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Securing The Locks: Understanding The Importance Of The Lock Plate

2 September 2015

Sieger Van Zwienen

Just because you might be extremely diligent in locking your door, it doesn't mean that you're safe from burglaries. A home burglary occurs every 13 seconds in the U.S. The condition that the locks are in will affect whether your house is a likely target. Most homeowners spend a lot of time fussing over the locks without even spending any time on the lock plate. Unknown to many, the condition of the lock plate can have a huge affect on how secure your home is. If the lock plate looks old or dingy, you should speak with a locksmith immediately to see whether a replacement is needed.

The Basics of the Lock Plate

The lock plate is often overlooked because it is the piece of the lock that is attached to the door frame. Most homeowners are under the misconception that the lock plate is ornamental by nature; however, it serves a much larger purpose. There are two different types of lock plates: fixed-angle locking plates and variable-angle locking plates. The lock plate is responsible for keeping the lock in place, so that the entryway is secure and cannot be easily broken into.

The Weakest Link in the Door

FBI statistics show that 65% of all break-ins occur by unlocking, forcing in or kicking in the front door. Even if you have the strongest lock, it means nothing if the lock plate is not secure. This is because many criminals may simply use something heavy, like a crow bar, to separate the lock from the door frame. In these situations, the lock plates are actually the weakest link of your home's security. The moment that the lock plate gives in, the entryway will then become accessible.

Changes a Locksmith Can Make to Secure the Lock Plate

Because of the important role that the lock plate has in the overall security of your home, it's important to secure this junction in order to prevent it from becoming a target to burglars. To further reinforce and secure the lock plate, most locksmiths recommend:

• replacing the lock plate with a heavy gauge metal. Most homeowners neglect to upgrade or change their lock plates, which is why many lock plates are still made from softer metals or even plastic. Switch to lock plates made from hardened steel or other heavy-duty metals for better security.
• ensuring that the proper screws are used. Before the importance of lock plates came to light, the lock plates in many older homes were still fastened in with wimpy screws. Your locksmith will need to check whether the lock plates are fastened with screws that are at least 3 inches long.
• choosing a longer deadbolt that extends further into the frame. The longer the deadbolt that extends into the frame is, the more protection your home has. On top of making sure that your lock plate is in optimal condition, a locksmith will need to see whether the deadbolt that extends into the lock plate is of a sufficient length.

Conclusion

In an attempt to further secure their homes, many people upgrade the type of locks that they have installed or even install additional security and home alarm systems. Although these added measures do add a level of security, they really won't stop criminals from targeting your home if your lock plate is not secure at all. With a weak lock plate, burglars can access your home within seconds. By the time the alarm sounds and the authorities are alerted, a lot of your valuables may already be stolen. With this in mind, take a look at the condition of your lock plates and speak with a locksmith from a company like Suburban Lock to determine whether they need to be further reinforced or replaced entirely. 

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