One of the most popular and widespread type of lock on the market is the deadbolt; the reason for such popularity is that the deadbolt is a sure thing. You can be sure that this mechanism will work. The way it works is quite simple, one component (the door) that is hinged is connected to an immovable object (the wall) using a strong shaft that connects the two together.
There are two very important aspect of the shaft, one is the length that allows it to penetrate into the immovable frame, and the other is the strength, which makes it less possible to cut through or break into.
An understanding of physics will give you an idea of the value of the deadbolts long shaft. It is important to have the necessary pressure to push this shaft through the immovable frame that increases in proportion of its depth embedded in the frame. If you are not into physics that important thing to know is that, if your shaft pushes one inch or more past the strike plate then it would take that much more pressure to break through the door.
The strength of the deadbolt you choose is usually made of materials of steel and steel alloys. The steel can be bought from the manufacturers in different strengths and hardness. Steel is a product made of iron ore smelted with carbon. The carbon is a very small part but it plays an essential role in the hardening of the steel. There is also Iron carbide that mixes in when the metal is heated and it cools into a soft crystalline structure that is dipped into water to make it hard. Then to remove brittleness that comes with cooling the metal is them reheated and worked into the useful objects like the shaft of the deadbolt, then cooled again to the appropriate hardness that comes with tempered steel.
There are some other materials that maybe added to the steel during the smelting process that will increase the strength of the metal such as chromium, manganese, titanium, zinc and nickel.
Another important factor for the effective security of the deadbolt is the strike plate. The plate adds to the strength of the frame, it is crucial that it be strongly attached to a wall stud, and recommended that it not just be attached to the door jamb that makes the frame for the doorway.
Dead bolts slide in a horizontal direction, going from the door to the frame. However the application is different when used on a sliding glass or French doors. Vertical sliding shackle locks will be used on the bottom and the top of the doors to keep either door from moving. Depending on the designs of both the door and the bolt you will need to decide if the bolt goes into the frame or into a metal shackle on top of the frame. In some cases a bottom shackle bolt can go directly into the floor or sub floor.
Whatever design you choose the deadbolt will give your family the added security of a lock that works by giving your strength at your entrances.