The term “high security lock” has been getting more and more attention in recent years as home and business owners look for better ways to secure their property from an ever more dangerous and aggressive world. But what exactly is this kind of lock and why would anyone want to spend extra money having a residential locksmith install them? High security locks utilize high-quality materials and state of the art technology to provide an extra dimension of safety and security. Even when they sometimes externally resemble standard locking mechanisms inside they are quite different. Let’s take a look at that difference.

The High Security Difference

It isn’t always easy to tell a high security lock from a standard lock. Here are some ways you can tell the two apart.

The toughness of the bolt 

Contrary to popular belief most intruders don’t enter through windows. They come through the front door. As such high security lock makers put added emphasis on the strength of the deadbolt. Where standard deadbolts only extend 1/2 inch into the door frame high security deadbolts extend a full inch and sometimes more.

High metal to plastic ratio 

Most lock makers today have taken to adding plastic to their products wherever and whenever they can. Mostly because it lowers the cost of manufacturing. But it also lowers the strength and integrity of the lock. If you are wondering whether a lock has a lot of plastic components just pick it up. A high security lock will weigh down your hand.

Patented key systems 

With standard locks anyone can make a copy of your key at the local hardware store. Not so with high security locks. Keys for these locks are patented and can only be made by the manufacturer or an authorized agent such as a residential locksmith. Even then you will need to prove that you are the rightful holder of the key before they’ll make a copy.

Complexity 

Standard locks can be picked by just about any experienced burglar, former locksmith or anyone who spends some time watching internet videos about lock picking. High security locks on the other hand are extremely complex inside which makes them almost impossible to pick.

Anti-drilling protection 

Some burglars use sophisticated methods to gain entry to a home feeling that brute force entry attracts too much attention. Some will try and pick your lock while others employ a drill. Drilling directly into standard locks essentially eliminates the tumblers inside. Once that is accomplished the door can be popped open with a screwdriver. This method doesn’t work with high security locks.

The goal of high security lock design is to make defeating the lock such a difficult and time consuming process that the would-be intruder will simply give up. If you are interested in having a residential locksmith install security locks on your home make sure those locks fulfil the criteria and standards laid out above. That is, there should be little or no plastic used in their fabrication, they should employ proprietary keying systems, they should have extra-long deadbolts and be impervious to picking and drilling.

What About the Cost of High Security Locks?

There is no doubt that high security locks will cost more than standard locks. Sometimes substantially more. However, any additional cost has to be weighed against potential gain. What kind of value is a lock that puts up little or no resistance to an intruder? That type of lock is a complete waste of money. A high security lock on the other hand will not be the reason someone broke into your home and cleaned you out. In fact, having them installed may even result in you getting a break on your homeowners insurance, which will help offset the higher initial cost.

The Bottom Line

Security experts from coast to coast recommend having high security locks installed on the main points of entry to your home. If you live in a high risk area you would be wise to take their advice to heart. High security locks properly installed by a residential locksmith will make your home and all its inhabitants many times safer and more secure than it would otherwise be. Contact your local residential locksmith today to find out more.