Your front door is the main entry point to your home, and the lock you choose is a big part of how well it protects you. Yet most of us rarely think about locks until something goes wrong. With so many options on the market today, from traditional deadbolts to app-controlled smart locks, it’s hard to know which is right for your home.
This guide explains the main types of door locks used in Australian homes, the strengths and weaknesses of each, and what to consider when choosing. Whether you’re building, renovating, renting or simply upgrading, you’ll finish with a clear idea of what suits your doors, your household and your budget.
What to Consider Before Choosing a Lock
The “best” lock isn’t the same for every home. Before comparing types, think about a few practical questions:
- Which door is it for? Front doors, back doors, sliding doors, garage doors and security screens all have different needs.
- Who uses the door? A household with young children, elderly relatives or regular guests may value ease of use alongside security.
- What’s your current door and frame like? A good lock needs a solid door and frame to work properly.
- What does your insurer expect? Policies often include requirements for external door locks.
- What’s your budget? Higher cost often means better build quality, but it’s important to buy what suits your situation rather than simply the most expensive option.
Deadbolt Locks
A deadbolt is a solid metal bolt that slides into the door frame when locked and is operated by a key, a thumb turn or both. Unlike a spring latch, a deadbolt can’t be pushed back by simply sliding something between the door and the frame, which makes it more resistant to forced entry.
Deadbolts are one of the most popular choices for external doors in Australia, and they’re often what insurers look for. They come in single-cylinder versions, which need a key from the outside and a thumb turn on the inside, and double-cylinder versions, which need a key on both sides.
- Strengths: Strong, reliable, widely available and well understood.
- Weaknesses: You still need a key, so lockouts remain possible. Double-cylinder versions can slow you down in an emergency exit, so think carefully about fire safety.
- Best for: Front and back external doors where strong security matters.
Mortice Locks
A mortice lock is fitted into a pocket cut into the edge of the door, rather than onto the surface. They’ve been used in Australian homes for generations and are particularly common in older houses and on timber doors. A quality mortice lock is very strong, and many include both a latch and a deadbolt in the one unit.
- Strengths: Robust, durable and well suited to traditional homes.
- Weaknesses: They require a door thick enough to house them, and installing or replacing them takes more skill.
- Best for: Timber doors and heritage-style homes.
If your home has an older mortice lock that’s worn or sticky, it may be worth having it serviced or upgraded, because a lock in poor condition won’t protect you as well as it should.
Knob and Lever Handle Sets
Many homes use keyed handle sets, which combine the door handle and a key lock in one unit. They’re convenient because you can open the door with one hand and lock it with a key. However, on their own, basic handle sets usually offer less resistance than a dedicated deadbolt.
A common and sensible approach is to pair a handle set with a separate deadbolt on external doors. This gives you the convenience of the handle and the added strength of a deadbolt. Lever handles are also easier to use for children, older people and those with limited hand strength, which is worth considering in a family home.
Smart Locks and Keyless Entry
Smart locks have grown steadily in popularity. Instead of, or in addition to, a metal key, they let you unlock your door using a code, a fingerprint, a card, a remote or a smartphone.
The main appeal is convenience. You’ll never be locked out because you left your keys at work. You can give temporary codes to guests, cleaners or tradespeople, and remove them when no longer needed. Many models also record who entered and when, which suits busy families and short-term rental hosts.
- Strengths: No keys to lose, flexible access control and modern convenience.
- Weaknesses: They depend on batteries or power, and quality varies widely between brands. A cheap, poorly built unit can be less secure than a good mechanical lock.
- Best for: Families, renters, rental hosts and anyone who regularly forgets keys.
If you’re considering a smart lock, choose a reputable brand, check that it has a mechanical key backup, and have it installed correctly. A smart lock is only as good as its installation.
Keypad Locks
Keypad locks are a simpler form of keyless entry. You enter a code on a keypad, and the door unlocks. They don’t usually need a phone or an app, and many run on ordinary batteries.
They’re a practical option for side gates, garages, laundries and secondary doors, as well as for households where keeping track of keys is difficult. As with any keyless lock, choose a code that isn’t easy to guess, such as a birthday or a repeated number, and change it if it becomes known to someone who shouldn’t have it.
Sliding Door and Security Screen Locks
When people think about door security, they often focus on the front door and forget the rest. Sliding doors and security screens are common weak points, and they need locks designed for them.
Sliding doors typically use hook-style or latch locks built into the door. Many can be upgraded with additional locks or bars that make it harder to lift or force the door. Security screen doors usually come with their own lock, and the quality of this lock varies. If your screen door is a key part of your home’s security, it’s worth making sure the lock is strong and the screen itself is well built.
Why Standards and Build Quality Matter
Not all locks are made equal. Look for locks from reputable manufacturers that are tested to recognised Australian standards. A well-made lock uses stronger materials, tighter tolerances and better internal components, all of which make it harder to pick, drill or force.
Ask your locksmith about the grade and rating of any lock they recommend. A good locksmith can explain the differences clearly and match the lock to your needs, instead of simply selling the most expensive option.
Your Door and Frame Matter Too
A strong lock fitted to a weak door is a bit like putting a heavy padlock on a flimsy gate. Most forced entries target the door, the frame or the strike plate, rather than the lock itself.
When upgrading a lock, check the condition of the door and frame. Look for cracks, rot, loose hinges and short screws in the strike plate. Longer screws and a reinforced strike plate are inexpensive upgrades that can make a significant difference. A locksmith can assess these when they visit.
Check Your Insurance Requirements
Home insurance policies often specify the types of locks needed on external doors and windows. If your locks don’t meet these requirements, it could affect a claim after a break-in. Read your policy, or contact your insurer, to find out exactly what’s expected. If your current locks fall short, upgrading is both a security improvement and a way to protect your cover.
Professional Installation Makes the Difference
Even the best lock performs poorly if it’s fitted badly. A locksmith makes sure the lock is aligned correctly, the bolt extends fully into the frame, the strike plate is secure and the door closes smoothly. They’ll also test the lock thoroughly and show you how to use it.
Good installation also protects the lock’s lifespan. A lock that’s forced into a misaligned door wears out quickly and can fail when you need it most.
Choosing the Right Lock for Your Home
As a simple guide:
- Front door: A quality deadbolt, often combined with a handle set, or a reputable smart lock with a mechanical backup.
- Back and side doors: A deadbolt or keypad lock, depending on how often the door is used.
- Sliding doors: A purpose-built sliding door lock with an additional security bar or pin.
- Older homes with timber doors: A well-maintained mortice lock, or an upgrade to a modern equivalent.
- Busy households and rentals: Keyless or smart entry for easy access control.
Get the Right Lock From Sunnybank Keylock
Choosing a door lock doesn’t have to be confusing. A locksmith can look at your doors, listen to how your household uses them and recommend a lock that gives you the right balance of security, convenience and value. Contact Sunnybank Keylock to talk through your options and have the right lock fitted properly the first time.