There are many different styles of push button locks, although in essence they do fall into two basic categories. There are electronic push button locks and mechanical push button locks. Generally the electronic push button lock is more expensive, more complex with more features, and more difficult to install. They do offer great security, and are perfect to use in situations where you have many people entering a building, such as large office buildings or factories, for example.
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.