Q. What is rim lock vs deadbolt?

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.