Residential & Commercial Security - Locks, Keys & Dead Bolts - Entry Locks.. which kind is the best?

I've seen many brands like kwikset max security or other brands that claims they are the safest. i'm a paranoid person, therefore, i would like to know if someone out there is either paranoid like me or someone who can recommend a brand of entry lock with deadbolt. any advise??

The safeist entry lock is one that is installed properly with an appropriate plate. The best lock in the world won't do much if the only thing holding it to the door jamb is a pair of 1" wood screws.
As a general thumb, the heavier the lockset, the better it is. A thin, lightweight lockset can be easily knocked off the door with a hammer.

The door isn't the entry point of choice for theives anyway, windows are far easier to get in to..

PS: they make door locks that have a bar that extends nearly the full length of the door into the jamb, but you won't find them at home depot.

The safeist entry lock is one that is installed properly with an appropriate plate. The best lock in the world won't do much if the only thing holding it to the door jamb is a pair of 1" wood screws.
As a general thumb, the heavier the lockset, the better it is. A thin, lightweight lockset can be easily knocked off the door with a hammer.

The door isn't the entry point of choice for theives anyway, windows are far easier to get in to..

PS: they make door locks that have a bar that extends nearly the full length of the door into the jamb, but you won't find them at home depot.

well, right now the door already has the appropriate plate on them. so i guess it should be good enough? thanks for the advice on the lockset being heavy... didn't know about that one.

Look for a grade rating on the lock package. Grade 3 weakest to Grade 1 which is strongest. Home centers will usually only stock Grade 3 and 2. As Pendragon mentioned, the strike and frame are very vunerable. Strike plate screws should extend into the wall framing and the hinges should have at least one screw each that does the same.

You should have a deadbolt as well as a knobset on each door. Schlage is a decent brand common in my area, especially in the stronger grades.

yup.. i have both a deadbolt and a knobset. how can i tell what grade it is? is there a regulation that manufacturers has to put these grade rating on the packaging?

Years ago I believed that Schlage made decent quality deadbolts until a thief broke into my house through one.
Schlage does make a decent knobset ("A" or "D" series- but their "F" series is very light duty), but you get the best security from a deadbolt because it engages the frame with a 1 inch bolt, and don't cheap out when you're selecting one.
The only places I've ever seen quality high security deadbolts are in a Locksmith shop.
Yes, they ARE expensive, but they are worth every penny in peace of mind afterword.
My home is protected by Medeco high security deadbolts, but there are many other brands available that may suit your needs.

I installed high security deadbolts in combination with passage sets on my house, because in my opinion, knobsets should only be used to hold the door closed.

And to beef up the strength of the door frame (assumming its wood), add a piece of angle aluminum cut to the full length of the frame and drill the holes for the knob and bolt to engage. Screwed into the wood framing, it will definately prevent a kick attack.

Regards

No regulations regarding posting grade. As a general rule, the more expensive the better made. Most manufacturer's websites will tell grade even if the sales pitch on the package does not.


http://www.schlage.com/

http://www.medeco.com/

http://www.kwikset.com/website/asp/kw_pdp_home.asp

http://www.schlage.com/

Thanks, i think home depot only carry the schlage, kwikset, and baldwin brand.

Lol, WGW did u install the Medeco locks yourself? You'd have to be really paranoid, or live in a bad neighborhood to need that much security.

Ruirui, if your to choose between schlage, kwikset, and baldwin, go with the baldwin. Kwikset is horrible for a entry lock, its extremely easy to break/pick. Schlage is pretty good, difficult to break, pretty difficult to pick. Baldwin's better, difficult to break/pick. So if your paranoid, go with baldwin, that should satisfy your paranoidness

Being a Locksmith, who better to install my own locks hakker?

I don't consider myself paranoid, nor do I live in a "bad" neighbourhood, but having been in the trade for 16 years, I've attended my share of breakins and know the value of quality as well as the peace of mind it brings.

When I offer my customers a Medeco product (not at every service call), I know I can stand behind it 100% so far as the quality of product is concerned because not once in my years have I seen a breakin at a home protected by a Medeco deadbolt.

Schlage makes a fair medium duty deadbolt in the "B" series though its bolt quality has been sacrificed somewhat in recent years (re; the BC series) , in my opinion, Weisers 9470 series provides a heavier bolt, and others such as Kwikset is'nt even on the same playing field as the two above mentioned.

Kwikset locks are usually picked over as fast as one might use a key...where Schlage and Baldwin are only little more resistance.

Baldwin does make a decent lock, but only if you're referring to its mortise lock model. If one is in that price range though, one might as well be looking for high security at the same time. Substitute the Baldwin mortise cylinder with a Medeco, and you've got pretty nice looking hardware that should keep thiefs out so long as the frame is as strong, and key control to boot.

Ok, now I'm starting to feel like a salesman...I'll quit.

Regards

Ah, i did not know you were a locksmith. Elsewise i would have refrained from assuming you live in a bad neighbourhood or that you were paranoid. How long you been a locksmith? Im considering going into the profession, im a very good lockpicker (its my hobby, been doing it for about 4 years), and im going to be taking a Foley-Belsaw locksmithing course.

Indeed Medeco is high quality top of the line deadbolt, but it can be picked by a person with lots of experience and/or the right tools (but then again most theifs do not rely on lockpicking to break into a house). Im able to pick most Medecos i come across, but it usually takes me a few minutes and i sometimes end up ruining my picks. I've got Schlage's on my front and back doors, and a Medeco on my garage (becuz thats where i keep all my 'smithing' tools and accessories)

As for the kwikset, i would only recommend them for a bedroom or bathroom door, some type of in-house door, definately not an entry door. I can pick them in only 5 seconds max using as little as a tough paperclip for a pick (and tension wrench of course). And they can be broken off by simply kicking them hard enough.

No problem hakker. I've been working in the Locksmith biz for 16 years, and I still look forward to work each day because almost every day brings something new.
And I'd recommend the Locksmith trade to anyone who's mechanically inclined as it can be a very satisfying line of work.
I reside in Ontario Canada so I've not heard of Foley-Belsaw. Though there's a Locksmith academy here that offers courses in varying levels of Locksmithing I got my start by correspondence via a place whos name escapes me at the moment, but they were out of Arkansas. Did that for 6 months then got on as an apprentise in a Toronto shop and have'nt looked back.

Regards

Hakker and WGW: I'm in the Computer Security field. One of my jobs is to verify security systems and facilities. One of the simplest ways to get into a company is to walk in the front door and straight into the server room. Since many server rooms are on the inside of a building, they are only occaisionly locked. And if they are locked, it is by an interior door lock or a very basic lock that can be opened with a credit card. But some companies are starting to see the "light". Others need a good example, these companies are the ones I need help with.

I would like to know more about lockpicking. Hakker, since you have this hobby, can you recommend good resources (books/Internet) to get started? WGW, do you have any good advice on getting into the field? Can you recommend a nice, small, beginner lockpick set? What would be the general qualities of an apprentice locksmith?

Thanks for your time.

Just FWIW, lock picking tools are considered burglary tools and are illegal to posess without a license in most states.

Actually Pendragon your wrong about one thing... yes, lockpicks are considered burglary tools.. but it is not exactly illegal. You will not be arrested or taken to jail if a police officer catches you with them, they will only be confiscated. The only way you can get in trouble for having lockpicks is if you are caught using them at a place that isnt yours or your dont have permission. 'Intention' is the keyword. If your caught walking around the Pentagon, wearing all black clothes with gloves and a ski mask in the middle of summer, and carrying lockpicks or other burglary tools, then you will be taken to the station and questioned. It's generally best if you dont carry your lockpicks around when you dont have a reason to, although you cant really get in trouble, its jsut a hassle to exlain why you have them on you. Trust me on this, i've researched this part of the law lots of times, i've talked to my lawer about this stuff, and i've talked to actual police officers about this.

Deep6blue, pretty much the best resource i can give you is www.lockpicking101.com
That site is the best site for all information regarding lockpicking, etc. There are numerous professional locksmiths, and tons of experienced lockpickers there all waiting to answer any questions.
The next best resource would be MIT Guide to Lockpicking (http://www.gregmiller.net/locks/mitguide/)
Read the whole MIT Guide. It explains all about how lockpicking works, shows you lots of diagrams, talks about the tools needed for lockpicking, etc.
A good idea for beginners would be ordering something such as a Southord 14 piece lockpick set (from Southord (www.southord.com) ), buying some off-brand padlock or a kwikset deadbolt, and reading the MIT Guide. Lockpicking requires lots of time and patience, so if you dont have either, then you might as well not even begin.
I hope that helps you out :)

Hmm, looks like i screwed up the links, now it looks like a mess..sorry about that.

Lockpicking101 Forums- www.lockpicking101.com

MIT Guide- http://www.gregmiller.net/locks/mitguide/

Southord- www.southord.com

Heh, cant seem to get the link thingy working.. :o

You are correct. Maryland code 6-205 states:

"Same - Possession of burglar's tool.- A person may not possess a burglar's tool with the intent to use or allow the use of the burglar's tool in the commission of a violation of this subtitle."

The key point is the intent to use in an illegal manner. This allows the hobbiest to maintain tools and devices for the hobby.

I have not found any occupational laws for the state of Maryland for Locksmiths. And from what I have read, there is no Occupational License for locksmith's in Maryland.

Thanks for the links. I have found the MIT guide and will be ordering a set of the picks soon.

Thanks All!

No problems in Wisconsin either but I believe in Illinois-which requires locksmith licensing-possession is illegal w/o license. I would have to double check to be sure though.

You did not screw up on the links Hakker. The code is turned off on this forum to prevent porn links, etc.

A 14 piece lock pick set?
My pickset consists of two different picks and two different turning wrenches.
Those along with a couple of key extractors, that's about all you need really.
The only advantage that I can think of that you might have with a huge assortment of picks is being able to try them all out to find which ones work best for you, but in the end, you'll likely find that you only need a couple too.

Picks are considered burglary tools here in Canada too, but I've never actually asked anyone in the know whether or not they're illegal to carry outside of work. Next time I see a copper, I'll remember to ask, and I'll let you know what I find out.

On another note...schiejr, do you have mortise locks there operated by a profile cylinder by the name of "AGE"?
I only ask, because today being Friday the 13th, I was asked to open one and it sure was a test in patience to say the lest!

Regards

On a Friday, late in the day? :D Familiar with that one but not that cylinder. Hope your weekend is going better.

I would suggest a Medico ($$$) and a pitbull with an attitude ( :eek: ) :D