Monday, August 29, 2011

High Security Locks - What Are They and Should You Care?

Ever take a look at the locks on your front door? Do they have a nice shiny brass finish? Do you have a keyed entry? Well, if you're like most people then your locks are branded either Kwikset or Schlage or some no-name brand. What most people don't know is that these locks are just as good as no lock. A complete amateur can manipulate these locks within seconds. Not to mention using brute force would require no skill at all but would get the job done right away. So what can you do? Well, there are solutions; and one of the best solutions is installing high security locks instead of your cheap locks from Home Depot or Lowes.

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These high security locks are offered by a few brands; Mul-T-Lock and Medeco are the most popular. I personally prefer Mul-T-Lock so I will be focusing mainly on their product line. First I would like to talk about what makes a high security lock so special; For starters these locks are very difficult to pick and manipulate, in other words, the same amateur that can pick a Kwikset or a Schlage within seconds will have no idea where to even begin with these high security locks. Their build quality is exceptional and unlike the cheaper locks they are built from solid brass. The keys that come along with high security locks are non-duplicate keys. I'm sure many of you have seen non-duplicate keys before, but it's not enough to just stamp "Do not duplicate" on a key. These high security keys come along with a special code card (looks similar to a credit card); this card contains the information required to duplicate a key. In other words, only you can authorize making additional copies of your key. This is usually referred to as key control.

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As an example I would like to discuss some of the features offered on Mul-T-Lock's Grade 1 High security Deadbolt from their Hercular series. This deadbolt is complete solid brass and weighs a couple of pounds. The lock is pick proof, bump proof, tamper proof and drill proof. There are hardened steel inserts to prevent drilling the lock cylinder. There is a metal shield covering the mechanism preventing and attempt at ice-picking. And just to top it off, they added a special feature to the bolt itself. There is an interlocking steel ball placed on the bolt. Once the bolt is in a locked position, these steel balls are pushed outwards, interlocking with the strike box. This means that even using brute force with a screwdriver or a crowbar will become a much more difficult task.

In conclusion, high security locks are obviously more expensive than your standard lock; but it's true what they say - "You get what you pay for!" - These locks offer real value in security rather than close to none. They offer a variety of features and functions that make them worth their price tag. I should also mention that they also come with a lifetime warranty on all mechanical failures, which that alone shows how these manufacturers are confident with their products. Make sure when you get to get these installed by a professional locksmith.

High Security Locks - What Are They and Should You Care?

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