A Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Apartment Door Lock

Apartments can feel like a secure place to live or a risky option, and knowing how to choose the lock for apartment doors can help you go from living in fear to feeling safe. If you are in a time of your life where you must rent your home, figure out what will keep you most secure in that rental. Find a lock that will allow only you and those you want visiting you into your home and that will help you sleep well at night because you know it will protect you from thieves and others who might try to break in. We can help those in the Denver, Aurora, Boulder, Englewood, and surrounding areas as you learn about types of apartment door locks.

Understanding the Importance of Apartment Door Security

When you first move into a place, the apartment door might not be fitted with the best lock. Those who own apartment buildings don’t always have the security of their residents in mind as they put locks on their doors. Thieves in urban areas might see apartments as easy targets because they don’t expect the lock on the door of each unit to do much. You can protect yourself by investing in a new lock, something that you will have installed yourself and that will offer real protection. Research your options and set up an appointment to have a lock installed sooner rather than later.

Good locks on an apartment door can help you feel secure even when you hear sirens ringing outside or you learn about a string of burglaries in your area. We protect Denver and all surrounding areas by offering assistance in both choosing and installing new locks.

Common Types of Apartment Door Locks

Keyed Entry Locks

The most common – and most basic – type of lock for any door is a simple keyed lock. This is the traditional lock that you will find on older buildings as well as some newer ones. This lock allows you to insert a key into the door, twist, and have the door open. Basic keyed door locks may be easy to pick and don’t always offer all of the security that you are seeking. When you move into an apartment, there is a good chance that past residents still have the key to this type of lock, too, if you don’t replace the one installed.

Deadbolt Locks

A lock that goes beyond the traditional keyed lock is a deadbolt lock. This lock typically unlocks with the same key as the traditional lock that operates alongside it, but it offers extra security if someone tries to push the door down. The deadbolt is a good extra door lock for apartment as it has a mechanism that extends from the door to the door frame and keeps the door securely in place if someone knocks into it and tries to push it down. A disadvantage of this type of lock is the fact that it again uses a key that past residents might still have. A single cylinder deadbolt locks easily from the inside of an apartment, using just one’s fingers, while a double cylinder deadbolt is more secure and requires the use of a key on both sides of the door.

Smart Locks

A more modern type of lock that is available for apartments is the smart lock. This type of lock can provide extra security, as it is set up to operate with your phone or a code that you use to get inside. This lock can be connected to your security system, it allows you to get inside without using a key, and it can make it easy for you to use your door while still helping you feel safe.

Chain Locks and Barrel Bolts

There are people who know how to pick lock apartment door and you might not feel safe no matter what type of lock you choose to install. This is where chain locks and barrel bolts enter the game. These are installed inside your door to allow you to put a little extra security in place while you are inside. Both can be installed quickly and without a lot of spending or effort being required.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Lock

Security Level

The first thing that you should think about when looking for the best door locks for apartment buildings is the level of security that you are seeking. If you have specific concerns about the area that you are living in, you want to find a lock that will ensure that no one can break in. If you’re not feeling too scared, a more basic lock might be enough for you. Locks are rated for the security that they offer and you can look over their ratings, read about how each one works, and check out reviews as you attempt to figure out which will give you the security that you seek.

Ease of Use

Another factor to consider is how easy it will be for you to access the apartment door lock from outside. You are most likely going to have the door locked each time that you take your garbage out and then need to get back inside or bring in multiple loads of groceries. You may want a lock that will make it easy for you to get back inside. If you are looking for a keyless option so that you don’t have to grab anything before heading out, consider the smart locks that are available. If you are looking for an easy apartment door lock from inside, make sure that you go with a single cylinder deadbolt rather than a double cylinder option. Find the lock that is easy for you to operate so that you will always use it like you should instead of neglecting to use it out of laziness.

Installation Requirements

Basic door locks can be easy to install and may be done in an hour or less without any outside help. Other locks – including smart locks – may take a little more effort and some setup assistance. Look into the lock that you are considering and what it will take to install that and figure out if you will be able to do that on your own or if you need a team like ours to assist you.

Enhancing Security with Additional Measures

Reinforcing Door Frames:

You want to keep intruders from being able to kick down your door, and one way that you can stop that from happening is by reinforcing your door frame. This requires you taking out the screws that hold your door hinges in place and replacing them with longer screws that will make the door more secure. Handling a large item such as a door can be difficult and will probably require you either getting help from a friend or having a professional handle the job. You may also want to replace the wood that makes up your door frame, especially if that seems to be rotting or in poor condition.

Installing Security Bars and Grilles:

If you are afraid that someone might force their way into your apartment through a door or window, installing security bars and grilles can stop that from happening. These can be easy to install and provide an extra layer of security in addition to your locks. Security bars can be made of iron, steel, and even aluminum, and they can have a stylish design that will actually add to the look of your apartment entrance.

Utilizing Door Viewers and Peepholes:

If your apartment door has a peephole in it, it is important for you to actually use that. Instead of just opening your door because someone has knocked, look through the peephole and see who is outside. If your door does not have a peephole, you might consider installing one. This can be done in most doors, and it is important for you to set it up at a height that works for you and other members of your family. Door cameras and other door viewers are also helpful when it comes to securing your home and feeling safe there.

Professional Locksmith Services in Denver and Surrounding Areas

Importance of Professional Installation

If you’re unsure how to choose the lock for apartment doors or you simply don’t feel comfortable installing a lock on your own, rely on the professionals who know how to get things done. You want the lock to be firmly in place once it is installed and a good locksmith will make sure that is the case. Professional locksmiths can also help you maintain your door locks so that you can easily access your place and keep using the same locks for a long time.

Local Locksmith Services

We can help you figure out what to do when you want to know how to choose the lock for apartment doors and we can also assist you when you end up locked out of your home. Our team responds quickly to all calls from Denver and all surrounding areas and brings the services that you need right to you. We can create extra keys, provide insight into possible security solutions for your apartment, and help with security system issues. If you’re looking to replace a lock, want to add an extra door lock for apartment doors, or just have a security question you need answered, get in touch with our team.

Maintenance and Regular Inspection of Locks

A well maintained lock will last a lot longer than one that is abused or ignored. You can use a locksmith service like ours to have your lock inspected, lubricated, and repaired, or you might simply handle things on your own. We know how to choose the lock for apartment and how to keep the lock working for years. We can show people like you in Denver and all surrounding areas how easy it is to lubricate a lock, and we can replace lock components as soon as you notice issues with them. Don’t ignore your lock if it is giving you trouble, as doing that could end up causing you to get locked out of your home.

Key Takeaways

A good lock can protect you from burglaries and worse, and some locks not only provide good security but make it easy for you to enter your home. Looking at the door frame and making sure that it is secure provides extra security, as does installing an extra lock or putting a chain system in place. We can help with any lock needs or concerns that you have, and we’re available to assist you every day of the week. You can feel safe in your apartment – and you should – and we would love to help you with that.