or unlocked with a key on the outside.
Entry locks have deadlocking latch bolts that can be operated from either side of the door. Unlike privacy locks, entry locks can only be operated when the lever has been actuated from the inside of the door or by turning the key on the outside.
Communicating locks are similar to entry locks but each side is operated by a different key. Both sides must be unlocked for the door to open.
Benefits of using cylindrical lock
As cylindrical locks have a wide variety of lock functions, you can expect to use them in various types of construction such as the interior and exterior of your property.
Depending on the lock manufacturer, cylindrical lock or cylindrical locks are available in varying grades to serve different functions.
Cylindrical lock that is categorised as Grade 1 typically provide the highest degree of security and can withstand high traffic areas. Meanwhile, Grade 2 cylindrical lock offers a medium level of security and are often used in light to moderate traffic areas.
As for Grade 3 cylindrical locks, they offer the lowest level of security among the three grades and are often found in residential homes. Should you require extra security, you can add a separate deadbolt to your door for that extra peace of mind.
If you’re looking to install cylindrical lock at your home or office, Securelution has a trained, dedicated team of tukang kunci along with a wide variety of cylindrical locks for you to choose from.
You can also visit our physical store located at Jalan Imbi, Kuala Lumpur to find out more about our security products other than cylindrical lock. Should you require security advice for your property, our team of trained and dedicated experts will gladly help you. Contact us at 014-3622302 or visit our store at 6, Medan Imbi, Off Jalan Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Emergency Locksmith Temecula team did an excellent job installing the cylindrical lock on my front door. It looks sleek and provides added security to my home. I would definitely use their services again in the future.