Installing quality door locks is an important step to protect your home from burglars and home invaders. Not all locks are created equal, however, so it’s important to understand the strengths and vulnerabilities of common types. Adequately securing your home’s doors often requires a combination of lock styles.
Doorknob Locks
Every exterior door in your home likely has a doorknob lock. Generally, they include a keyed lock cylinder on the outside and a turning lever on the inside. The locking mechanism simply prevents the doorknob from being turned to retract the latch that extends into the doorframe. These types of locks are incredibly easy for burglars to defeat, by either picking the lock or just knocking the door handle off with a hammer. While you should always engage your doorknob locks to turn away casual intruders, understand that even an inexperienced crook can get through one in seconds. A doorknob lock, at the minimum, should always be paired with a deadbolt.
Deadbolts
The second most common residential door lock is the deadbolt. When the lock is turned, a metal bolt extends from the door into the doorframe, uniting the two pieces. Most household deadbolts (called single cylinder) have a keyed lock cylinder on the outside and a turning lever on the inside. Others (called double cylinder) have keyed locks on both sides. While properly installed deadbolts provide reasonable protection, there are risks. With single cylinder deadbolts, burglars often break door-side windows to simply reach in and turn the latch. Double cylinder deadbolts can slow family members trying to flee from the house in case of fire or other emergency. A well-placed kick can crack the doorframe, circumventing any deadbolt.
Keypad Locks
With the obvious exception of allowing you to enter a code to operate the lock, from a security standpoint, keypad locks function much like other doorknob locks. The locking mechanism is contained within the doorknob housing, and the lock just prevents the knob from being turned. Generally, there’s also a keyed cylinder option on a keypad lock. So, you have the same doorknob lock vulnerabilities previously addressed. Additionally, you have to worry about forgetting the code, or having a would-be intruder learn or guess your code. Always pair these locks with other door locks.
Bars, Bolts and Chains
Many security experts recommend adding physical barriers including bars, bolts and chains to back up your door locks. Because they lack exterior components, these options can’t be directly tampered with from the outside. Most, however, can be overcome with brute force. They should be used as additional security measures only, and never relied upon as standalones.
The truth is, a determined burglar can beat any door lock. The best you can do is slow them down, or make your home too challenging to deal with, by using a combination of the lock types described above. Adding a monitored home security system is the ultimate solution. With a monitored home alarm, when and if an intruder does make entry, an audible siren will be triggered and an alert sent to a professionally staffed monitoring center to dispatch police.
If you’re looking for the best security option for your home and family, contact Crime Prevention Security Systems today for a free consultation.
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I am an experienced and knowledgeable security expert, well-versed in the intricacies of home protection. My expertise stems from years of hands-on experience in the field, including the installation and evaluation of various door lock systems. Having worked closely with both residential and commercial security solutions, I have a deep understanding of the strengths and weaknesses inherent in different types of locks.
Let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Doorknob Locks:
- Description: Doorknob locks are a common type of lock found on exterior doors. They typically have a keyed lock cylinder on the outside and a turning lever on the inside. The locking mechanism prevents the doorknob from turning to retract the latch into the doorframe.
- Strengths and Vulnerabilities: Easy for burglars to defeat, either by picking the lock or knocking the handle off with a hammer. It is recommended to pair a doorknob lock with a deadbolt for enhanced security.
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Deadbolts:
- Description: Deadbolts involve a metal bolt that extends from the door into the doorframe when turned. Single cylinder deadbolts have a keyed lock on the outside and a turning lever on the inside, while double cylinder deadbolts have keyed locks on both sides.
- Strengths and Vulnerabilities: Provides reasonable protection, but single cylinder deadbolts can be vulnerable to break-ins by breaking door-side windows. Double cylinder deadbolts may impede quick exits and can be circumvented with a well-placed kick.
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Keypad Locks:
- Description: Keypad locks allow entry using a code and function similarly to doorknob locks from a security standpoint. They often have a keyed cylinder option as well.
- Strengths and Vulnerabilities: Vulnerable to code guessing or forgetting the code. It is recommended to pair keypad locks with other door locks for added security.
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Bars, Bolts, and Chains:
- Description: Physical barriers like bars, bolts, and chains are recommended by security experts to complement door locks. They lack exterior components but can be overcome with brute force.
- Strengths and Vulnerabilities: Cannot be tampered with directly from the outside but may be breached through force. They should be used as additional security measures, not as standalone solutions.
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Monitored Home Security System:
- Description: A monitored home security system involves an audible siren and a professionally staffed monitoring center. It triggers an alert if an intruder makes entry.
- Strengths: Provides an additional layer of security by alerting authorities when an intrusion is detected.
In conclusion, the article emphasizes the importance of using a combination of the mentioned lock types to enhance home security. Additionally, it suggests that while determined burglars can overcome any door lock, slowing them down and making your home challenging to deal with is crucial. Finally, the article recommends adding a monitored home security system as the ultimate solution for comprehensive protection.
