After losing my house keys for the 20th time last month, I decided to make a big change in how I secure my home. For my safety and to protect my valuables, I found a locksmith in my area who specializes in keyless locks. A keyless systems keeps absentminded people like me safe. The system is easy to use and doesn't require any type of key to secure my home. If you keep losing your house or car keys, see a locksmith. My blog offers tips on how to select the right security locks and systems for your home and car, as well as advice on how to stay safe if you lose your keys before you install a new security system. Thanks for reading and stay safe.
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Lock Cylinders: Are They Safe Enough?
Sieger Van Zwienen
You've probably heard it said that cylinder locks are the most secure in the market. But are your lock cylinders really safe?
There is nothing as bad as having a false sense of security only to arrive back home one day, to find that your fortress was broken into and your valuables are gone.
Lock Snapping
The truth of the matter is that lock cylinders can break. Homes with such locks can actually be broken into. The cylinder is broken then manipulated to open. This is what is called lock snapping.
Once the cylinder is broken, the lock is as good as useless. Lock snapping can be done without any specialized tools in less than a minute.
Lock Bumping
Here, burglars will use a special key to open cylinder locks without the use of force. This is because bumping keys are readily available as they are used by locksmiths as master keys.
This kind of break-in will typically last just a few seconds. Often, insurers will refuse to pay for losses incurred as a result of lock bumping as there's no evidence of forced entry.
So how do you ensure your lock is secure?
Fit a Tested and Approved Cylinder
The star-rating of a lock cylinder is an indication of how secure it is. A three-star rating shows that the lock is strong enough to withstand lock snapping.
A lower star rating, say one-star coupled with a two-star rated handle, can be as good as a three-star rated cylinder.
Anti-bumping and Anti-snapping Cylinders
Get cylinder locks that are fitted with anti-snapping and anti-bumping features. Anti-snap locks have a part that comes off if any attempt is made to pull off the cylinder.
The cylinder then becomes shorter and even harder to grasp. Such locks are also fitted with a hard bar that will not easily snap.
If your lock does not have this feature or if you're unsure, have your locksmith check the lock and advise you accordingly.
Have the Cylinder Properly Fitted
A cylinder lock that is not properly fitted makes it more vulnerable to burglary. A well-fitted cylinder should not protrude. The more it sticks out of the door, the easier it is to access and to pick. It is a good idea to have your lock cylinder professionally installed.
Your security and that of your family is not something you want to gamble with. You also do not want to lose your household goods to burglars. Make sure your locks are secure and tamper-proof. Call your locksmith for a thorough inspection. If need be, have the locks changed. For more information, check out a website like https://www.beckerlocksmithservices.com/.
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