How to Choose the Right Door Lock?

June 26, 2023

Choosing the right lock for your door can be tricky. You have often seen locksmiths advertise the various types of lock systems for you. Terms like ‘deadbolt’, ‘Jimmy Proof’, ‘Mortise lock set’ etc. have been thrown around everywhere . At the end of the day the answer is simple, you want security.

No one ever said, my good-looking, sleek and aesthetic lock protected me from a break in!

Now, before settling down on which door lock is needed you need to consider a few things.

Your budget: How much can you spend?
Your existing door frame (and whether you want to change it or or).
The type of door you are using.
The level of security you are looking for.

Based on the above metrics here is what we would recommend.

1. As far as your budget is concerned, you need to assess the level of security risks from intrusion that you feel around you. Rather than waste your time and look for different options a very standard type of lock that you can go for by default is a good-quality deadbolt lock. Deadbolt locks are inch-long metal protrusions that extend into the door frame. These are called ‘bolts’ and hence, using a deadbolt lock, you are bolting the lock to the frame. They are not connected to the handle or knob and are usually more difficult to pick, saw-through or jimmy open. Now, there are levels of deadbolt locks to consider.

Single-sided deadbolt: This is a more convenient form of door lock that allows you the convenience of not needing a key on the inside to open and close the door lock.
Double-sided deadbolt: This is the more secure version of a deadbolt lock that needs a key from both the inside and outside for operation.
Jimmy-proof/ vertical deadbolt: This is the most secure deadbolt lock. Being ‘jimmy-proof’ means that professional lock-pickers can’t access it. Professional intruders can often pry open your standard deadbolt locks using brute force tools. In this case, the bolt locks vertically onto a secure, heavy metal latch frame and provides an extra layer of intrusion protection.

For any basic residential door where you need to install a new door lock, the best basic level recommendation is to use any type of deadbolt lock.

2. Now, you may have an existing door frame which uses a different form of lock. Many house doors with a classic finish love to use a Mortise Lockset. It is a highly popular design where the lock frame is integrated and the door lock consists of a special locking system built into the door frame itself. Mortise lock frames typically work on thicker doors with a minimum width of 1.75 inches. Mortise locks are versatile and can be fitted easily on glass or metal doors. However, since the lock system is integrated into one piece, a weak mortise lock set could be your worst nightmare.

3. The type of door being used: This is more relevant for those having a commercial establishment. Usually, the biggest concern is securing glass door locks for example. If you have thick, then you can easily beef up security, but glass doors can be easily picked. One of the common mistakes is to use a single-sided deadbolt lock for your storefront glass door. This is because any intruder needs to just break a bit of the glass and reach the inside and open up the door without using a key for entry. A double-sided, vertical deadbolt is ideal, along with reinforcing the glass door.

4. Level of security needed: It’s very often that you find yourself in a neighbourhood surrounded by professional lock-pickers. It doesn’t even have to be a low-class crime-ridden neighbourhood. Hence, if you can spend enough money and are willing to go through the pain of replacing your entire door system, installing a high-security lock is a must. They typically use multiple locking deadbolts if they are very simple, or can be advanced “smart home locks” which are controlled using an app on your phone. These smart locks provide an added convenience, as you can open your doors from anywhere and get alerts when an intruder is trying to break in, or any unusual entry is taking place.

Choosing a lock for your door may not be easy if you are a first timer.

We, at Brothers Locksmith can quickly assess your home and business needs and install a lock that will last a lifetime. You can sleep comfortably knowing that your home and/or business will be safe from any unwanted intrusions.

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How to Fix Door Gaps That Affect Lock Security

By Ghulam Mustafa • April 7, 2026

Learn how to fix door gaps that weaken lock security, prevent forced entry, and improve door alignment without replacing your entire lock system.

Can You Rekey Smart Locks or Only Traditional Ones?

By Ghulam Mustafa • April 6, 2026

Smart locks promise convenience. Keyless entry. Remote access. Control from your phone. But when it comes to security, one question still confuses many homeowners: Can you rekey a smart lock the same way you would a traditional one? Or are you stuck replacing the entire system? The answer isn’t as simple as yes or no. Because not all locks—smart or traditional—work the same way. And understanding that difference can save you time, money, and unnecessary upgrades. Start With What Rekeying Actually Means Rekeying isn’t about changing the outside of a lock. It’s about altering what happens inside. In a traditional lock, rekeying changes the internal pins so old keys no longer work. The hardware stays the same, but access is completely reset. It’s one of the most efficient ways to regain control—especially after moving into a new home or losing a key. But this process depends on one thing: A physical key mechanism. And that’s where smart locks start to differ. Why Traditional Locks Are Easy to Rekey Standard deadbolts and cylinder locks are built for it. Their internal pin systems are designed to be adjusted, reconfigured, and reset without replacing the entire lock. A locksmith can quickly change the key combination while keeping the same exterior hardware intact. This is why rekeying has always been the go-to solution for restoring security without overspending. It’s simple. Direct. Reliable. And in most cases, it’s all you need. What Makes Smart Locks Different Smart locks aren’t just locks. They’re systems. Some rely entirely on digital access—keypads, apps, or biometrics. Others combine smart features with a traditional key cylinder. That distinction matters. Because you can’t “rekey” something that doesn’t use a physical key in the first place. Instead of pins and tumblers, fully digital locks rely on codes, permissions, and software-based control. So the way you reset access changes completely. Can Smart Locks Be Rekeyed? It Depends on the Type If your smart lock includes a physical key override, then yes—part of it can be rekeyed. The mechanical cylinder inside can be adjusted just like a traditional lock. A locksmith can change the key access without affecting the smart features. But if your smart lock is fully keyless, there’s nothing to rekey. In those cases, security is managed digitally. You simply delete old codes, reset access permissions, or perform a factory reset. No hardware changes required. Just a different kind of control. Why Digital Resetting Replaces Rekeying in Smart Systems With traditional locks, control comes from keys. With smart locks, control comes from access management. Instead of worrying about who has a physical copy, you manage: Who has a code When they can enter How long their access lasts If someone no longer needs entry, you don’t rekey. You remove them. That shift is what makes smart locks powerful—but also why people misunderstand how to secure them properly. When Rekeying Still Matters in a Smart Lock Setup Even if you use a smart lock, the physical key backup shouldn’t be ignored. That override exists for a reason. Power failures. Technical glitches. Dead batteries. In those moments, the mechanical key becomes your fallback. If that key has been copied, lost, or shared in the past, rekeying the cylinder is still essential. Because digital security means nothing if the physical backup is compromised. Should You Rekey or Replace a Smart Lock? Not every situation requires a full replacement. If your concern is access control, resetting codes or permissions is usually enough. If your concern is physical key security, rekeying the cylinder solves the problem. Replacement only becomes necessary when the lock is damaged, outdated, or no longer reliable. The mistake most people make is jumping straight to replacement—when a simple reset or rekey would have done the job. The Hidden Risk: Forgetting Old Access Points Whether it’s a traditional lock or a smart one, the real issue is often the same: Too many people have access. Old tenants. Previous owners. Contractors. Guests. With traditional locks, that risk lives in duplicated keys. With smart locks, it lives in forgotten codes and active permissions. If you don’t actively reset and review access, your lock—no matter how advanced—stops being secure. When to Call a Professional If you’re unsure whether your smart lock includes a rekeyable cylinder, or if it’s not functioning properly, it’s worth getting expert input. A locksmith can assess your setup, identify whether rekeying is possible, and ensure both your digital and physical security layers are aligned. Professionals like Brothers Locksmith often handle hybrid systems, where both smart features and traditional mechanisms need to work together seamlessly. Because real security isn’t about choosing one or the other. It’s about making sure every layer does its job. Final Thoughts Rekeying isn’t outdated. It’s just evolving. Traditional locks rely on it. Smart locks replace it with digital control. And hybrid systems use both. The key is understanding what kind of lock you actually have—and how it manages access. Because security isn’t about the label on your lock. It’s about who can still get in. And whether you’ve taken the time to change that.