When installing deadbolt locks, you have the choice of installing a single sided deadbolt (a key locks and unlocks on the outside only, and a thumbturn is used on the inside), or a double sided deadbolt (a key is required for locking and unlocking on both sides of the door).

What are the pros and cons of each type of lock?

Single Sided Deadbolt

Pros are that if there is a fire or other emergency you can exit right away.

Cons are that if there is glass close to the lock, somebody can break the glass and reach around and unlock the deadbolt. Also, if you have a "wanderer", such as an autistic child or Alzheimer patient, the person can easily open the lock and be gone.

Double Sided Deadbolt

Pros are that if somebody reaches through a window the lock cannot be unlocked easily. Also, if somebody breaks in through a window, they probably will be forced to go back out the window and will not be able to carry large stuff through the door. This type of lock also prevents children from wandering out the door.

Cons are that if there is a fire or other emergency the person will be trapped and possibly die if the key is not in the lock or close by.

When installing double sided deadbolts for customers we recommend that the keys be left in the inside of the lock so that the keys are there in an emergency. This gives the added benefit of not losing your keys. We also recommend that a spare key be left within 4 feet of the door, but not within sight or reach of the door or a window. This way if there is a fire the key is close by and panic is eliminated or reduced.

Here is a tragic story entitled Deadbolt Dangers about an elderly lady that was killed in a house fire when she couldn't find her key to exit.

I personally prefer double sided deadbolts on my doors. In most of the houses or apartments I have lived in I have installed deadbolts requiring a key on both sides. When I came home I would insert the key on the inside of the lock until I left again.

Some locksmiths prefer not to install double sided deadbolts, and in some areas of the country there are laws against installing them.

One of my favorite deadbolts right now is the Medeco key-captive deadbolt. The lock is high security to start with, so it's a great lock. It has special features that make it very pick-resistant, drill-resistant, and the keys can only be duplicated with proper identification presented. And this key-captive deadbolt is a double sided lock with a special key blade built into the interior thumbturn that you can leave in the lock and keep the door as a single sided lock. When you want to leave for an extended period you can remove the interior thumbturn with your exterior key and the lock converts to a double sided deadbolt. It's pretty much the best of both worlds.

We are Medeco Freedom dealers and can install a Medeco key-captive deadbolt. We also can install standard security deadbolts, whether they are single sided or double sided locks. Call us today at 727-216-7912 or visit our website to schedule an installation.