It is easy to be mislead throughout our lives and talked into purchasing items or features we don’t need or will never use.
When it comes to locks we can easily be mislead or just given a false sense of security. I find it very difficult to sell “high security” locks for many reasons. I won’t push these on anyone unless I truly believe there is a need for it.
Most high security locks boast that they are pick resistant (not pick proof) saying pick proof is giving the consumer a guarantee that the lock can not be picked and no manufacturer that I know of will say their lock is pick proof.
There are many locks that are virtually pick proof and worthy of at least saying pick resistant. Bump resistant/proof.
Several components are necessary to have high security.
- Pick resistant
- Drill resistant
- Collars that will rotate if grabbed with pliers or shaped to make it difficult to grab (hardened metal would be nice).
- Key control (either a patented keyway that can not be made just anywhere or a key that can only be duplicated at a participating security store, manufacturer or shop with rights to copy that particular key). There are many levels of key control for many purposes.
- Bolt or latch shroud (If a person drilled an access hole above bolt or latch the shroud protects the vulnerable mechanism within so manipulation is difficult for retraction). This feature is not a must but just an addition.
- Quality of materials and workmanship.
You must ask yourself; why do I need or want high security locks? If the answer is simply because its better or more secure I would agree up to a point then say to you “the weakest link in a chain”. Meaning that you can install the best most secure lock on the market and not pay attention to the rest of your home, quality of your door, the condition of your frame or door, the glass next to the door , windows, door walls, basement windows etc. If you have a chain that is rated to hold 1000 pounds and you had to replace a link but used a link rated for 500 pounds your chain capacity has been decreased. You must look at the entire picture before making the investment into high security.
Survey your home or business to see where your weakest links are.
Now if you said I want key control and that is why I want/need high security locks I would say, great, we can do that. Many manufacturers make less expensive models that still offer key control. Remember, there are many levels of key control from a simple impression on the key that states “do not duplicate” up to the end user having to provide proof to the manufacturer that they own the locks and have them provide additional keys.
If you said you want the pick resistance and or bump proof, I would agree and sell you the correct product.
Bottom line here is that you don’t want to buy a product that is costly and or over kill until you survey and learn about the products. Decide on what your true needs are first.
Just because it states high security on the box does not mean it is. Lock manufacturers just like us all have had to tighten the proverbial belt and really cut back on quality. There is a lot of glitz and slim line verbiage of rating locks.
The big box stores have really put the pressure on the manufacturers to lower the price or they wont sell it.
Do your homework and save money.
Think! Actionlocksmithinc.com