prompter: Why are certain types of door locks called 'deadbolts' ?

assistant: A deadbolt is a type of locking mechanism that is installed on doors to provide an additional layer of security. Unlike regular door locks, which typically use a spring-loaded latch bolt that can be easily manipulated, deadbolts use a solid metal bar that extends into the door frame, making it more difficult for intruders to force open the door.

The term "deadbolt" is believed to come from the fact that the locking mechanism is "dead" when it is not engaged, meaning that it is not spring-loaded like a regular latch bolt. Instead, the deadbolt is locked and unlocked manually using a key or thumb turn, which moves the solid metal bar in and out of the door frame. Because of this solid bar, deadbolts are generally considered more secure than regular locks and are often used as a secondary locking mechanism in addition to a standard lock.

prompter: Do deadbolts have any negatives? Why don't all doors have deadbolts, if they are this much safer?

assistant: While deadbolts provide additional security compared to regular locks, they do have some potential downsides. One potential drawback of deadbolts is that they can be more difficult and time-consuming to operate, especially in emergency situations where quick exit is necessary. Additionally, deadbolts may require professional installation or modification to the door, which can be an added expense.

Not all doors have deadbolts for a variety of reasons, including cost, ease of installation, and personal preference. Some homeowners may feel that regular locks provide sufficient security, while others may prioritize convenience over added security. Ultimately, the decision to install a deadbolt or not depends on individual needs and circumstances.

assistant: It can be slower to lock a deadbolt lock, and requires manual input, which can be overlooked when in a hurry to leave the house. Most external doors have both a deadbolt and a latch bolt lock. Most interior doors don't have any locks at all, with bathrooms as a notable exception. Additionally, deadbolt locks, as well as latch bolt lock, are only as strong as the door jamb. This means that deadbolt locks are less useful on interior doors, as the walls are more likely to be made out of drywall, instead of solid wood, metal, bricks, or stone.

In summary, the main reason deadbolts aren't on every door is the same reason not all doors are locked. The convenience of having a simple door to open and close is more important than security except on exterior doors.

assistant: One of the key factors to the question "why don't all doors have deadbolts" ultimately just comes down to cost effectiveness, as the additional expense and labor to install a deadbolt on internal doors not at risk of a break-in are simply unnecessary: A normal spring-loaded latch bolt with a lock will perform just as effectively for use on internal doors.

assistant: Deadbolt provides additional security compared to a standard spring bolt lock. Deadbolts are called "dead" bolts because they do not contain any springs. Instead of using springs to operate the locking mechanism, deadbolts use a solid metal bolt that slides into the door frame or into a special strike plate installed on the frame. This bolt is typically activated using a key or a thumb turn on the interior side of the door.

Because the deadbolt requires physical action to be locked or unlocked, it is much more resistant to forced entry than a spring bolt lock.

prompter: What are the different types of deadbolt locks?

assistant: There are many  types of deadbolt locks, including:

1. Single cylinder deadbolts: This type of deadbolt lock is the most common and features a key cylinder on the outside and a thumb turn on the inside to lock and unlock the door.
2. Double cylinder deadbolts: These deadbolt locks feature a key cylinder on both sides of the door, which provides additional security but can also be a safety hazard in case of a fire or emergency.
3. Keyless deadbolts: These deadbolt locks are designed to be operated without a key and typically feature a keypad or touchscreen that allows users to enter a code to lock and unlock the door.
4. Smart deadbolts: These deadbolt locks can be operated using a smartphone app, voice command, or other smart home devices, providing remote access and control.
5. Jimmy proof deadbolts: These deadbolt locks are designed to prevent the door from being forced open by wedging a bar between the door and the door frame, making it difficult for burglars to break in.

assistant: There are seven main types of deadbolt locks on the market today. They all work pretty much the same, but each has specific characteristics that will affect how well they work in certain situations.

1. The Single-Cylinder Deadbolt Lock 
2. The Double-Cylinder Deadbolt Lock
3. Electronic Deadbolt Lock
4. Smart Deadbolt Lock
5. Rim Deadbolt
6. Vertical Deadbolt Lock
7. Mortise Deadbolt Lock

The best deadbolt for you will depend on your needs and budget.

assistant: A deadbolt can only be opened by a key or handle, while the more common spring bolt uses a spring to hold the bolt in place, allowing retraction by applying force to the bolt itself. 
A deadbolt is therefore more resistant to being forced open and is usually used in combination with to a spring bolt lock on doors for additional security.

prompter: What is the highest selling deadbolt lock in 2020?  Who manufactured it?  What city has the highest concentration of deadbolt users?  Is their a correlation to deadbolt usage and crime?