Door Locks

When considering home security, door locks aren’t often the first thing that comes to mind. All too often, homes are equipped with cheap, inadequate locks that are easily picked or “bumped” by burglars looking for an easy target. While these cheap locks may be appealing in terms of price, investing in quality, heavy-duty locks and deadbolts is essential to keeping your home and family secure in a time when desperate criminals are looking to profit in a dismal economy.

The first line of defense is the doorknob itself. Though always the first target of would-be robbers, a high quality knob will resist the effort of even the most expert criminal. More importantly is the deadbolt lock, a much more heavy-duty counterpart to the locking doorknob. Cheap locks, though, are vulnerable to a crude but effective break-in method called “bumping.” The intruder simply inserts a screwdriver into the keyhole, taps the screwdriver into the hole fooling the locking mechanism and allowing the lock to be opened. One manufacturer, Medeco, is known for a lock that is virtually impenetrable and while expensive, is well worth the peace of mind.

Other options include a door chain. While easy to overpower, door chains are relatively inexpensive, easy to install and could either deter the intruder or at least buy you some valuable time should you be home at the time of a break-in. A slightly more invasive option is installing a steel bar that slides down from the door itself into the floor.

While there is no foolproof way to completely secure your home, purchasing high quality door locks can increase your security and peace of mind. Visiting a home improvement store or lock manufactures’ websites can also provide you with valuable information and the last innovations in lock technology.