We spent weeks prying, hammering, picking, pummeling, and drilling locks, and few scored well. A handful proved far more susceptible than most. But a little skill and a cordless drill defeated most of the deadbolts we tested. Parts are Often Inadequate All locks come with a strike plate that attaches to the door frame. But as we've reported in the past, far too many of those are flimsy. The kick-in resistance of most locks improved dramatically when we replaced the strike plates with a Mag High Security Box Strike, $10. You can buy it, or its equivalent, at home centers and online. But we think a lock should be secure without having to buy another part. Drills Easily Open Most Locks With all except one lock classified as high-security, even an ordinary cordless drill could drill out the cylinders in 2 minutes or less. Our tests on the Medeco, which has hardened cylinders across the product line, ruined the locks but denied access--so you'd have to replace the lock but not your home's contents.

New Technologies and Old Problems At least one tested model opens by fingerprint, passcode, or key. But while it claims "maximum protection for yourself and your loved ones," it was among the easiest to defeat. We found keypad-operated door locks convenient. Such models can be rekeyed for temporary access to guests and contractors and then rekeyed again, when access is no longer needed, without having to change the lock or call a locksmith. Yet all of those locks succumbed too easily to our prying/wrenching test. You'll get no protection if you leave your door unlocked while you're out, as almost 20 percent of those surveyed said they do at least occasionally. The deadbolts we tested are single-cylinder and are operated using a thumb turn. The high-security locks have hardened cylinders, unique pin configurations, and other defenses. Industry rankings, Grades 1 to 3, seemed to track with our Ratings, with Grade 1 locks being the hardest to disable. But packages don't always display that information, so check company websites.

Decide How Much You Can Spend A high-security lock of the Medeco caliber might seem expensive, especially if you have it professionally installed. But if you have a break-in, the deductible on your homeowners insurance is likely to be higher than the cost of the lock. And insurance policies commonly give discounts for homes with dead-bolt locks.outdoor fire pits charlotte nc Beef Up the Door Frame and Lockfrench door screens lowes Hollow-core or weak doors may give way before the lock does. victorian door knob lockWhatever type of lock you buy, be sure your strike is made of heavy-duty metal and installed with the 3-inch screws that we think should come with all locks. cheap external doors in liverpool

Hinges should also be secured with 3-inch screws. Some municipalities consider double-sided locks, which require a key on both sides, a fire hazard. Your local police might have home-security brochures, classes, or even on-site safety inspections. Alarms, especially noisy ones, can provide an extra layer of security. patio chairs for sale ottawaAlmost 80 percent of homeowners with alarms rated those systems effective at protecting their homes in a recent, nationally representative survey by the Consumer Reports National Research Center. garage door opener torontoBut before you get an alarm or switch monitoring companies, check whether your area requires a permit, and be aware of the following contract clauses:used garage doors fresno

These can leave you liable for up to 80 percent of the costs of the contract's term, even if you move. A contract we saw warns that promises made by sales staff or in ads are not binding if they're not in the contract. If you suffer a break-in, even due to the alarm company's negligence or failure of the equipment or service, the company isn't responsible and won't reimburse beyond a specific amount, $300 to $1,000 on the contracts we reviewed. You might also forfeit the right to sue the company for additional money.Home » Products & Services » Mechanical Access Solutions » Door Locks Door Locks Stanley Security Solutions offers high-security mortise locks, cylindrical locks, deadbolts, electromechanical locks, keypad locks, and interchangeable core security for use in heavy-, medium-, and light-duty commercial applications. Products are available for use with interchangeable core keying as well as key-in-knob cylinders and large-format cores. Solid one-piece stainless steel anti-friction latch provides 50% more surface contact with strike for superior strength and security.

Options include 5K, 6K, 7KC, 8K, and 9K cylindrical locks. Variety of handles, knobs, trims, functions, strikes, and keying options. The original interchangeable core permits instant, economical relock. High-strength, corrosion-resistant stainless steel. Convenience and efficiency for electrified lock applications. All of the formerly separate equipment needed to control electrified access is now self-contained in a single installation. Heavy-duty mechanical platform designed and manufactured for the toughest applications. Available in cylindrical, mortise, and exit device trim platforms.Hope you’ve always wanted a smartphone-controlled door lock because the tech world is here to shove them in your face. Several companies, with more on their way, are competing to be the clever barrier between you and the inside of your home. What all of the locks have in common: you control and manage them with a smartphone and/or web app. Some require that you replace the entire lock system, while others let you place a smart device over an existing deadbolt.

You might need to tap a lock with your finger to let yourself in, or maybe all you have to do is just walk up and wait for it to recognize you and unlock. Each smart lock has its own little quirks and perks. They’re all pretty awesome re-imaginings of a millennia-old technology. Here’s a breakdown of the features, pros and cons of what’s out there to help you get ready to pick your first smart lock. The $200 August smart lock is arguably the most elegant of them all, thanks to Yves Behar’s design touch. The brushed aluminum circular lock replaces your old deadbolt, and you’ll be able to control and manage it from an iOS, Android, or web app. August notifies you when certain people come in and out of your house, and lets you give out unlimited digital keys to your friends and family, customizing for exactly how long they’ll have access, what days, or even between what hours. The lock only uses Bluetooth low energy to recognize when a phone with a digital key is near.

No need to bring the phone out; The $179 Lockitron is a simple smart lock that fits directly over the deadbolt on the back of your door. Plus, it will work with any smartphone using a mobile web app that lets you lock and unlock your door with a tap. You can also grant access to friends, family and guests through the app. The lock itself has built-in WiFi, so it can send you notifications no matter where you are. You get keyless entry if you own an iPhone 4S or iPhone 5 since the lock will recognize when you walk up via Bluetooth 4.0. It’s not the prettiest smart lock available, with its plasticky looking body, but it looks by far the easiest to set up. Schlage’s $200-$300 locks are more on the old-school end of the smart lock spectrum. Instead of coming from a hot new tech startup, it’s made by an established lock manufacturer. A keypad on the door lock grants you access with a four-digit code. But you can still manage the lock through a smartphone, tablet or web app using Nexia Home Intelligence.

It lets you create up to 19 private codes for various friends and family members, allowing you to customize codes so that they only work in a given time period. You can then delete and create new codes whenever needed. Plus, you can lock and unlock your door from anywhere. The biggest drawback: You’ll have to pay a monthly subscription fee of $9 to be able to remotely control the lock. Goji is the latest smart lock to join the bunch, launching its Indiegogo campaign earlier this month. It’s also the most ambitious. Much like August, the $278 Goji features a circular disc that goes over your current lock. But instead of going on the inside of your door, the disk is located on the outside and you will need to replace your entire locking system with Goji. It also features an LED screen that displays a greeting to the person who is entering or leaving the home. The fanciest feature: The lock includes a built-in camera that takes a photo of the people who activate the lock. You can start collecting photos of people at their most unflattering angle.