How Does a Double Cylinder Deadbolt Work?

You take protecting your business and home seriously, which is why you know that you need a deadbolt to protect your valuable property. 

While choosing a deadbolt may not seem like a complex decision, you can actually choose between single and double cylinder deadbolts, depending on the individual needs of your business. 

Regardless of what you’re searching for, the experts at Trademark Hardware are here to help, whether you’re a professional contractor or a DIY-er. 

Read on to learn how a double cylinder deadbolt works and why this may be the right deadlock type for you. 

What’s the Difference Between A Single and Double Cylinder Deadbolt?

Discerning between these two types of locks is simple: a single cylinder deadbolt has a key slot on one side and a turning mechanism (like a knob) on the other. The knob typically faces indoors, so the lock can be enabled without using a key. 

The double cylinder deadbolt, however, has a locking mechanism that requires a key on both sides, meaning that a key will be required to operate the lock on either side of the door. 

Given its cost efficacy and convenience, the single cylinder deadbolt is extremely popular among homeowners. Other benefits of the single cylinder deadbolt include:

• Efficiency 
• Time-saving 
• Easy-to-use

With its easy-to-use knob and affordable price tag, these locks have become the standard in most American households. However, these locks are less secure than their double-cylinder counterparts, and can allow intruders easy access. To protect your home or business, you should invest in a deadbolt that is more secure. 

Double cylinder deadbolt benefits include:

High Security 

Given that opening a double cylinder deadbolt requires keys to open from both the outside and the inside, these locks provide increased protection when compared to single cylinder deadbolts. If an intruder were to attempt to access the door knob through an open or broken window, they would be unsuccessful in turning the knob. 

Safety

While security and safety may sound synonymous, these two terms are different. While your door is more secure due to a double cylinder deadbolt, those inside your home or business are safer. Given the double cylinder nature of these deadbolts, you can rest assured that your loved ones or employees are safe, even when you’re not around. 

How Does a Double Cylinder Deadbolt Work?

As discussed above, double cylinder deadbolts include locksets that are keyed on either side. This functionality ensures that a home or business owner needs a key to engage or retract the bolted lock, from the inside or outside. 

While this may seem straightforward in terms of functionality, be sure that you properly install the deadbolt to guarantee that the product works correctly and that your entrance is secure. Be sure that:

• Screws that secure the lock or deadbolt are made of solid steen
• Screws must penetrate from the door’s interior and be devoid of exposed screw heads 
• Connecting screws are a minimum of ¼ inch in diameter and are inserted into a solid metal shock 

Which Double Cylinder Deadbolt is Right for Me?

If you’ve decided that a double cylinder deadbolt is right for you, how do you know which lock is actually the best?

Luckily for you, the experts at the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) have determined three grades of deadbolt lock, with ANSI Grade 1 topping the list.

ANSI Grade 1

Typically falling under the umbrella of commercial grade, these locks are used on business buildings, as they are most secure. To receive a Grade 1, these locks must undergo:

• Testing of 250,000 open/close cycles
• Bolt projects one inch into the door frame
• Withstand 10 hammers blows with 75 pounds of force

ASNI Grade 2

These locks are not tested as vigorously as their Grade 1 counterparts, but offer a more affordable price tag. These are commonly found in residential homes. 

ASNI Grade 3

The least-resistant lock, these deadbolts need only to withhold two blows. Given their durability, these are often used as backup security measures on doors or garages. 

Another commonly used industry standing is the Underwriters Laboratories. An independent organization, this group tests security hardware products and assesses efficacy. Their UL 437 test is the most challenging to pass, so a deadbolt with that award is certain to keep your home or business safe. 

Regardless of your deadbolt needs, be sure to determine which ASNI grade your potential purchase aligns with. You’re purchasing a double cylinder deadbolt for safety, so you want to be sure it lives up to your expectations. 

If you’re struggling to decide which double cylinder deadbolt is right for you, the professionals at Trademark Hardware are standing by. With years of experience and industry know-how, they’ve got answers to all of your most pressing questions.

Check out our selection of deadbolts today!