Which is the best deadlock for my door?

There are a wide range of deadlocks on the market. It is not always a case of which one is the best, rather which is the most suited to my door and security needs. there is also a large range in quality.
From a security viewpoint many deadlocks sold in hardware shops and markets are of low quality. I say security viewpoint because many of these deadlocks look very well made and well finished, but lack a decent level of security which you would expect. Price of a deadlock and Brand Names are not a good indication of its security. Many low quality deadlocks are sold at much higher prices then high quality deadlocks and many reputible companies sell low quality locks in hardwre stores. As a Brisbane locksmith I often get calls to unlock these types of low security locks and quite often they are fitted on upmarket and new homes.
Concidering the type of door and door frame is imortant. Do you have timber frames, or metal frames? a Rimlock design of lock is sometimes better for a wooden frame door, due to the fact that they get a stronger hold onto the frame. A metal frame door may be better suited to a tubular deadlock, becuse the frame is much stronger.
The Door the lock is fitted to is also important. If it is a fire door then maybe no lock at all can be fitted as it would void its fire protection and function. Many unit doors are fire doors. A solid wooden door is suited to a range of locks including mortice deadlocks, tubular deadlocks and rimlocks. Hollow core doors have less strengh then solid doors and in many cases a tubular deadlock is better suited. The door and frame should be looked at together to assess the best deadlock for the door.
The security of the deadlock is often judged by the key and locking mechanism. Once again just about all locks sold in hardware shops use a low security lock cylinder, even though many manufacturers give themselves high security ratings. Low security lock cylinders can be opened easily by picking the lock. The skill involved in picking many dealocks is low and can be learned by a theif quickly and easily.
There are many high security dealocks and deadlock replacement lock cylinders on the market. The price of a high security deadlock is not usually that great. If you have a lock that can be picked easily then that defeats the purpose of fitting a deadlock in the first place.
It may not be nessecary to fit a high security lock. You should always assess the risk of being broken into and the value of what the deadock is securing.
If you do live in a unit with a fire door and can not have a deadlock fitted then look at other options for securing the door. There are more secure locks available for these unit doors now. Always chek to see if the lock is fire rated to suit your door.