Rim Lock

A rim lock is a type of surface mount lock that doesn't penetrate the door's surface but instead attaches to the outside of the door and secures the door by use of a latch that slides into a keeper on the door's rim or frame. Knobs and handles made of porcelain, brass, and other materials are commonly used to activate the latch on rim locks. Doors that are too small for an internal lock mechanism often have rim locks installed. They are not recommended for outside doors due to how easily they may be opened with a screwdriver. Rim locks were traditionally forged from iron, but modern versions come in a variety of materials and coatings, including iron, composites, brass, and nickel. Body, keeper, escutcheon, and privacy latch are the parts that make up the lock.

The cylinder of a rim lock is installed through the door itself, therefore the lock can be unlocked from the outside with a key. A tubular dead bolt calls for two holes and two mortises to be drilled and cut, while a rim lock just needs one hole and maybe a mortise. The rim dead bolt is similar in appearance to the night latch but has a much more basic locking mechanism: a nonbeveled dead bolt that is opened and closed with a simple knob or key. Locks can be disabled by turning the big knob to the unlocked position and then pushing in the little knob, which keeps the crossbar in the open position.

Rim locks aren't the safest option; therefore homeowners avoid installing them on external doors. It's shocking how many homes and businesses present an easy target because of the occupants' lack of security awareness. It's a good idea to beef up security measures both on the exterior and inside the building. If taking  precautions, like as using rim locks and door stoppers, a user can lock in a "safe" room until the police arrive. If an intruder breaks into the home while user is still there, this will come in handy. Never forget that intruders prefer, and are able to easily identify, buildings with inadequate security measures.