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Businesses and homeowners have protected their properties with deadbolt locks for several decades now due to their exceptional reliability and effectiveness. However, one question that always comes up is, “Single vs double cylinder deadbolt, which is best for protecting your premises?”
This article discusses the specific properties of single-cylinder deadbolt locks and double-cylinder deadbolt hardware that make them unique. Each kind of deadbolt has its own advantages and disadvantages, and their effectiveness depends on how they are used.
Read on to learn more!
What Is a Cylindrical Lock?
A cylindrical lock is a type of locking mechanism that is made up of a lock chassis and a separate latch bolt, along with operable levers or knobs and rose trims. The cylinder is typically located within the lever or knob of the lock.
In case of re-keying, the lock mechanism of a cylindrical lock needs to be completely removed for the cylinder to be retrieved.
Note:This is the component of a lock that projects from the front of the lock and holds the door in place. The end is typically beveled).
What Is a Single Cylinder Deadbolt?
The defining feature of a single cylinder deadbolt is that it can be locked or unlocked from the interior of a building without the use of a key. Most single-cylinder deadbolt locks typically feature a thumb-turn lever to allow locking and unlocking from inside.
A single-cylinder deadbolt can be locked from outside using a key. Most homes in the United States feature a single cylinder deadbolt due to the convenience that it offers, and it is typically more convenient to use than single-cylinder deadbolt locks.
What Is a Double Cylinder Deadbolt?
Double cylinder deadbolt locks require a key to be locked and unlocked from both sides of the door. This means the knobs and deadbolts will only lock with a key. Double-cylinder deadbolt locks are also called twin-cylinder locks.
Double cylinder deadbolt locks are especially useful in doors that have glass panels and can be broken into easily. Without a key, an intruder would find it impossible to get into your property.
Double cylinder deadbolts are ubiquitous in office and organizational settings where valuable properties need to be protected and in areas of minimal foot traffic.
Note:It is common for some homeowners to confuse mortise locks with double-cylinder or single-cylinder locks since a part of the locking mechanism for a cylinder deadbolt lock stays inside the door frame as well.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Single vs Double Cylinder Deadbolt Locks
When it comes to deciding on which type of cylindrical lock system is appropriate for your door, it is important to note the lock you choose depends on your needs and circumstances. No cylindrical lock is better than the other unless ANSI grade is involved.
Here are a few benefits and drawbacks to be aware of:
Single Cylinder
Advantages
- The single-side key-locking mechanism makes it a more convenient deadbolt system to use on residential doors.
- Works great for houses in areas where a lot of fire breakouts frequently occur since it is easier to open and get out of the house as quickly as possible.
- They are cheaper than double cylinder deadbolts.
- Easier to install and use than twin-cylinder deadbolt locks.
Disadvantages
- It is less secure than a double cylinder deadbolt lock.
- Easy for small children to use, making it a potential child-safety risk.
Double Cylinder
Advantages
- Double-cylinder deadbolt locks work well for neighborhoods with a lot of break-ins or forced entry.
- It is more secure than single-cylinder locks due to its use of two keyed cylinders.
- It can help prevent children and pets from running out of the house unsupervised since they would require a key to open the door from inside.
Disadvantages
- More expensive than a single-cylinder deadbolt lock.
- Harder to install than a single-cylinder deadbolt lock.
- It may waste time to open.
- It is bad for houses in areas with a high frequency of fire breakouts and other types of emergencies.
How to Choose a Deadbolt for Your Door
Our team of experts in the field of security locks and other accessories recommends the following when choosing a single vs. double-cylinder deadbolt lock:
- If your door is a solid and continuous piece of wood or metal with no glass or other breakable material, then a single cylinder may be right for you.
- Modern-day security doors typically have high-grade glass panels that are tough to break. A single-cylinder deadbolt lock is suitable for this type of lock as well.
- If your door features a lot of glass or weak material that makes it very vulnerable to breaking and entering, then a double-cylinder deadbolt lock is highly recommended.
- If you have children in the house who may use the thumb-turn lever on a single-cylinder deadbolt lock to open the door and wander out of the house, then a twin-cylinder deadbolt lock may be the way to go.
Understanding Grade Locks for Cylindrical Locks
ANSI (American National Standards Institute) grade system is used to indicate the strength of deadbolt locks and their resistance to vandalism.
According to the ANSI standards, there are three (3) grades of deadbolt locks, namely grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3.
ANSI Grade 1
The ANSI 1 grade of deadbolts are known as “commercial grade” locks since they are quite expensive, durable, secure, and mostly used by businesses.
This is the strongest grade of deadbolts. They can typically withstand ten (10) hammer hits of up to 75 pound-force.
ANSI Grade 2
Grade 2 deadbolts are also commercial-grade bolts but at lower price points than grade 1 deadbolts. These are typically used in residential buildings, and they undergo the same rigorous, unforgiving tests that grade 1 deadbolts undergo.
ANSI Grade 3
Grade 3 deadbolt cylinder locks cannot withstand as much force as grade 1 and grade 2 deadbolt locks and are typically used in secondary security measure doors like intermediary doors in a house or office. These locks can typically withstand only two strike forces before they fail.
Single or Double Cylinder Deadbolt – All Security Equipment Has You Covered
Like most things in life, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing the right cylindrical deadbolt lock for your property.
At All Security Equipment, we understand the need to have numerous high-quality options, which is why we carry different kinds of single and double-cylinder deadbolt locks from trusted and reliable brands worldwide.
Hopefully, after reading this article, it becomes easier for you to choose between single vs. double-cylinder deadbolt locks. However, if you are still conflicted about which deadbolt lock is best for your door, our team is always ready to help!
Contact us today for inquiries!
