Mechanical push button door locks are usually easier to install and they are usually very long-lasting and hardy, being that they only have mechanical parts inside. This is also a plus should anything happen to them, as they are very easy to have replacement parts installed and repairs made. This type of lock is perfect to use as a supplemental lock for larger premises, and is also great for regular homeowners to use.

For a quick example on how they work, on a home level: Normally the average model that is suited to home use, comes pretty much ready to install. You just unpack it and attach it to your door, it should take around 30 minutes to one hour to have the installation completed.

Taking a look at the Schlage push button locks, as an example, they come pre-programmed with two user codes or pin codes already entered into the system.  Most standard home electronic push button locks use batteries, (usually a 9 volt).  The number of different codes you can add, additionally to the two that are pre-programmed, varies. Usually though it is somewhere between 15 to 20 codes, meaning that if you want each person in your family could have a their own entry pin code, and you would have a few extras you could use in case you have guests visiting. Of course, there is a possibility of adding many more combinations than that, probably up to 10,000 or more depending on the amount of buttons on the lock–it is just that you can only use a certain amount at a time. Other brands, such as the Simplex push button locks, are similar.

If you are buying a lock for your external doors, one of the best is a dead-bolt lock. These are by far the most secure.  If you need to lock your handyman room, or garage, cellar or home office, or another area where you do not want the children to go, then you could choose a smaller push button door lock with an automatic relocking feature. That way, you could be sure that the door remains closed even if, for some reason, you inadvertently forget to secure it.

Installing push button locks in your home will immediately increase your overall home and family’s security. First of all, you will not have to worry about lost or stolen keys, and that is especially worrisome if you have children carrying your home keys with them so that they can enter the house when you are not at home.  You can simply give each home member a very simple key pin combination, that they will remember easily, and you never have to worry “where the keys went” anymore.

The locks themselves are also incredibly strong and secure. You really could not make a better choice, when it comes to home security, than purchasing and installing a secure push button door lock on your doors.

Mechanical or Electronic Push Button Door Lock:  Very generally speaking, mechanical locks are better for smaller situations, or to use with additional security locks. Mechanical locks require very little maintenance and they are built to last. They do not need battery or other electrical power in order to work. If you want to have more access options, you should look into getting an electronic push button lock.

Battery or Electricity: If choosing an electronic push button lock, you should decide whether to go for a battery or electrical lock. Most batteries usually last around two years before they need changing. If you choose an electrically powered lock, make sure it has a battery backup function so you can still use the door even if there is no electricity.

Right Opening or Left Opening: It is best if you purchase a lock that can be switched to open on either the left side or the right side. This gives you much more versatility when it comes to installing the lock on site.

Pairing Options:  If you think you may need additional security added some time in the future, make sure that the push button lock that you install allows you to add on and pair it with biometric or card reading devices.  While you may have to pay additional money for this, it is well worth it as it can make upgrading later to a more secure system easier, and less costly.

Basic Modes: Make sure that the lock includes such basic modes as passage mode which allows you to leave the door unlocked at times, and lock-out mode which allows you to restrict entry even by those who know the pin number for opening the door.  Another useful mode is the key over-ride mode, which is important from a safety standpoint. In this mode, someone can gain access even without knowing the pin code.

User Codes: How many user codes will you need? Decide in advance. If you are not sure exactly how many, it is better to err on the side of getting a lock with more than you think you will need, rather than less or the bare minimum.

Keypad: If your lock will be getting a lot of heavy usage, look for keypads with a wear resistant coating. Even one used solely for a residence will, after time, wear patterns on the number pad if it does not have proper coating.

Ease of Installation: If you are going to install push button door locks yourself, look for one that is easy to install, and that comes with specific user friendly installation instructions. If you are buying an electronic push button lock, see if there is a possibility of a free installation? Some companies will offer that.

They are perfect to use in situations where you do not want the hassle or bother of keeping track of multiple keys, especially in high traffic areas such as main employee entrances for example. If there are no keys used, that in itself brings the security levels up a notch or two, as it would be impossible for a potential thief or criminal to steal a key, or to find a lost key and use it to gain access to a building.  It also prevents unauthorised duplication of keys, which has been a big problem for many employers and companies. With the electronic push button door lock, a correct pin code must be punched into the push buttons mounted beside the door or on the actual door knob panel itself, before the actual door will open.

There are different styles of electronic push button door locks. With one type the panel with the buttons is mounted on the wall beside the door and the control box is mounted on the inside of the door. This type of installation is fairly expensive, and you would usually require a professional to take care of it. Quite often, due to the power needs of running something like this, the lock also must be plugged into the electricity, only using battery power for emergency use.

A second style of electronic push button lock, which is less widely implemented, works in a slightly different way. With this lock, the buttons that need to be pushed are actually located on the door handle or knob itself.  With some, you have to push a certain sequence of numbers for the door to open, with others you need to push and hold down a number while opening the handle at the same time. This type of lock is more often powered by batteries, as it has much less power consumption, and it is also quite a bit cheaper and simpler to install.  The disadvantage of using a lock like this is that it is a bit clumsy to use, with your needing to press buttons at the same time as you are turning the door handle.

Of course, there are many variations on both of these styles of electronic push button locks.  Prices vary anywhere from $200 up to over $1000, depending on the size of the lock, and how many controls or features it has.  Usually, for a residence, a simple mechanical push button lock will suffice. Larger companies, offices and workplaces will often opt for an electronic push button lock, frequently giving different access codes to different workers, depending on their schedule and individual needs. Electronic push button locks are also often used within the workplace, especially when there is a need to only allow access to certain areas to restricted employees and personnel.

Mechanical push button locks are sturdy and secure. In many cases, installing this alone provides your building with adequate security, especially if used at smaller locations.  The push button lock can also be used as a supplemental form of security, just adding that extra protection. You can buy mechanical push button door locks that work with all kinds of installations, including regular cylindrical or mortise.

Some of their typical features, that make them ideal for certain situations, include the fact that they are incredibly easy to maintain. In most situations, you can simply install the lock and then pretty much forget about it.  It will do its job of opening and shutting the door tirelessly, needing little to no interference from you. The only thing you may need to do is to change the pin number used to activate the door lock upon occasion.  There are no batteries to replace, as it is totally mechanical.

Most mechanical locks also include additional features, such as having removable cores. It is also good, if you are going to buy a mechanical lock, to look for one that does provide optional key over-ride options that can be used in an emergency to enter the building even without knowing the PIN. Another option is providing you with the ability to lock-out or disable the whole lock so that people cannot gain entrance at all, even if they use the correct pin. This last option is especially helpful in stores, for example, when you need to secure the shop for a moment to count money, or to replenish a cash register.

Taking things up a notch, if you want to you can find an electric release model, that while still basically a mechanical push button lock, does give you the option of passing access control over to a receptionist for example. This type is often used in offices or factories where the employees have pin number access but visitors to the company must be allowed into the building by a receptionist.

Costs for mechanical locks range anywhere from a little over $100 to $800 or more depending on the size of the lock, and the material it is made from. Naturally, a large, external push button lock will cost more than a smaller residential sized version would.  Very little will need to be spent on repairs or maintenance, although if something does go wrong with the locking mechanism thankfully it can be repaired and the part replaced easily, due to it being a mechanical lock. You may not have the same options with an electronic push button lock.

They provide great security, without the hassle of having to provide everyone with a key.  Keys (frequently) get lost, stolen or misplaced in some way and they are an absolute headache to keep track of.  This is even more true in situations where you have many people accessing a door; such as in a large apartment complex, at employee access points, or dorms.  Instead, there is one pin number that needs to be remembered by anyone accessing the door. And the great thing about pin numbers is that you can’t ‘lose’ them. In the event that someone illicitly gains access to the pin number, or a disgruntled employee leaves a company, you merely have to change one pin number–it is that simple. The alternative, recalling sometimes hundreds (or more) keys, changing the locks and re-issuing new keys, borders on insanity in comparison.  The push button door lock is definitely the way to go.

There are two distinct types of push button lock; mechanical push button locks, and electronic or digital push button locks. Of the two types, in most cases the mechanical push button lock is built to last, they are easy to take care of and do not need a lot of maintenance, and they run without needing batteries or to access any specific power source.

Electronic or digital push button door locks, such as simplex push button locks, are usually a little more costly to install, as they often need access to a specific power source, or other connecting cables. They also offer more options, and can often use multiple access pins, as opposed to only using one pin for example. This can be beneficial in companies or stores where you want restricted access for at certain times. For example, you could have one access number that would allow employees to enter the building at any time during the day, but only from eight-thirty to six, for example. Then you could have another pin number that could be given to those who need access during the night, such as night security personnel, etc. The need for this greater flexibility is often why companies choose an electronic push button lock over a mechanical push button lock.

Generally, as far as installation, the mechanical push button lock is fairly simple to install and operate. You can often install them in place of your regular lock with key, by making only a few modifications. To the contrary, when installing an electronic system, you will most likely need to have a professional install it for you, unless you have the necessary abilities to do it yourself.  They often need more intricate wiring, especially if they are linked up to the company security systems for example.