On most homes the deadbolt lock is the main source of security preventing unwanted entry. If you live in an apartment it is probably your sole source of security. This is where a lot of people mess up in regards to quality and the amount of money they are willing to spend. You can get by with a cheaper entry handle set, or even a passage (non-locking) handle for your door. Some people even prefer to have a handle set that does not lock in order to prevent accidental lockouts. However, for your deadbolt, you want a heavy enough lock of good enough quality to last, and to resist breakin attempts at least as well as the door it is attached to. It is not necessary to put a extra heavy duty commercial grade lock on a flimsy door that can't resist the lightest of physical attacks, but regardless of how light the door is you want a lock of sufficient quality to not fail and leave you locked out.

The type of deadbolt lock fitting in the standard cutout shown and described above is a tubular deadbolt lock. They are the most common type of deadbolt found in most newer homes and apartments. Most tubular deadbolts use the same cutout (bore) as tubular locksets, some do use a smaller diameter bore. On deadbolts the brand name is also usually found on the face plate of the locking bolt, in the same location as on the knobs and levers. Deadbolts are normally available with either a thumbturn on the inside, or a locking cylinder on the inside. The double cylinder deadbolts are most often used when there is glass in the door, or in a ground floor situation. Be careful when choosing a double cylinder version, many local fire and building codes prohibit their use in many situations, depending on whether it is a residence, other means of escape, etc. LockInfoNet recommendation for a quality heavy duty deadbolt - Schlage® B600/700/800 series. You are not likely find it at a home hardware center, order from a locksmith or supplier.

MAJOR COMPONENTS OF A TUBULAR DEADBOLT