How to Choose Traditional Door Locks? Common Questions Answered | 2025 Hardware Door Lock Buying Guide

Even with the rapid development of smart technology, traditional hardware door locks are still widely used in homes, office buildings, shops, warehouses, and other scenarios. Their simple structure, affordable price, and reliable stability are why they remain popular. So, what should we pay attention to when selecting traditional door locks? Here’s a detailed analysis through 5 common questions.

Question 1: What are the common types of traditional door locks?

Depending on installation location and usage scenarios, common traditional door locks include:

• Mortice Lock: Commonly used on wooden doors, the lock body is embedded inside the door, offering higher security.

• Rim Lock: Installed on the inner surface of the door, compact structure, suitable for lightweight doors.

• Padlock: Portable lock, suitable for lockers, iron gates, warehouses, etc.

• Cylinder Lock: Replaceable lock cylinder, ideal for places where keys need frequent changing.

Each type fits different usage scenarios; choosing the right lock type is the first step to safety.

Question 2: How to understand lock cylinder grades? Are they safe?

The lock cylinder determines the security level of the door lock. Common grades are:

• Grade A: Simple structure, suitable for places with low security requirements.

• Grade B: Longer resistance to technical lock picking, suitable for home use.

• Super Grade B (Grade C): Best resistance to forced and technical unlocking, suitable for residences or shops with high security needs.

When buying, it’s recommended to choose cylinders with anti-pry, anti-drill, and anti-duplicate key features to effectively enhance overall anti-theft capability.

Question 3: What materials are there? Which is more durable?

The material of the lock directly affects its lifespan and resistance to damage. Common materials include:

• Stainless Steel: High strength and corrosion resistance, suitable for outdoor locks.

• Zinc Alloy: Cost-effective, suitable for indoor locks.

• Copper: High security and good tactile feel, ideal for high-end home or commercial locks.

If the budget allows, prioritizing copper or stainless steel lock bodies is recommended, especially for security doors or exterior doors.

Question 4: How to judge the quality of a door lock?

Quality locks usually have the following characteristics:

✅ Solid feel, smooth turning
✅ No burrs or looseness, uniform surface coating
✅ Equipped with anti-counterfeit labels or certifications (such as ISO, CE)
✅ Lock bolt made of all-steel structure, sturdy and not easy to deform

It’s advisable to choose products with brand reputation, certifications, and warranty to avoid security risks caused by cheap inferior locks.

Question 5: Can traditional door locks still meet modern demands?

Absolutely. Modern hardware door locks keep traditional structures while integrating more practical designs, such as:

• Replaceable lock cylinder systems for easy key updates or grade upgrades

• Anti-pry and anti-saw designs to enhance damage resistance

• Multi-point locking bolts to improve overall door intrusion resistance

• Compatibility with smart accessories, like cameras and doorbells for basic smart linkage

These "upgraded traditional" locks are especially suitable for users unwilling to replace their entire smart access control systems.

Summary Advice

Among many lock options, traditional hardware locks remain favored for their mature structure, controllable cost, and stable use. By mastering basic purchasing knowledge and matching lock types and grades to actual needs, you can create a safe and secure living and working environment.