Which Is Better:Single vs Double Cylinder Deadbolt?

Alert! Burglaries are happening in the town. These statements flashing on TV do give us chills in our bodies. When it comes to securing your house and loved ones from attackers, you all know that a solid deadbolt lock is essential. Aside from the doorknob, deadbolt locks are heavy-duty locks that give extra security. 

I am sure when you go to buy a deadbolt from a hardware store, the shopkeeper would have asked you – 

“Single Cylinder or Double Cylinder?”

And then the confusion arises as most of us don’t even know the difference between the single cylinder and double cylinder deadbolts, and we end up buying the wrong locks. 

Therefore, I thought of writing an article on single vs double cylinder deadbolt to clear this confusion. In this article, I will cover all the aspects related to single and double cylinder deadbolts that will help you know about the locks in-depth and help you make a wiser decision in the future.

Understanding Single Vs Double Cylinder Deadbolt

The most common question we have heard is which one is better: single or double cylinder deadbolt? But before searching for the answer to the above question, we should know what is a single cylinder and double cylinder deadbolt? 

Firstly, let us understand what does deadbolt means?

Afterall, we all have heard that deadbolt locks provide the best security. 

A deadbolt, often known as a deadbolt or deadlock, is a form of a locking mechanism that works by turning a key or using an access control system. These are thicker and heavier than traditional spring latches. They are usually constructed of steel or brass, and the end of the lock is not rounded or angled.

Now, let us move on to understand single cylinder vs. double cylinder deadbolt.

Single Cylinder Deadbolt

As the name says, there is just one lock cylinder. Doors that have a single-cylinder deadbolt installed operate from the outside using a key, but they do not require a key to lock or unlock the property from the inside. Instead, a thumb-turn type lever is used to lock or open the door.

The most prevalent locks for residential residences in the United States are single-cylinder deadbolts.

Double Cylinder Deadbolt

Double cylinder deadbolts are those deadbolts that require a key to lock and open from both sides of the door. On a double cylinder lock, there is no thumb-turn mechanism. So, you will need a key while leaving or entering your home.

Are you wondering which is better and more common in the house to use?

Single-cylinder deadbolts are more common than Double cylinder deadbolts. The reason for this is:-

• Efficiency and cost are the two primary reasons behind this. 
• Purchase and installation costs for single cylinder deadbolts are often lower than for double cylinder deadbolts. 
• Single-cylinder deadbolts are also handier because they don’t require a key to open from the inside. The door is opened and closed with a simple thumb turn.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Single Cylinder vs. Double Cylinder Deadbolts

Before purchasing a home, we all pay close attention to the interior and outside of the house. The colors on the walls, the tile patterns, and the wood flooring all contribute to the overall appearance of your house. Meanwhile, you must ensure the protection and safety of your loved ones. Most modern homes have deadbolts placed in their primary doors to prevent theft.

Even if you can readily get the deadbolts from any hardware store, it is a good idea to do some study on the advantages and disadvantages of both types of locks. 

For example, if you are getting confused about which lock to install on the front door, you may want to consider Single cylinder vs. double cylinder locks; let us read the advantages and disadvantages of both the locks so that you can make a wiser decision.

Advantages of Single Cylinder Deadbolts

Let us look at the advantages of single-cylinder deadbolts.

1) Cost-Effective

One of the biggest reasons to install a single cylinder deadbolt is that it is affordable, or you can say it is less costly than a double cylinder deadbolt. These locks range in price from $10 to $70. And when you need many locks for your house, the cost is a major consideration.

2) Convenience 

It is convenient to use it as you only have to flip the deadbolt of the lock when locking or opening your door. Also, in case of an emergency, it is easy to unlock when you have to leave your house quickly. 

3) Easy to Install and Remove

The single-cylinder deadbolt can be installed and removed easily by you at home. Only a few tools are required to install or remove it from the door frame, and those tools are easily available at your house. In case there arises a need to remove a deadbolt, then refer to my article that I did sometime ago.

Disadvantages of Single Cylinder Deadbolts

Below are the disadvantages of Single Cylinder Deadbolts:-

1) Relatively Easier to Breakthrough

Single Cylinder Deadbolts are easy to break; using lock-breaking equipment and following lock break-in procedures, single-cylinder deadbolts may be unlocked or broken discreetly. A burglar knows various methods to break the single-cylinder deadbolt. Obviously this is in comparison to double cylinder deadbolts. 

2) Less Secure than Double Cylinder Deadbolt

Single-cylinder deadbolts are less safe than double-cylinder deadbolts. They do provide adequate security but are not as robust as double-cylinder deadbolts.

Advantages of Double cylinder deadbolts

1) High-level Security

The main advantage of double cylinder deadbolts is that they are built to provide a high level of security. Intruders will have a more challenging time picking or unlocking doors using these. 

Although single-sided deadbolt locks are popular among homeowners, they do not provide the same amount of security as double-cylinder deadbolts.

If there is a window that robbers can reach with their arm from the door, they can bust it open and turn the knob, opening the door. 

Robbers can quickly gain in when a door with a single-sided lock is next to a window. Keys are required to unlock double cylinder deadbolts from the inside or outside. 

As a result, even if an attacker destroys a window near the entrance, they will not be able to release the double cylinder deadbolt.

2) Safety

Keys are required to unlock double cylinder deadbolts from both the inside and outside; it means that you and your family will be safe if you lock a double cylinder deadbolt from the inside or outside of your home. 

Whenever any intruder tries to break-in, he must have a key to open the lock from either of the sides. However, you must restrict access or secure the key for this to operate.

People who have glass sliding windows and doors benefit from double-cylinder deadbolts. Even if a glass is broken, keys are required to unlock the door from the inside.

3) Helps in Dealing with Naughty Children

For a home with mischievous children, replacing a basic latch lock with a single-cylinder bolt may seem suitable. 

But naughty kids can still cause a problem. They can unlock a door by pushing or turning a deadbolt, allowing them to go without their parent or guardian’s awareness. 

On the other hand, dealing with naughty children is simple with a double-cylinder deadbolt. The youngsters will need the key to open the double cylinder deadbolt. A double cylinder deadbolt lock is thus suitable for a family who wishes to secure the safety and security of their mischievous children.

Disadvantages of Double cylinder deadbolts

1) Not Good for Emergencies

Having to locate a key to exit your house in a fire or other emergency is a safety issue. Also, you’ll have to rekey or replace your lock if you lose your key.

2) Not Recommended for All Doors

It’s crucial to remember that an emergency escape should be simple to find and utilize without keys. As a result, double cylinder deadbolts are not recommended for emergency escapes. A double cylinder lock should not be placed even if the door is only intended to be used in an emergency.

3) Illegal to Use in Certain Cities and States

Check the local codes before installing double cylinder deadbolts in your building. Because of fire-code constraints, double-cylinder deadbolts are restricted in some areas. 

People can get stuck in their homes if they don’t have the keys to double-cylinder deadbolts in the case of an emergency. Nonetheless, it’s critical to verify your local codes to see whether they’re still legal to install.

When to Use Single Or Double Cylinder Deadbolt

Both single cylinder and double cylinder deadbolts may improve the security of your house while also providing you with a peace of mind. However, they aren’t one-size-fits-all solutions; each is better suited to distinct conditions. 

The applications of both single cylinder and double cylinder deadbolts are given below:- 

Scenarios Where You Can Use Single Cylinder Deadbolt

1) If you need to replace all of the locks in your house, single-cylinder deadbolts are a fantastic option. They’re more practical for general use in places like bedrooms, bathrooms, and closets, where having locks on both sides of the door isn’t required.

2) You can use the single cylinder deadbolt on the doors with no windows near that door.

3) You can use a single-cylinder deadbolt lock on doors that have a robust contemporary glass window.

4) A single-cylinder deadbolt can be used on the doors that require additional security that too grade 1 single-cylinder deadbolt lock. 

Scenarios Where You Can Use Double Cylinder Deadbolt

1) Double cylinder locks add extra protection to those doors that aren’t used regularly. Consider placing a double cylinder lock on the second door if you have two back doors but only use one.

2) Your home may be less safe if your door has a glass panel or window adjacent to it. A double cylinder lock might provide you with peace of mind in this situation.

3) Install a double cylinder deadbolt in your children’s room so that it can be locked and unlocked with the help of that particular lock’s key only, and they can’t lock them inside the room or house.

4) A house with sliding glass and screen doors benefit greatly from double-cylinder deadbolts. Because, regardless of whether the glass is broken or the screen is tampered with, the intruder will need a key to obtain complete access to the space within.

6 Tips for Choosing a Deadbolt Lock

Occasionally, a poor quality lock is the source of a break-in. Knowing how to pick the right lock may save you time and money in the long run. I am sharing some tips with you today to assist you in determining which lock is the finest to purchase.

1) Kind of Deadbolt Lock You Need

Firstly decide which type of deadbolt lock (single vs double cylinder deadbolt) you need to solve the purpose. In reality, certain locks are designed to serve a specific purpose. You must first determine the type of lock you may install to ensure that you purchase the correct lock. 

2) Check the Locks Security Rating

Many homeowners do not take advantage of their locks’ security ratings since they are likely unaware that locks have security grades. 

The quality of the lock you install has a significant impact on the sturdiness of your door and its capacity to survive a break-in. Checking the grade issued by the American National Standards Institute is the best approach to identify a high-quality lock (ANSI). The three ANSI ratings define the deadbolt locks’ total strength and performance.

3) Look for Saw Resistance 

A saw-resistant bolt is another feature to consider when purchasing a deadbolt lock. A potential burglar will find it much more difficult to break in by cutting through your lock with these bolts. It’s a great deterrent, and you should make sure your locks have this function.

4) Hardened Case Steel

Many thieves will try to strike or pull the lock off using pliers, hammers, or other tools in addition to cutting through bolts. These break-ins can be avoided by using a lock with reinforced case steel. Burglars are also prevented from sawing into the lock rather than through the bolt using these sorts of casings. You have even more protection when these qualities are combined with the saw-resistant bolts.

5) Go for key-Controlled Locks

A deadbolt lock with key control can help you keep track of who has access to your keys. Locksmiths must document any copies generated for key-controlled locks. This implies that unless you authorize it, folks like maids, mechanics, and valets won’t receive a key copy.

6) Pricing

Price is the most crucial factor to consider while purchasing a lock online or from your nearest hardware store. It is an essential factor because one has to install locks in large quantities depending upon the size of the house. An average price range for deadbolts is $10-$100.

FAQs

Q1. Can you kick in a door with a deadbolt?

Answer – Deadbolts are strong locks that can survive forcible entrance attempts such as kick-ins. A door with a lock, on the other hand, can still be kicked down if the door is not sturdy. To safeguard your door against a break-in, make sure that both the lock and the door are of excellent quality. Refer to my article on how to secure a door from being kicked in for in-depth tips and tricks on the same.

Q2. Which is better: a single-cylinder deadbolt or a double cylinder deadbolt?

Answer – Single and double cylinder deadbolts have advantages and disadvantages; selecting one over the other is frequently a matter of personal taste.

There are several factors to consider when it comes to selecting the right deadbolt for your home or office. A double cylinder lock, for example, may be preferable as a homeowner if you live in a community with comparably low safety requirements.

Because of its simple access locations, a single-cylinder deadbolt is a good option if you live in a fire-prone region.

Unfortunately, because both deadbolts have different functionality, there is no sure-fire response when asked, which is preferable.

Q3. Are double cylinder deadbolts legal?

Answer – There is no single federal statute prohibiting dual-cylinder deadbolts in the United States. Local property and fire rules in certain towns and states may restrict dual-cylinder deadbolts. Depending on the regulations, dual-cylinder deadbolts may be prohibited in some buildings but permitted in others.

Conclusion

The debate on which is better, single or double cylinder deadbolt is never-ending. Ultimately, it is your personal choice which deadbolt you want to install on your door. You can choose the deadbolt by looking at the advantages, disadvantages, and applications at a particular place. I hope this article about single vs double cylinder deadbolt helps you in understanding what single and double cylinder locks are.

I will be delighted and thankful if you drop your feedback in the comment box. Also, mention which deadbolt lock is better according to you and the one you are using in your home. It will help other users in making wiser decisions.