So, I only recommend single cylinders if there are no windows nearby. However, I learned that the deadbolt wouldn’t do any good if a thief could just break a nearby window, reach in, and unlock the door. “Initially, I only used single cylinder locks as I was afraid of being stuck inside during an emergency, like a fire. A double cylinder will require you to unlock with a key from both sides. “A single cylinder has a lock on the outside and a thumb turn on the inside. Is a single or double cylinder best for the accompanying deadbolt? A drill can damage almost any lock, but there are a few on the market that boast of being drill-resistant as well.” “Look for a door lock that is bump- and pick-resistant. Drilling is not as subtle as the first two methods but involves using a cordless drill and destroying the lock mechanism to gain entry. Bumping requires a special key and a mallet, which ‘bumps’ the inner pins to realign to the special key’s shape and, thus, unlock. “Lock-picking involves a set of tools to (you guessed it) pick the lock. “Lock-picking, bumping, and using a drill are all additional –and more subtle– ways an intruder can try and break into your home,” Liston acknowledges. Fortunately, an effective lock can help prevent this, as well. When I changed the lock on my front door, I discarded the included screws altogether and used four 4-inch wood screws.”īrute force is not the only way thieves gain entrance into homes. Four 3-inch screws should be your minimum length. “Look for a lock with much longer anchoring screws, so they hold tight to the frame. If your lock has a strike plate with only ¾ inch long screws holding it into the door frame, a swift kick will dislodge the screws, and your thief has open access. “The no-nonsense way of getting past a lock is to kick it in,” Liston explains. However, the most common way burglars gain entrance is rudimentary. “You’ve got to have a door lock built to withstand numerous types of entry attempts.” “Thieves are trickier than ever and to stay ahead of their latest tactics,” says Liston. Protecting your home from intruders is of the utmost importance. Vicki Liston writes, produces, and narrates “On The Fly…DIY,” an award-winning home improvement and DIY show of unique project tutorials for the casual DIY’er. Choosing between brands, designs, and styles might be daunting, but learning about essential aspects of door locks for homes narrows your options. Upgrading an outdated door lock for your home can be an investment you will never regret. Unfortunately, you might not realize that a lock is subpar until it is too late. A door lock could be the only thing standing between criminals and your family, your valuables, and your sense of security.
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