high security locks

​In last month’s article, you read about Medeco brand high security locks. This month, we’re going to discuss other brands of high security locks, and just what makes them high security. If you recall, the Medeco lock has multiple additional features that your typical big box store brands don’t have. The overall build quality of a Medeco lock, including it’s solid brass housing, and precision machining process is a few steps above most other manufacturers. Most of the big box store locks can be picked in seconds, bumped even sooner, and drilled in a minute or two. Plus, anyone who has your key can make unauthorized duplicates. So, high security locks go beyond the average principles of standard pin tumbler locks by offering additional locking features and mechanisms such as sidebars, security pins, restricted keyways, and drill resistant housings and cores. High security locks are available in both the residential and commercial markets. By simply going to a locksmith and consulting about your home‘s security options, you are already ahead of the average homeowner. Some new home buyers will not even bother to rekey their locks after they’ve moved in. Of course, no lock will stop a determined thief, but high security locks will definitely slow one down, or even deter them completely. Home security systems and cameras are commonplace today, and there’s no substitute for either. A home fire and burglary safe will also up your ante. So what are some other brands of high security locks? There’s the Abloy disc detainer lock, which unlike Medeco and your standard locks use a series of rotating discs, which when aligned to the proper rotation angle, allow a sidebar to fall into place and the cylinder to turn. There are over 11,000,000 possible combinations on an Abloy key. And to this day, Abloy is the manufacturer of an unpicked lock, the Abloy Protec 2 Cylinder. It uses the same rotating disc principle, as well as a ball bearing locking element. Sweden’s ASSA lock line offers extreme drill resistance in their locks, as well as a patented sidebar design that uses a second pair of cuts along the side of the key. Mul-T-Lock’s line offers ‘dimple’ key technology, which are pins… inside of pins! They too use a sidebar as well as other ‘interactive’ elements to deter picking and bumping attacks. There are other brands also available for both commercial and residential use, such as the Sargent Keso, BiLock, Schlage Primus, and several international brands that are available in the US markets. The point of this is to understand the current level of security in your home, and to be wary that there are several other options besides the average big box store locks, not only to upgrade security, but quality, function, and long-lastingness. Big box hardware store brands typically have a low life expectancy, depending on use, primarily because of their build quality. There are some locks that are great for residential use, but are not high security.  Next month, we’ll be discussing residential door security and what you can do as a home or business owner to increase the physical security of your doors.