Door Security Hardware Overview

If you’re in the market for a new security door and hardware solutions to keep your business secure, the options available can be a bit overwhelming if you’re just starting out. We’ve created an overview of the different types of door security hardware available to you, and described the main features of each type.

Door security is often reduced to a single question: what kind of lock should I use? In practice, however, securing a door means making decisions across several layers:

• the structural components that hold the door in place
• the mechanical hardware that keeps it locked
• the electronic systems that control who can open it and when

This guide covers it all. In the sections below, we’ll look at the key parts of door security hardware, the different types of locks used to secure doors, and how modern access control systems fit into the overall picture.

The basic parts of door security hardware #

Before getting into specific lock types, it helps to understand the structural components that every secure door depends on. A secure door system typically includes:

• Door frame: The frame is the foundation. In commercial settings, steel frames are standard because they resist forced entry better than wood and provide a secure anchor for both hinges and strike plates.
• Hinges: Hinges are what allow a door to pivot along one edge to open and close. While a typical door will have three hinges along the top, middle, and bottom of one edge of the door, some larger, more secure doors (such as entrance doors) may have hinges that run along the entire length of one of the door's edges. Security hinges often include non-removable pins to prevent the door from being lifted off its frame from the outside.
• Strike plate: The strike plate is the metal plate mounted on the door frame where the bolt or latch lands when the door closes. A reinforced strike plate, secured with long screws that reach the wall stud behind the frame, significantly increases resistance to forced entry.
• Locking mechanism: The lock hardware sits within the door itself. The type of lock chosen determines the overall security level of the door and whether it can be integrated with an electronic access control system.
• Door closer: A door closer is a device that aids in the closing of a door. In commercial settings, door closers are important so that doors don't remain open after use. Surface-mounted closers are the most common, though concealed and floor-mounted versions are also used depending on the door type and aesthetic requirements.

Types of door locks #

Not all locks are created equal. Knowing the pros and cons of the different types of locks can help you make an informed decision about how you plan to secure the equipment, data, and private information in your office.

Mechanical locks use a physical release mechanism to keep a door closed and locked. The release mechanism (usually a lever, knob, key, or thumbturn) needs to be manually activated (turned, pressed, etc.) before the door can be opened. These locks are the foundation of door security and come in several forms relevant to commercial environments.

Cylindrical locks are very commonly used due to the ease with which they can be rekeyed, flexibility when it comes to master key systems, and general ease of installation. Sometimes referred to as bored locks, they are commonly used with lever handles, and they use a latch bolt system that interlocks one end of the cylindrical lock chassis with the other.]

Mortise locks are built into the door (the pocket they're built into is called a mortise), and are typically very heavy duty and secure. They are made up of many different parts: the lock body, which houses the locking components; the handle or knob, which is turned to retract the latch; the through spindle, which connects the handle with the lock body; and the lock cylinder, which contains the part of the lock that allows the handle to retract the latch.

Deadbolts are distinct from the other locks in that they don't use springs and can only be unlocked by key rotations. They can either be single or double cylinder deadbolts, but double cylinder deadbolts are less common in business due to fire safety codes.

Electronic door security hardware #

There are also many different types of electronic door security hardware available. The key difference between mechanical and electronic locks is that electronic locks require power to operate the locking and unlocking functions of the door.

Note: Keep in mind that electric locks come in two functions: fail safe (the system unlocks when power is removed) and fail secure (the system locks when power is removed) and the choice matters. Emergency exits and egress doors typically require fail safe operation so they can always be opened during a power outage. High-security areas like server rooms or restricted zones are often configured to be fail secure so that a power loss doesn't create an unintended entry point.

Electric strike #

An electric strike replaces traditional fixed strike faceplates, and makes it so that the latch can be locked or released electronically. The security of an electric strike tends to be linked to the security of the access control system it's paired with. Electric strikes can be configured as either fail safe or fail secure.

Electromagnetic lock #

An electromagnetic lock (also referred to as a mag lock) is made up of an electromagnet and an armature plate that are attracted to each other so securely, they are able to keep the door from opening. Mag locks are inherently fail safe (they release when power is cut) which makes them a natural fit for glass doors, main lobbies, and any entrance on an emergency egress route. Since they have no moving parts, they are also highly durable under heavy daily use.

Electromechanical lock #

An electromechanical lock is basically a traditional mechanical lockset that has been retrofitted with an electronic system, allowing for controlled access via card readers, remote releases, etc.

Smart locks #

Standalone electronic locks that communicate wirelessly and can be managed remotely via a mobile app or cloud platform. They are increasingly common in smaller offices and shared workspaces where a full access control infrastructure may not be in place, and where flexibility and ease of installation matter more than deep system integration.

Door access systems #

Electronic door security hardware is often connected to an access control system that determines who can unlock a door and when access is allowed. These systems allow organizations to manage entry permissions, monitor access events, and update credentials without replacing the underlying door hardware.

While the mechanics behind much of the door security hardware described above are based on similar fundamentals, the access control systems used to monitor and allow access can vary significantly depending on the level of security needed. All types of electronic locks fall under two:

• Networked locks: Networked locks are electronic locks that are connected to a larger access control system, which allows system administrators to change and track access rights as long as they are connected to the network.
• Standalone locks / readers: Standalone locks/readers are based on the same technology as networked locks, but they are not connected to an overall network, so a network administrator must go to each physical lock to change access rights.

Networked access systems are commonly used in offices, shared workspaces, and multi-tenant buildings where administrators need to manage access for multiple users. Standalone locks are typically used in smaller environments where centralized access management is not required.

Access credentials #

The hardware on the door is only part of the picture. Access control systems also require a way for users to identify themselves. Credential types have evolved significantly in recent years, and the right choice depends on the security level, user experience, and administrative overhead you're willing to manage.

Keycards #

Keycards come in a variety of different forms, but the key takeaway is that they are plastic cards that bear magnetically or electronically encoded data, and they are read by card readers on doors, which grant access. Key fobs operate on the same principle in a smaller form factor.

PIN codes #

Numeric codes entered on a keypad. Useful as a standalone credential for lower-security doors or as a second factor layered on top of a card or mobile credential.

Mobile credentials #

Smartphones can now act as access credentials via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or NFC. Many modern systems support Apple Wallet and Google Wallet, allowing employees to use their phone or smartwatch to unlock doors without a separate card. Mobile credentials are one of the fastest-growing areas in commercial access control since they eliminate lost card issues, allow instant remote provisioning and revocation, and align with how employees already use their devices.

Biometrics #

Biometrics are generally considered the most secure form of credential, and they use biological markers (like fingerprints, retinal scans, and voice recognition) to grant access. Today, biometric readers increasingly use AI-powered facial recognition and are being combined with mobile credentials as a second factor for high-security areas.

Door security hardware #

Door security hardware must protect a space while still allowing people to exit safely during emergencies. Safety hardware is designed to ensure that doors can be opened quickly from the inside, even when the exterior of the door remains locked.

Exit devices on doors are what allow the exterior of a door to be locked while also allowing the interior of a door to be opened. These devices are usually spring-loaded, and are generally coupled with panic features. They come in a variety of form factors.

One of the most common forms of exit devices is a touchpad, which uses a bar that runs through the midsection of the door. Pressing the bar releases the latch and allows the door to open from the inside.

Another type is the crossbar, which operates on similar mechanical principles as the touchpad, but is commonly found on glass doors and is often chosen for aesthetic reasons.

Exit devices are widely used in offices, schools, and public buildings where doors must remain secure from the outside while still allowing safe and immediate exit from the inside.

Upgrade your door security with modern access control #

Door security hardware includes a wide range of components that work together to protect buildings and control access. Traditional hardware such as mechanical locks, hinges, and strike plates provides the physical strength needed to secure a door. Electronic locking hardware and access control systems build on that foundation by allowing organizations to manage access more dynamically, track entry activity, and adjust permissions when needed.

Modern access control platforms like Kisi make it easier to connect door hardware with software-based access management. By integrating electronic locks, readers, and credentials into a centralized system, organizations can control access remotely, monitor entry events, and manage permissions across multiple doors and locations.

If you’re exploring ways to modernize your door security hardware, learn how Kisi’s access control system can help simplify access management while maintaining strong physical security.