Every type of lock explained — by a licensed local locksmith
There are 7 main types of locks most people deal with: knob locks, deadbolt locks, cam locks, padlocks, mortise locks, smart locks and keypad locks. Each works differently and offers a different level of security — below we explain every type in plain English so you can choose the right one for your home or business.
Lock Security Comparison
Relative resistance to forced entry & picking — rated from real Gold Coast field experience, ANSI/BHMA grading and on-the-tools testing.
Original diagram by Gold Coast Fast Locksmith (QLD Security Licence #4508958). Scores are a practical guide for typical residential/commercial doors — not a substitute for an on-site security assessment.
What actually matters on a Gold Coast door isn’t just the lock
After thousands of jobs here, the single biggest thing I see undermine a good lock is salt-air corrosion. Homes within a few blocks of the beach — Surfers, Palm Beach, Coolangatta, Mermaid — get a fine salt film on the cylinder and latch. Within 2–3 years it seizes pins and cams, so a “sticky key” gets forced until the lock fails. A top-grade deadbolt on a corroded, misaligned strike is weaker than a mid-range lock that’s fitted square and maintained.
Two field truths most spec sheets won’t tell you: (1) door and frame alignment beats the lock rating — if the bolt doesn’t throw fully into a reinforced strike, the grade on the box is meaningless; and (2) on holiday lets and Airbnbs, a smart deadbolt with re-codable PINs is worth more than a “more secure” mechanical lock, because you’re not chasing keys between every guest. I’d rather fit a well-installed smart deadbolt with a solid strike plate and 3-inch screws into the stud than a high-grade lock screwed into soft pine.
My rule of thumb on the Gold Coast: Grade 1 deadbolt + reinforced strike on exterior doors, smart deadbolt for short-stay rentals, and a marine-grade or regularly lubricated lock anywhere within ~1km of the water.
What are the 7 types of locks?
The 7 main types of locks are knob locks, deadbolt locks, cam locks, padlocks, mortise locks, smart locks and keypad locks:
- Knob locks — interior doors; low security on their own
- Deadbolt locks — the highest security for exterior doors
- Cam locks — cabinets, mailboxes and lockers
- Padlocks — portable, for gates, sheds and storage
- Mortise locks — heavy-duty, common on commercial & older doors
- Smart locks — keyless entry via app, code or fingerprint
- Keypad locks — code-entry keyless locks for homes and offices
Deadbolts and mortice locks give the highest security for exterior doors; knob and cam locks are best kept for interior or low-risk use. Each is explained in full below with its security level and best use.
The 7 Main Types of Locks (Quick List)
On the Gold Coast? Get the right lock fitted or a key sorted today
Reading up on lock types because you have an actual job to do? Our mobile locksmiths cover the whole Gold Coast — pick what you need:
- House lock change or upgrade — deadbolts, mortise locks & rekeying, fitted at your door (from $85).
- Car key replacement & programming — lost or broken car keys cut and coded on-site (from $120).
- 24/7 emergency lockout — locked out of your home or car? We come to you (call-out from $90).
- Smart lock installation — keyless entry set up and configured.
Call 0416 512 109 — QLD Licence #4508958. Price quoted over the phone before we start, no surprises.
- Pin tumbler locks — the standard cylinder lock found in most door knobs and deadbolts.
- Deadbolts — the most secure everyday door lock; single, double or thumb-turn.
- Knob (cylindrical) locks — common interior/handle locks; convenient but low security on their own.
- Padlocks — portable locks for gates, sheds and storage; keyed or combination.
- Cam locks — small locks used in cabinets, mailboxes and lockers.
- Mortice (mortise) locks — heavy-duty locks set into the door edge, common on commercial and older homes.
- Smart / electronic locks — keyless entry via code, app, fob or fingerprint.
Types of Locks Compared: Security & Best Use
| Lock Type | Security Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Pin Tumbler | Medium | General interior & exterior doors |
| Deadbolt | High | Front & back entry doors |
| Knob / Cylindrical | Low | Interior doors (pair with a deadbolt) |
| Padlock | Low–High (varies) | Gates, sheds, storage units |
| Cam Lock | Low | Cabinets, mailboxes, lockers |
| Mortice | High | Commercial & heritage doors |
| Smart / Electronic | Medium–High | Keyless convenience & access control |
This guide is written by Gold Coast Fast Locksmith, a 4.9-star local locksmith team (QLD Security Licence #4508958). Whether you want to understand the different types of locks and keys, or you need a stronger lock fitted today, here is everything you need to know.
Lock types and their features
Understanding these locks will not only help you make informed decisions when it comes to securing your property but also appreciate the expertise of 24/7 locksmiths in Gold Coast in safeguarding our belongings.
1. Pin tumbler locks :
Pin tumbler locks are the most common lock type found in residential and commercial settings. They consist of a series of pins of varying lengths that align when the correct key is inserted, allowing the lock to be turned. The number of pins can vary, with five or six pins being the most common. These locks provide a basic level of security and are relatively easy to install and maintain. However, they can be vulnerable to picking and bumping techniques.
2. Deadbolt locks :
Deadbolt locks are renowned for their strength and resistance to forced entry. They feature a solid metal bolt that extends into the door frame, making it difficult to kick or pry open. Deadbolts come in three main types: single cylinder, double cylinder, and keyless entry. Single cylinder deadbolts are operated with a key from the outside and a thumb turn on the inside, while double cylinder deadbolts require a key for both sides. Keyless entry deadbolts utilize electronic keypads or biometric technology for access, enhancing convenience and security.
You can see our fire rated commercial entry locks
3. Padlocks :
Padlocks are portable locks that are not permanently attached to any structure. They consist of a shackle that can be released when the correct key or combination is entered. Padlocks come in various sizes and are commonly used to secure gates, storage units, lockers, and bicycles. They offer versatility and can be used in combination with other lock types for added security.
4. Cam locks :
Cam locks are often found in cabinets, drawers, and mailboxes. They feature a cylindrical lock body with a rotating cam that locks or unlocks the mechanism. Cam locks are typically operated with a key, and their compact design makes them suitable for a wide range of applications. While they provide a moderate level of security, they are susceptible to picking and drilling.
5. Mortise locks :
Mortise locks are commonly used in commercial buildings and high-security applications. They consist of a lock body that is installed within a pocket (mortise) in the door. Mortise locks offer superior strength and durability due to their complex internal mechanisms. They can be operated with a key from both sides or with a key on one side and a thumb turn on the other. Mortise locks are resistant to picking and provide excellent protection against forced entry.
Why should all of your security measures be chosen from the best locksmith?
Choosing the right security measures is crucial to ensure the safety of your property and belongings. When it comes to selecting the best security measures, it’s important to choose a reputable locksmith in Gold coast that offers a range of services to meet your needs.
Gold Coast Fast locksmith provides a variety of security solutions including emergency locksmith services, residential lock repair services, lock installation in Gold Coast, and much more. They have a team of skilled experts who can help you choose the right security measures for your property and provide you with the best possible service.
When it comes to security measures, it’s important to choose the best locksmith near me that has experience and expertise in the field. Gold Coast Fast locksmith has been in business for many years and has worked with a wide range of clients. They have received positive feedback from their clients and are known for their excellent service.
Deadbolt Lock Types Explained: Which One Is Right for Your Door?
Of all the lock types above, the deadbolt is the single biggest upgrade you can make to a standard door — which is exactly why “deadbolt lock types” is the question our Gold Coast locksmiths get asked most. A deadbolt has no spring mechanism, so it can’t be slipped or jimmied like a regular latch. Here’s how the main deadbolt types compare so you can choose the right one for your home or business.
Single Cylinder Deadbolt
The most common choice for Australian homes. Operated by a key on the outside and a thumb-turn on the inside, so you can exit quickly in an emergency (and if you’re ever locked out after hours, our 24 hour emergency locksmith service covers the whole Gold Coast). Best for solid doors with no glass nearby. Affordable, reliable, and easy for a locksmith to rekey or upgrade.
Double Cylinder Deadbolt
Requires a key on both the inside and outside, which stops an intruder from reaching through a broken glass panel to unlock the door by hand. Ideal for doors with glass side panels — but always keep a key near the inside lock for fire safety, and check it meets your local exit requirements.
Keyless / Electronic Deadbolt
Uses a keypad, fob, or smartphone instead of a physical key — no more lost keys or hiding a spare under the mat. Great for rental properties, Airbnbs, and households that want temporary access codes. We install and program smart deadbolts from trusted brands across the Gold Coast.
Vertical (Rim) Deadbolt
Mounted on the surface of the door rather than bored through it, the bolt drops vertically into interlocking rings. Extremely resistant to crowbar and jemmy attacks, making it a popular second lock for back doors and apartments.
For Australian homes, a Grade 1 or Grade 2 single-cylinder deadbolt fitted to a solid timber or metal door gives the best balance of security, convenience, and value. If your door has glass nearby, a double-cylinder or smart deadbolt is the safer pick. Not sure which suits your door? Our 24-hour residential locksmith team can assess your doors and recommend the right deadbolt on the spot. Businesses with high-traffic or fire-rated doors should talk to our commercial locksmith specialists about mortise and high-security deadbolt options, and we can swap or upgrade any existing deadbolt as part of a house lock change.
Deadbolt Security Grades (ANSI/BHMA): Grade 1, 2 & 3 Explained
Not all deadbolt lock types are built to the same standard. In Australia and internationally, deadbolts are rated by the ANSI/BHMA grading system, which tells you how much force and how many cycles a lock can withstand before failing. When we fit a deadbolt for a Gold Coast home or business, we match the grade to the door and the risk.
Grade 1 — Maximum Security
Grade 1 deadbolts are the strongest residential and light-commercial deadbolt type. They survive 10 strikes of 75 lbf and 250,000 lock cycles. We recommend Grade 1 for front doors, granny flats, and any entry that faces the street on the Gold Coast — especially in higher-traffic suburbs like Surfers Paradise, Southport and Broadbeach.
Grade 2 — Strong Residential
Grade 2 deadbolts handle 5 strikes of 75 lbf and 150,000 cycles. They’re a solid, cost-effective deadbolt type for internal doors, side entries, and garages where you still want a real deterrent without the Grade 1 price.
Grade 3 — Basic / Backup
Grade 3 is the entry-level deadbolt type — fine as a secondary lock or for low-risk internal doors, but we never recommend it as the only lock on a main entry. If your home still runs Grade 3 hardware on the front door, it’s worth an upgrade.
Not sure what grade you’ve got? Our mobile locksmiths read the lock on the spot and tell you straight whether it’s worth keeping or upgrading. We carry Grade 1 deadbolts from trusted brands (Lockwood, Yale, Assa Abloy) on the van. Call 0416 512 109 and we’ll quote the full price before we start — no surprises.
Types Of Combination Locks: A Practical Guide
Combination locks open with a set sequence instead of a key, which makes them handy when you don’t want to manage cutting and carrying keys. On the Gold Coast we fit and service these on gates, storage units, gym lockers, side gates and home safes every week. Here are the main types of combination locks and where each one actually makes sense.
Dial (Rotary) Combination Locks
The classic spinning dial you turn left and right to a number sequence. They’re robust, battery-free and common on traditional safes and high-security padlocks. The trade-off is speed — they’re slower to open and not ideal if several people need quick access.
Multi-Dial (Wheel) Combination Locks
The small 3 or 4-wheel locks you see on luggage, cabinets and bike chains. Cheap, light and key-free, but they’re the least secure option — fine for low-risk convenience, not for protecting anything valuable.
Push-Button (Mechanical Code) Locks
Mechanical keypad locks (like the ones on office doors and side gates) that release when you press the right code. No batteries, no keys, and you can change the code in minutes. A popular Gold Coast choice for shared gates, pool enclosures and back-of-house doors.
Electronic / Smart Combination Locks
Battery-powered smart locks and keyless entry that accept a PIN, and often app or fob access too. They let you issue temporary codes for cleaners or guests and see who came and went — great for short-stay rentals. They do rely on batteries, so a quality unit with low-battery alerts matters.
Which Combination Lock Is Right For You?
For a low-value gate or locker, a push-button or multi-dial lock is plenty. For a safe, go dial or a graded electronic safe lock. For a rental or shared entrance, an electronic keypad with temporary codes wins. Not sure? Call us on 0416 512 109 and we’ll match the right lock to your door and your risk — no upselling. See our full range of locks and security products or our house lock change service.
Deadbolt & Lock Types: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main types of combination locks?
The main types are dial (rotary) locks, multi-dial wheel locks, mechanical push-button code locks, and electronic/smart keypad locks. Dial and electronic locks suit safes and secure doors; push-button locks suit shared gates; multi-dial locks suit low-risk lockers and luggage.
Are combination locks more secure than key locks?
It depends on the grade. A quality dial safe lock or a graded electronic deadbolt can be very secure, while a cheap multi-dial padlock is not. The advantage of combination locks is no keys to lose or copy — but always match the lock’s security rating to what you’re protecting.
What is the most secure type of deadbolt?
A Grade 1 single-cylinder deadbolt with a hardened steel bolt and a minimum 25mm bolt throw offers the best everyday security for most homes. For doors with glass panels, a double-cylinder or surface-mounted vertical deadbolt adds extra protection against reach-through attacks.
What’s the difference between single and double cylinder deadbolts?
A single cylinder deadbolt uses a key outside and a thumb-turn inside, so it’s quick to open from within. A double cylinder deadbolt needs a key on both sides, which stops intruders unlocking it through nearby glass — but you must keep an inside key handy for emergencies.
Can a locksmith upgrade my existing lock to a deadbolt?
Yes. In most cases our Gold Coast locksmiths can fit a new deadbolt to your existing door in a single visit, or rekey and upgrade an old one. We carry the common deadbolt types in the van so we can install on the spot.
Are keyless (smart) deadbolts safe?
Quality smart deadbolts from reputable brands are very secure and let you set temporary codes for guests, cleaners, or tradies. We recommend choosing a model with a mechanical key backup and having it professionally installed and programmed.
How much does it cost to install a deadbolt on the Gold Coast?
Pricing depends on the lock type and your door, so we confirm the full price over the phone before we start — no surprises. Call us on 0416 512 109 for a quick, honest quote.
Need a new lock fitted or an old one upgraded? Gold Coast Fast Locksmith installs and services every lock type across the coast, including Surfers Paradise, Robina, Burleigh Waters and Coolangatta, Benowa. Call 0416 512 109 for honest advice on the safest lock for your door.
Deadbolt Lock Types Explained
Deadbolts are the most common high-security door lock, but not all deadbolts are equal. Here are the main deadbolt lock types a Gold Coast locksmith fits day to day:
- Single-cylinder deadbolt — key on the outside, thumb-turn inside. The standard choice for most front and back doors.
- Double-cylinder deadbolt — keyed on both sides, so it can’t be opened by reaching through a broken side panel. Great for doors with nearby glass, but keep a key handy inside for fire escape.
- Vertical (jimmy-proof) deadbolt — surface-mounted bolt that resists prying and door spreading; common on apartments and timber doors.
- Lockable thumb-turn deadbolt — convenience of a thumb-turn with the option to lock it, blocking break-and-reach entry.
- Smart deadbolt — a single or double deadbolt with keypad, app or fingerprint entry, retrofitted onto a standard door prep.
For most Gold Coast homes a quality single-cylinder deadbolt to AS4145 is the sweet spot of security and safe exit. If your door has glass within arm’s reach of the lock, a double-cylinder or lockable thumb-turn is worth the upgrade. Not sure which suits your door? Call 0416 512 109 — we’ll match the right deadbolt to your door for free over the phone.
Need Help Choosing or Upgrading a Lock on the Gold Coast?
Reading about lock types is one thing — knowing which one actually suits your door, frame and security needs is another. As a fully licensed Gold Coast mobile locksmith (QLD Security Licence #4508958), we install, repair and upgrade every lock type covered above — deadbolts, mortice locks, smart locks and high-security cylinders — right at your door, usually within 15–30 minutes. Locked out of your vehicle or lost your keys? Our automotive locksmith Gold Coast team cuts and programs car keys on-site for all makes.
Whether you’ve just moved into a place in Burleigh Heads, need a deadbolt fitted in Palm Beach, or want your whole home re-keyed, we’ll recommend the right lock for your situation and budget — no upselling, no surprises. Pricing is confirmed over the phone before we start, so there are never any bill shocks.
Talk to a real Gold Coast locksmith now: call 0416 512 109 or book a locksmith online. We’re available 24/7 across the Gold Coast and northern NSW — including Currumbin and Tweed Heads.
Summary
Locksmiths play a crucial role in ensuring our safety and security by installing and maintaining various types of locks. Understanding the different lock types available in the market allows us to make informed decisions when it comes to protecting our property. From pin tumbler locks to mortise locks, each type offers unique features and protective functions. By consulting with a professional gold coast locksmith, you can ensure that your locks are properly installed and maintained, providing you with the peace of mind you deserve.
Want to go deeper on deadbolts? Read our guide on deadbolt lock types and which is safest for your Gold Coast door.
Need help beyond choosing the right lock? If you are locked out right now, our emergency locksmith service on the Gold Coast is available 24/7 with a 15-30 minute mobile response. We also cover the northern suburbs including locksmith services in Hope Island.
Not sure which lock is right or locked out right now? Talk to a licensed Locksmith Gold Coast expert — mobile 24/7 across the Gold Coast, QLD Security Licence #4508958.
For businesses, see our full guide to commercial locksmith Gold Coast services — rekeying, master key systems and business security explained.
Need us to come to you? Our mobile locksmith Gold Coast team covers the entire coast, 24/7.
Not sure which lock to fit or need one changed today? Our licensed team installs and rekeys every lock type covered above across the Gold Coast. See our house lock change & rekey service or call 0416 512 109 — lock changes from $85, quoted upfront.
