Good locks

Posted May 8th, 2009 by john128

I remember reading a story about a year ago about how easy it can be to break into some locks. The gist of it was that some locks - even "high quality" ones - can be very vulnerable to lock picking, lock bumping, etc. I'm in the process of renovating my condo right now, so I thought it might be a good time to re-evaluate the locks. I have no idea how good they are, so I thought I'd start a thread on this as I start to do some research... I'll post back here with what I learn... chip in with what you know!

my big thing is having a

On July 19th, 2009 marzgirl7829 says:

my big thing is having a double key dead bolt when there is a window present. that way no one can break the window, reach in and unlock the door. i just installed one on one of my back doors.

Abloy Protec locks are some

On September 28th, 2010 morgan says:

Abloy Protec locks are some of the best you can buy. No one has ever proven that they've been able to pick them -- ever. Brute force would be the only way to open your door with these installed. They're very good locks.

Here's a good rundown of various high-security locks: https://securitysnobs.com/Choosing-A-Brand.html

The problem with double key

On February 18th, 2011 sbeck says:

The problem with double key dead bolts locks is that if someone inside is trying to get out in an emergency situation (fire, explosion, medical emergency, attack, etc.), and does not have a key right there, the results could be tragic. As good as the reasons are to have them, the drawbacks are significant, and they are now illegal in some commmunities.

As what I have searched, the

On May 4th, 2011 jhonnysentry says:

As what I have searched, the most common security lock brand is Abloy. You can probably try it if you want, I've heard they do have quality security locks.

In my experience with locks,

On May 6th, 2011 matthew says:

In my experience with locks, the Mul-T-Lock series of locks have been some of the most reliable in the long-term and the most secure that you can find. I highly recommend the new Mul-T-Lock MT5, not only for its security but for having some of the best key control of any lock out there.

I was always a big fan of the Abloy Protec until I saw this.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uj4myR2XlWc

I wanted to comment on double

On August 9th, 2011 CSP says:

I wanted to comment on double key locks being dangerous during an emergency. I have these locks on my house, and I occasionally remind my wife to use a window if she ever finds herself inside the house during a fire and unable to find her keys due to smoke. I know we are preprogrammed to think we only go in and out of doors, but a busted window will be the least of your worries if you are in a true emergency. A nearby lamp, chair, or your foot is all you need to break and rake the window.
As someone else mentioned, using a chain lock to talk to people is a great idea. My wife talks to people through the storm door and will not open it if I am not home.