Most of us think our homes are safe just by installing a good quality lock. Only when a theft or break-in occurs do we realize how weak our locking mechanism is. Hopefully, by then, it should not be too late!
To prevent such mishaps, it is always wise to question ourselves if our locks are secure enough. It is also better to take stock of the type of locks we use currently and assess their strength and security.
Now it is time to gain some knowledge on increasing the security of our locks. These security measures are the recommendations by a professional locksmith company compiled from years of their experience.
3 valuable tips to help you achieve secure locking of your homes and offices
1. Review your exterior doors
Start with your doors. Check the following parameters about all your exterior doors and try to improve them one by one.
Door material
Is the door strong enough to hold a high-security lock? Some high-security locks like deadbolts or padlocks need to be drilled into the door. Only a door made of solid material like metal or fiberglass can withstand all this drilling. Even wooden doors will work well provided they are made of solid and not composite wood.
To install a lock of high security, you need a strong door with a solid core. Doors with hollow cores cannot support complex locking systems.
What type of lock should your exterior doors have?
Your exterior doors are the ones that protect your home. Right from your entrance doors to the backyard fence gates, all exterior doors must be fitted with locks offering the highest security.
There is a wide variety of locks you can choose from, for your exterior doors. You can choose from traditional chain locks, pin locks, knob locks, or even modern locks like smart locks or keyless entry locks. You can use a deadbolt lock, keyed padlock, or strong strike plate lock.
To strengthen the security, you can use additional locks like automatic deadbolts, throw bolts, swing bar latches, etc. You can also fix reinforcing bars to offer extra protection.
Choosing the right grade and type of lock
Always choose a grade 1 deadbolt for your front bolt as it offers maximum security.
Next, choose a lock with no exterior screws. Having screws on the outside makes it easy for burglars to unscrew them. So, it is better to get a lock that has screws only on the inside.
Always opt for an exit-only door lock as it has no exterior screws.
2. Check the locks
Once you have fitted the best locks, check all these points.
Clean the locks and bolts
Locks and bolts become dirty with regular use. Dirt gets clogged into the lock hole or thumb latch. If you do not clean the locks from time to time, they will get jammed. To avoid this, clean the locks and bolts.
Check the springs
In any lock, the springs will wear out soon with frequent use. So, check if the springs are rusted. Oil them from time to time if you want your locks to function smoothly. Replace them at once if they are broken by calling an expert locksmith.
Check the faceplate and latch bar
Sometimes, the faceplate of your door lock might shift if you use the locks roughly with excessive force. This can make it easy for burglars to break in. Prevent this by checking the faceplate and getting it fixed properly by calling a lock expert.
Also, check the latch bar while you are taking a look at the faceplate. See that the latch moves smoothly and if not, get it fixed or replaced by an expert locksmith.
3. Strive for better security with keypad locks and smart locks.
Aim for the highest level of security and install a keypad lock.
This lock works on rolling code technology. It uses a 4 or 6-digit code to open the lock.
A keypad lock offers the highest security as, without the code, one cannot open the lock. The lock allows a limited number of attempts and locks itself when a person tries to input random numbers repeatedly.
You can also operate the keypad lock as a smart lock by using a smartphone. This allows you to operate the lock and monitor the entry from even a remote location.
No more worrying about thieves using bolt cutters or fingernail files to pick your lock. Install the latest technology locks by calling an experienced locksmith and secure your home with maximum safety.
All the above security measures help you improve your lock security. These safety steps can be best implemented only with the help of an expert locksmith like Pi Security Solutions.
Pi Security Solutions Owner/Operator Nim Gil is a product of a rigorous apprenticeship and has locksmithing experience from 2012. He possesses the knowledge and technical expertise to work on difficult, unique, and antique locks as well as all modern safe, vault, and lock technologies. He has successfully completed numerous entry control projects in the given time frame. Nim is fully licensed, bonded, and insured. He understands the Safe and Vault Technicians Association (SAVTA) and the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) and works by the standards of these two leading organizations. Nim is also well-versed in state safety codes and other Seattle locksmith requirements.
