According to the FBI, there were an estimated 1.4 million break-ins in the United States in 2020, resulting in $3.1 billion in property losses. That means every 22.6 seconds, a burglary occurs somewhere in the country. Most burglars target residential properties, and they usually enter through the front or back door. In short, one of the best suggested solutions is using best door locks to prevent break-ins.
Your door lock is the first line of defense against housebreakers who want to enter your home and steal your valuables. Having a secure door lock can make a huge difference in protecting your property and your peace of mind. In this guide, we will help you choose the best door lock for your needs and give you some tips on how to install and maintain it.
We are here to help you to keep you save from all these kinds of activities. Let’s dive into this article and explore the best door locks to prevent break–ins.
Types of best Door Locks to Prevent Break-ins
There are many types of door locks available in the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most common ones are:
Type 1. Deadbolts:
Deadbolts is the most basic and popular type of door locks. They consist of a metal bolt that slides into a hole in the door frame when the door is locked. Deadbolts provide a high level of security, as they are hard to pick, bump, or drill. However, these door locks also require a separate knob or handle to open the door, and they can be weak to lock picking if they are not properly installed or maintained.
Type 2. Knob locks:
Knob locks are types of locks that are integrated into the doorknob or handle. They are easy to use and install, and they are relatively inexpensive. Though, they are also the least secure type of door locks, as they can be easily broken, picked, or bypassed with a credit card or a screwdriver. Knob locks are not recommended for exterior doors, but they can be used for interior doors that do not require high security.
Type 3. Lever locks:
Lever locks are considered to be similar to knob locks, but they use a lever instead of a knob to operate the lock. These types are more ergonomic and accessible, as they do not require twisting or gripping. They are also more resistant to torque attacks, as the lever is harder to break than the knob. Yet, lever locks are still at risk to picking, bumping, or drilling, and they are more expensive than knob locks.
Type 4. Smart locks:
Smart locks are type of locks that use electronic or wireless technology to operate the lock. You can control them with a smartphone, a keypad, a fingerprint scanner, a voice command, or a remote. These locks offer ease, flexibility, and customization, as they allow you to lock and unlock your door remotely. Smart locks have some advantages, such as granting or revoking access to guests and monitoring your door activity. You can also integrate it with other smart devices, which can enhance your home security and convenience. However, smart locks also have some drawbacks, such as relying on batteries and internet connection. These factors can affect their performance and functionality.
Likewise, these locks may not be beneficial because of power supply, being vulnerable to hacking or jamming, and being costlier and complex to install and maintain.
Suggestion:
When choosing the best door locks to prevent break-ins, you should consider your specific needs and preferences. Different types of door locks may offer different levels of security, convenience, and style. Therefore, you should select the appropriate type of door lock for each door in your home, such as your front door, back door, bedroom door, etc. This way, you can ensure that your home is well-protected and comfortable for you and your family.
For example: you may want to use a deadbolt for your front door, as it provides the highest security. Try a knob lock for your bedroom door, as it provides privacy, and a smart lock for your back door, as it provides convenience and flexibility.
Features to look for best Door Lock to Prevent Break-ins
When choosing a door lock, you should look for some key features that make it more resistant to break-ins, such as:
1.Strength:
The strength of a door lock refers to how well it can withstand physical force, such as kicking, prying, or hammering. Try to use door locks made of solid metal, such as brass, steel, or bronze, and that has a thick and long bolt that extends deep into the door frame. You should also look for a door lock that has a reinforced strike plate, which is the metal plate that attaches to the door frame and holds the bolt. A reinforced strike plate has longer screwed and a metal box that surrounds the bolt, making it harder to dislodge or damage.
2.Durability:
The durability of a door lock refers to how long it can last and function properly, without wearing out or breaking down. You should look for a door lock that has a smooth and consistent operation, that does not jam or stick, and that does not rust or corrode. Look for a door lock that has a warranty or a guarantee from the manufacturer, which indicates the quality and reliability of the product.
3.Anti-pick:
The anti-pick feature of a door lock refers to how well it can prevent lock picking, which is the technique of manipulating the pins or tumblers inside the lock to open it without a key. Look for a door lock with a high number of pins or tumblers that are hard to align correctly and security pins that have special shapes to resist picking. Also, look for a door lock with a narrow, curved, or complex keyway that makes it hard to insert or maneuver a lock pick.
4.Anti-bump:
The anti-bump feature of a door lock refers to how well it can prevent lock bumping, which is the technique of using a specially cut key, called a bump key, to open the lock by applying force and vibration. You should look for a door lock that has a pin-tumbler mechanism, which is the most common type of lock mechanism, that has a sidebar, which is a secondary locking device that blocks the rotation of the plug, or that has a spool pin, which is a type of security pin that binds when bumped. Choose a door lock with a unique key that is hard to copy, such as a dimple, tubular, or smart key.
5.Anti-drill:
The anti-drill feature of a door lock refers to how well it can prevent drilling. You should look for a door lock that has hardened steel components that can resist or damage the drill bit, and that has a free-spinning cylinder. spinning cylinder is a type of lock cylinder that rotates independently of the plug, making it harder to drill.
Tips to install and maintain them:
Once you have chosen your door lock, you need to install it correctly and safely, and maintain it regularly. Here are some tips to help you with that:
Installation:
- Measure Your Door: Check the door’s thickness, hole diameter, and backset to ensure compatibility with the lock.
- Drill Holes (if necessary): Mark and align the center of the hole on the door and frame, then drill using a hole saw and spade bit.
- III. Attach Hardware: Install the lock components as per the provided instructions, ensuring everything is aligned and secure.
- Test the Lock: Verify smooth operation from both sides of the door, with and without the key.
Maintenance:
- Clean Regularly: Use a soft cloth and mild soap for the lock’s surface, and tools like a toothpick for the keyway.
- Lubricate Periodically: Apply a non-petroleum-based lubricant to the keyway and moving parts for smooth operation.
- Replace if Necessary: Check the lock and its parts for damage or security issues and fix them as needed.
Bonus Tip:
After selecting best door locks the next step is to seek for a professional locksmith service. A service who could save your time and property from being locked out of your house. But don’t worry, we highly recommend Patriot Locksmith Service. Experienced workers are the members of their team. They are 24/7 available for locksmith service in order to help you.
Video Guidance:
Here is a video to guide you in choosing and configuring the best door lock to prevent break-ins. This video guidance will not only convoy you but also help you in decision making.
Conclusion:
In this article, I discussed about the facts about break-ins due to poor door lock. We explored through this article that how to ensure that your locks are reliable, durable, and easy to use. You also want to consider your budget, security needs, and personal preferences. In this guide, we have discussed the different types of door locks, their pros and cons, and how to install them properly.
We hope that this guide has helped you to understand the basics of door locks and how to choose the best ones for your home. Remember, the best door locks to prevent break-ins are the ones that suit your specific situation and provide you with peace of mind. By following the tips and recommendations in this guide, you will be able to choose the best door lock to prevent break-ins according to your means and requirements.