Savings on door locks may backfire: not only does the home become vulnerable to intruders, but also frequent repairs you will have to spend money or, even worse, call a specialist if it jams. Although no lock is immune from such problems, nevertheless, when choosing a mechanism from a reliable and reputable company, reliability and security increases. Which manufacturers door locks can you really trust today? Let's focus on the best of the best.
10 best global lock manufacturers
Cisa, Italy
Cisa company - world leader for the production of door locks. Founded in 1926 in Italy, factories were already opened in other countries in the 70s. Today the company includes 6 factories, products are supplied to 70 countries and there are about 30,000 items. Cisa locks stand for time-tested quality and innovation. Within the walls of this company there was developed electronic and smart lock, which are now widely used. The range includes locks with different locking mechanisms that are suitable for any type of door. The company also produces armor plates, anti-panic handles, door closers and padlocks. The company's cylinder mechanisms are completely protected from hacking and opening.
Mul-T-Lock, Israel
The company was founded in 1973, developed rapidly and quickly became one of the world leaders in production lock systems. Representative offices and service centers Manufacturers successfully operate in more than 100 countries around the world. The company develops and produces high security locks, she holds hundreds of patents for locks, cylinders and lock-making machines. The company's cylinder mechanisms are highly burglar-resistant; keys and moving parts are made of nickel silver which provides them increased stability in conditions of negative factors environment. The range of locks is wide. Recently, the manufacturer has been part of the ASSA Abloy group of companies, which unites world leaders in the field.
Mottura, Italy
The company with half a century of experience is considered one of the most famous European manufacturers of locks and fittings. Products are widely represented in many countries of the world, incl. and in Russia. The company conducts its own research and development, produces lever, cylinder, electronic locks and armor plates. All products are protected by patents, as they use technologies that other manufacturers have no analogues.
Kale Kilit, Türkiye
Turkish Kale locks have been produced since 1953. Today the company also produces safes, metal doors, window fittings, but locks remain the main activity. The plant is equipped modern equipment, are used innovative technologies, which allows us to produce high-quality mechanisms that meet international requirements. The company's product range includes overhead, mortise and padlock types with different opening mechanisms. Recently introduced cylinder lock with sound effect: alarm (80 dB) is triggered when the lock is broken into, pulled out, drilled out or the key is selected. The company's products are in demand in 80 countries around the world.
Evva, Austria
The company was founded in 1919, today its factories are located not only in Austria, but also in the Czech Republic, as well as Germany. Manufacturer specializes in the production cylinder locks
, which are equipped with unique security systems that make hacking and copying the key almost impossible. The company is known for numerous innovations both in the field of lock production and in the field of software. The manufacturer was one of the first in the industry to receive the ISO 9001 standard, which indicates a high production culture and excellent product quality.
Abus, Germany
Today Abus is a group of companies that produce wide range safety products. The history of the company began in 1924, and initially padlocks were produced here. By the way, everyone knows The U-lock was invented here. Today the company offers large selection mortise locks for entrance and interior doors. The company's cylinder mechanisms boast the highest quality, durability and burglary resistance. Manufacturer representative offices operate all over the world, incl. and in Russia.
Abloy Oy, Finland
The company was founded in 1907, and in 1994 became part of the Swedish group of companies ASSA Abloy. Specializes in production cylinder locks, which receive protection from any type of hacking. The assortment includes locks of varying degrees of security. The company also produces mounted and electromechanical locks, door fittings, armor plates and an anti-panic system.
Tesa, Spain
The manufacturer has been operating since 1941 and at first produced locks for suitcases, but in 1947 it mastered the production of door locks, and in the 80s they already produced electronic systems access control. In 2001, the company became part of the ASSA Abloy group. On the manufacturer's account a lot of our own unique developments, incl. autonomous system access control and access management. Today the company is renowned manufacturer cylinder locks, locks for fire doors, handles and other accessories for doors different types. In addition, the plant is one of the leaders in the production of anti-panic systems.
Dom Group, Germany
The company has been operating since 1936 and was initially involved in metal processing. Today the manufacturer is considered world leader in the production of access control systems and produces a range of products to ensure maximum safety for residential and commercial premises. As for door locks, they produce high-quality and reliable cylinder mechanisms, which are protected against hacking, drilling and knocking out, and the keys are equipped with protection against unauthorized copying.
Titan, Slovenia
This is one of the oldest European enterprises specializing in the production of locks. In 1896 they began to produce metal elements, including castles. In 1919, the production of mortise locks began. Today it is a powerful enterprise engaged in the production of cylinder locks. The plant is certified according to ISO 9001. In 2015, the company was renamed DOM-Titan.
5 best Russian lock manufacturers
Mettam
This is one of the largest domestic producers locks It was founded in 1992 and at first produced analogues of imported lever locks, but after a while they appeared here own developments, and the range of products was constantly expanding. On at the moment the company produces mortise, inset and overhead locks of cylinder and lever type, also produces combination locks. The products are intended for installation on the doors of apartments, offices, garages, and can be used to equip fire doors. All products meet the requirements of relevant standards.
A large domestic company has been producing locks and fittings since 1994. Since then, the manufacturer has received many patents for unique developments. The company focuses on continuous development, improvement of products and expansion of its range. One of the biggest achievements is our own Patented K-System. This is a special system of interaction between the grooves of the key and the levers, which allows you to maintain the functionality of the lock in case of various breakdowns. Currently the company produces mortise and rim locks of lever and cylinder types.
Border is one of the largest enterprises in the sector in Russia. The plant operates on the basis of the Ryazan plant of computing and analytical machines. Today, the product range includes more than 300 modifications of locks; they are supplied to all regions of the country and to neighboring countries. The plant operates on a large scale design bureau, which, when developing new mechanisms, takes into account domestic features of the operation of locks. All locks are made from high quality materials using anti-corrosion zinc coating and have excellent appearance and excellent protective characteristics, therefore they can be used not only for entrance doors, but also for safes.
The company is considered one of the oldest in its field. Despite the high level of popularity achieved, the company is constantly improving and improving the burglar-resistant qualities of its locks. Distinctive feature manufacturer's products - good value for money. The range includes mortise and lever locks designed for metal and wooden doors.
The company has been operating since 1991 and produces locks under the Barrier brand. All products are easy and reliable to use, high level safety and strength. When developing locks, the experience of criminologists and specialists in opening locks is used, which allows the company to produce the most protected against various kinds impact of products. Prices are low.
The history of castles begins with Egyptian rulers. The ancient Egyptian pharaohs began to protect their property with castles. In the posthumous home of Ramses II, archaeologists found a key that had been preserved from ancient times, which marked the beginning of the use of locks. All over the planet, people were concerned about the safety of their belongings, so they tried to come up with reliable protection for them from thieves. Castles are mentioned in myths, legends, Old Testament and the writings of the prophets. How to choose secure lock, and not to get lost in their huge variety, the information below will tell you.
Now the market is filled with goods from China, it is worth carefully examining the design of the purchased device for defects. The big advantage of padlocks is their variety. There are a lot of materials that are used for their manufacture: cast iron or steel, many different alloys.
Types of locks are divided according to the design features of the shackle and the reliability of the locking mechanism:
- Open. With a semicircular bow. The case plays the role of a latch and stores a secret mechanism.
- Semi-closed. High security lock. The bow is cylindrical. Eyelets protect the locking part.
- mushroom. Bow cylindrical, the diameter towards the end is increased. Selected in case of difficult location.
- Closed. The locking element of the bow is recessed into the body. Very difficult to hack.
In case of difficult installation, a mushroom-shaped lock is used; its design allows it to be located in a place where other locks cannot be placed. But the semi-closed lock, although very reliable, is very complex in terms of design. The requirement for the alignment of the eye holes and their dimensions are very strict, because the locking of such a lock and its reliability depend on this.
It is important to remember that it is safer to buy locks approved by the security department; they have been certified and are more reliable in use.
If it is possible to design and execute the installation site in advance, then a lock is used closed type. In other cases, padlocks are perfect open type and mushroom-shaped.
Why is a barn lock not more reliable than other types?
It would be stupid to close the mailbox with a barn lock due to its massive overall dimensions. But for doors to a garage or storage room, it will come in handy. But still, a barn lock is not considered the most reliable. Most often you can deal with it using a hacksaw or crowbar.
To quickly prevent hacking and choose best option, you need to understand the main types of lock:
- Barn castle;
- With locking finger;
- Padlock.
The simplest padlock– barn. Not attractive due to its accessibility to the bow and massive core. It is cut down and torn down more often than others. In terms of ease of use and low cost, it has no equal. It is easiest to replace in case of breakdown.
A lock with a locking finger is much more complex in design than a barn lock. The device is complicated by the fact that a finger is used instead of a bow. It's harder to get to him. The lock can only be removed by sawing. More expensive option, but reliable. The weight of the padlock is big advantage, it is made from lighter materials.
It is the most reliable and the most expensive. It is very difficult to cut it due to the inaccessibility of the structure.
The lock is selected depending on the importance of the protected premises. But the advantages of a barn lock over other types are price and ease of use. As a protection, it is worth looking at a more reliable option.
Types of padlocks for suitcases
It is worth choosing locks not only on the door of the garage or room. It's worth protecting your belongings while traveling. For this purpose, special small-sized padlocks are provided. There are 2 types of suitcase padlocks: coded and with a key.
It is believed that the first type of locks is better for several reasons:
- It is not possible to lose the key;
- You can pick up a master key for the key lock;
- A combination lock is easier to operate;
- The code is much easier to hide (in memory) from strangers than the key.
Why can't it be opened easily? combination lock? There are at least 1000 combinations, which would take an attacker a lot of time to select. And remembering your code is not difficult, it is difficult to lose it.
The advantage of a combination lock is the ability to enter your own code.
Initially, it was impossible to change the code from the factory, but now it is possible to change the programmed code. Suitcase padlocks are made of steel that can withstand heavy loads. They are torn off with great difficulty. But there are also plastic products. Be careful.
What determines the price of a padlock
Padlocks may have various characteristics. The main thing is to first decide what to use it for - simple model for a garage or a more complex and expensive model for a home or warehouse. The price is determined by the materials design features and functions.
A lock installed on a garage door, usually with cylinder mechanism, not so often - leaf mechanism. In order not to make a mistake in the model, you should carefully familiarize yourself with the main parameters and determine why you should make a purchase. Great value add to the price.
Depending on the material, a padlock can be made from:
- Cast iron;
- Brass;
- Steel.
Cast iron products are resistant to deformation, rust, and are not expensive. When exposed to low temperatures, cast iron is very fragile. Steel locks difficult to pick, and the price characteristics are higher than cast iron locks. Like steel, brass is expensive, but its resistance to corrosion makes it an attractive option.
It is worth choosing locks from soft materials, for example aluminum - for enclosed spaces. But for important objects it is better to take locks made of hard metal. For outdoor use, it is worth taking a moisture-resistant lock. Some parts of these locks are rubberized. And the protective mechanism prevents moisture and dirt from penetrating inside the lock.
Which padlock to choose (video)
The use of padlocks is good when protecting garages, warehouses or cottages. When traveling, preference is given to built-in locks due to their reliability. But still, padlocks have a rich history, complete interesting facts. The reliability of this type is time-tested, reinforced structurally, and if you need to securely hide something behind “seven locks,” then padlocks are one of the most worthy options.
Choice metal locks- the task is not easy.
To reliably protect your home from intruders, you need to choose a lock wisely. The fact is that the level of reliability different models significantly different. Therefore, we invite you to find out which mechanisms are the most reliable and how to choose the optimal model.
First of all, we note that ideal structures do not exist, i.e. You can open any one. But, to open some models, experienced security guards need less than a minute of time, while on others they have to work for at least half an hour or even more, which significantly reduces the likelihood of hacking (see Breaking a door and countering it).
You can open any element
To do the right thing and conscious choice In favor of the most reliable model, you need to find out what kind of door locks there are.
So, all existing mechanisms can be classified according to two criteria:
- Installation method;
- Type of secretion (locking mechanism).
Installation method
Based on their location on the door leaf, mechanisms are divided into the following types:
| Illustration | Description |
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Mounted - usually used on outbuildings such as sheds, utility rooms, garages, etc. |
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Mortise - as you might guess, these products are cut into the door leaf. Accordingly, there must be a special pocket in the door to install them. |
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Overlays - installed on the door with inside and do not require insertion. As a rule, such locks can be closed from the inside with a latch or a rotary turntable. |
Pay attention! In terms of reliability, the differences between invoices and mortise models No. Therefore, the choice depends on the characteristics of the door and your individual preferences.
Keys with one-sided notches are not reliable, as evidenced by the reliability rating
Secret type
There are quite a lot various options secrets.
The most common ones are the following:
- Cylinder- these models have a replaceable locking mechanism called a cylinder. Thanks to this, if the mechanism fails or the keys are lost, there is no need to change the entire lock.
It is better to put cylinders under perforated keys - they are the most reliable
The reliability of the mechanism depends on the type of cylinder, i.e. from the very secret. The most reliable are holders for perforated keys (laser sharpened). After them in terms of reliability come mechanisms under cross keys and elements with a two-way secret.
An ordinary lock with a one-sided notch, as a rule, is opened by experienced robbers within two to three minutes;
- Level- these models are quite reliable. In terms of complexity of hacking, they are often superior to their cylinder counterparts. However, it should be borne in mind that reliability largely depends on the quality of the product, and not just the principle of its design. If, for example, the hole is wide, then it is quite easy for an attacker to open such a lock.
Keyhole
As a rule, lever models are designed for insertion into the door leaf. One of the disadvantages is that the key is usually larger than for a cylinder lock, so it is inconvenient to carry in your pocket;
- Disc (crescent)- products with such a secret are resistant to low temperatures and others negative impacts. Therefore, they are often installed on gates and other external doors.
As for security against hacking, according to statistics they are lately became the most vulnerable. Therefore on front door It makes sense to install them only as an addition to the main lock - a cylinder or, for example, a lever lock.
The biometric mechanism is the most reliable among iron products
Important: biometric locks that can recognize fingerprints are currently considered the most reliable. They are also the most convenient, since you do not need to carry keys with you. However, the cost of such products starts from 500 USD, so not everyone can afford them.
Nuances of choice
We looked at the most common door locks - now you also know what secrets there are. But what kind of lock is better to buy? First of all, keep in mind that the reliability of a lock depends not only on the principle of its design, but also on the quality of its workmanship.
As a rule, sellers divide all existing locks into the following categories:
- “A budget option for which there is no guarantee” - usually these are low-quality Chinese products, many of their parts are made of silumin and other cheap alloys. It is, of course, better to refuse to purchase them;
- “Affordable and quite good” - such locks include products of domestic, Turkish and made in China. They can be conditionally classified as middle class; accordingly, these products are most popular;
- “Expensive and reliable” - this class includes products from Finnish, German, Israeli and Italian manufacturers. They are made from durable materials, making them difficult to open;
English manufacturers are considered reliable
- “Expensive and most reliable” - these models are produced by English and Austrian companies, which have been famous for the quality of their locks for many years. The price of such products starts from 10,000-12,000 rubles. And if you add to them additional elements, such as armor plates, magnetic protection, etc., the cost will increase significantly.
Pay attention! It is advisable to install cylinder locks with additional protection - an armored lining, which prevents the possibility of drilling. In this case, the locking unit becomes more reliable.
Armor plate increases reliability
It follows that quality, as always, costs money. But most of our fellow citizens are interested in how to choose door lock from the low-cost segment, which is the most difficult task. As we found out, in most cases you can trust domestic and Turkish manufacturers.
But, of course, it is necessary to pay attention to the castle itself, namely, the following points:
- Build quality - take the product with your own hands and carefully inspect it. The lock should not feel flimsy. It should be quite heavy and well assembled. Moving mechanisms should not have large backlashes;
- The quality of the locking mechanism - the key should enter the holder quite softly, but at the same time it should not dangle or fall out of it. There should be no “sticking” or “biting” during turning;
- For the material of the cylinder, it is desirable that the locking mechanism be steel, since brass is easily drilled. However, sometimes manufacturers specially insert carbide rods, which complicates the task for attackers.
No mechanism can save a low-quality door from breaking in.
Here, in fact, are all the basic instructions for choosing a lock. And, finally, do not forget that the locks must match the quality of the door.
For example, there is no point in installing a premium-class lock on a cheap Chinese design, since any even more or less experienced burglar will not even try to open it, but will simply break it.
For reliable protection install two different types of anti-burglary doors
Advice: it is advisable to install a couple of locks on the door with different locking devices. This will make her more unapproachable.
Conclusion
Now you know which door lock is the most reliable, and how to choose the right lock in general. Finally, watch another video in this article.
When choosing padlock, like any other locking mechanism, the main criterion is its reliability. To choose the most reliable one and determine which model will be most suitable for a particular case, you should consider in detail the types and design of padlocks. Such products are used mainly for household needs; there are classification criteria huge amount, but among them we can highlight the most important ones that are worth paying special attention to.
In order to choose a reliable padlock, you need to understand their types and features.
Types of locks by size
First of all, we should highlight several categories of mounted locking systems depending on their size. Each of them is intended for use in certain conditions. The following types are distinguished:
- Small – designed for use on suitcases, boxes, mailboxes and other small-sized products.
- Medium - these are standard models general purpose, are used almost everywhere.
- Large ones are large and quite heavy barn locks; they are mainly used for locking the gates of warehouses and other industrial and utility premises.
Some locks can only perform decorative function, in this case, it is the size and their appearance that become the main criterion for selection.
By size, padlocks are divided into three main types: small, medium and large.
Secret device
In order to understand which type of padlock is the most reliable, you should consider their internal structure, namely the operating principle of the lock. This mechanism is responsible for the main function of any lock; it is the one that locks the bolts, preventing entry into the room.
There are the following types of padlocks:
- Suvaldnaya. This is the most advanced mechanism available to the common user; it is quite reliable, since the levers can only be moved using the original key. It can only be hacked using brute force.
- Cylindrical. The cylinder can operate on the basis of a pin or frame mechanism; the key has notches that move the pins to a certain position and rotate the cylinder so that it unlocks the lock.
- Disk. The lock is locked with discs, and in order to unlock it, you need to move them using a key with protrusions and notches.
- Screw. The lock is locked by screwing the bolt onto the thread; to move it, you need a special key that is inserted into the hole. Typically, such models are installed in garages.
- Code This is the most expensive system; in order to unlock the door, you need to know the digital combination; once the code is set, the bolts will release and the lock will be unlocked.
A variety of padlocks based on the principle of operation of a secret lock
You should also distinguish between lever and non-level models. In the first case, the spring is controlled by a lever, which snaps onto the bow. For a two-way mechanism, a key with notches on both sides is used. Leverless locks operate from a bolt, which is pressed by a spring; when the key presses the bolt, it pushes the shackle upward. The principle of operation of such mechanisms underlies the functioning of some of the models described above. So, we figured out the main types locking mechanisms, but in order to better understand how to choose a padlock, you should also consider the materials from which they are made.
Materials used
In order for the lock to serve you as long as possible, it is important to pay attention to the material from which its individual parts are made. It is difficult to say for sure which type of product is the most reliable, since all materials have certain advantages and disadvantages.
- Aluminum - the lightest models of locks, do not rust, but due to the softness of the metal they are not strong enough.
- Steel is perhaps the most durable and reliable products; they are highly resistant to burglary, so they are not cheap.
- Cast iron is a fairly affordable and quite durable model, but when the temperature changes, cast iron can become brittle, and when used with certain impurities it can quickly corrode.
- Brass - do not corrode and are very attractive in appearance, but despite the high cost, such models are not durable enough.
Options for locks based on material of manufacture
Castle structure
One of the factors that determines the reliability of a padlock is its structure. The same nuance must be taken into account based on the conditions of use of the product, since not all models are suitable for a particular type of door. Nothing should interfere with the operation of the mechanism, but at the same time, the locking bolt should be in the most inconvenient position for breaking.
By structure they distinguish following types locks:
- Open. This standard model, it is represented by a lock body with a hidden locking mechanism and a curved semicircular shackle, which can be removed completely or only from one side of the lock. It is very easy to break it using a crowbar or simply cutting off the handle.
- Mushroom. An improved open model, the bow protrudes only slightly above the body and is almost completely hidden in it; its shape somewhat resembles a mushroom cap, which creates additional protection against sawing.
- Semi-closed. Instead of a bow, a straight pin is used, it is partially hidden in the case and is closed with lugs, which makes it very reliable this type castle
- Closed. Most reliable look padlocks, the locking part is completely hidden in the body of the product; in a certain position it even closes the eyes, which makes it particularly burglar-resistant.
Types of padlocks by structure
If you need an extremely secure padlock top quality, best option in this case, it is made to order. This allows you to better take into account all the requirements of the door and fit each element to the available space.
Choosing which padlock will be best for each specific situation, you should pay attention to all of the above indicators. Correlating the size, level of secrecy, type of structure, material strength and cost various models, you can find the best option. Not always expensive models are of high quality, so you need to approach the issue competently so as not to get into an unpleasant situation in the future.
The choice of door locks for exterior and interior doors on the market is so wide that it is not surprising to get confused when purchasing. However, guided by their purpose and knowing the main types and characteristics locking devices you can buy exactly what you need.
Classification according to the method of fastening and the secretion mechanisms used
Types of door locks according to the method of fastening are divided into:
- mounted;
- mortise
Types of hinged locking devices
In terms of protection from force penetration, hinged locking devices are the most vulnerable, since they are completely visible. However, their different varieties still provide greater or lesser reliability.
Types of padlocks:
The use of hinged locking devices applies mainly to auxiliary premises - sheds, garages, warehouses.
Overhead locking devices
Various types of rim locks are installed on wooden doors, since mortise ones weaken such a door leaf. Mount them from the inside door leaf. On metal door designs they are almost never installed, as with aesthetic point both from the point of view and from the point of view of economy - they lead to an increase in metal consumption to strengthen the door leaf. 
Types of rim locks differ in design: with a lever or cylinder mechanism, with and without crossbars, and can also be mechanical or electronic. To increase the safety of overhead locks, they can be reinforced with a wedge latch and a safety bolt.
Mortise locking devices
Various types of mortise locks are installed in metal entrance and wooden interior doors and are distinguished by purpose, design of mechanisms and level of security. 
Types of mortise locks for external doors
For external metal doors, locks with various devices secret:
- level;
- disk;
- crossbar:
- coded.
Cylindrical (English) are so called because their working part, the cylinder, has the shape of a cylinder, in which the pins (tubercles, needles) line up a certain combination of heights when the key is turned. If the security level is high enough (there should be more than 5 pin combinations, and in best examples more than 10 thousand), it is difficult to open it with a master key. But it is advisable to protect it from drilling or knocking out with an armor plate. Such constipations are repairable and may be limited to replacing the larvae. Disc locking devices are a subtype of cylinder locking devices, but in them, the key is used to adjust the position of the discs in the core rather than the pins. 
Lever locks are those in which the operating principle of the mechanisms is based on the movement of a set of plates (levers) under the influence of a key, forming a special combination. Locks of this type are well protected from opening, and the degree of protection against burglary is determined by the strength of the bolts and additional protection of the case. Deadbolt-type locks do not work when the key is turned, but when it moves forward. The keys to such locks are bulky, which is a disadvantage when carrying them. 
Code devices do not have a key, but are activated when a specific code is entered. Over time, the buttons become worn out, reducing the number of matches and increasing the likelihood of unwanted intrusion. 
Electromechanical and electronic devices. Electromechanical ones are opened with a key, and electronic ones - with a card, remote control or the touch of a finger (biometric). Such designs are the most modern and advanced, which is reflected in their price. 
Types of locks for interior doors
The variety of these locking devices and keys for them is explained by the purpose various rooms.
Locks for interior doors and their types:
- With lock (sockets). Installed in bathroom doors and toilet rooms. Contains a button or lever for manual locking.
- Latch ( push model). Provides only closing, but not locking of the door. Installed in areas that do not provide privacy or protection from intrusion.
- Key locks for interior doors are not very different from similar models for external door blocks. Installed in offices, home laboratories, etc.
- Magnetic latches for interior door blocks are an analogue of the push model. Their advantage is noiselessness, which can be important in rooms for children, as well as sick or elderly people.
Rules for choosing door locks
Having considered the main types of locks, we can formulate several rules for their selection:
- Purpose. Different rooms require locks of different designs.
- Material. Best materials– steel, cast iron, for some – brass. Aluminum is too soft, and silumin breaks easily.
- Protection against opening and breaking. When purchasing, check the level of protection, which comes in 4 levels. The first two are not very reliable. The third and fourth levels differ in price, which is also a selection criterion.
Other criteria: additional safety measures, quietness, design, personal preference, of course, also matter. For particularly important premises, it is recommended to install two or more locks of different designs.