How to choose a reliable lock for your front door

Home should be the place where you want to return after hard work. Therefore, it is so important to maintain a comfortable environment and a warm atmosphere in it. One of the most important aspects is the safety and security of your home. Currently, there are various methods and systems for protecting residential premises. However, the classic option will always be to use a quality door lock.

We will tell you about the secrets of choosing a lock that provides reliable protection for your home.

How to choose a lock mechanism

First, it’s worth understanding the basic mechanisms of locks. The reliability of the device depends on this. Currently, there are several main types of mechanism.

Cylinder

One of the most common types of mechanism used for installation on doors. The principle of operation of such systems is based on the installation of cylindrical beams inside the larva, which are lined up at a certain level.

Important! Such options are difficult to open with a master key.

However the structure can be easily penetrated insideto open the door. That's why when choosing such a mechanism, it is worth purchasing versions with additional protective pads.

Crossbars

Least effective anti-hacking solution. First of all, this is due to the design features of this system.

The key to these locks is a flat metal bar with grooves on both ends. These grooves facilitate the opening of the lock.

Important! On the inside of the door, such systems usually have a special handle for quick opening. This is precisely the weak point that attackers exploit.

Besides, the key to such a device is very easy to copy.

Level

They were invented back in the 19th century, however, due to their reliability, they are still used in our time. Presented model has the highest protection rates.

The key to such systems resembles a large cylindrical rod, at the end of which there are metal plates with a special configuration of grooves on both sides.

Important! The more grooves a key has, the higher the degree of protection.

In addition, similar designs have large volume and weight, which makes it difficult to hack them.

Electronic

They appeared relatively recently, so they the cost is much higher compared to other models.

Reference! The presented version of the equipment ensures security through special encodings, electronic keys or plastic cards.

In most cases, criminals do not know how to properly break into a structure, so they simply pass by. This is exactly what is required for safety.

Important! You should not use a fingerprint to unlock, since a high-quality photo of the owner’s finger can open the device.

Combined

They are a system in which several structures are combined at once. Thanks to the use of two or more mechanisms, this model reliably protects the door from burglary. The criminal will have to find a way to break into each of the built-in mechanisms, which is much more difficult compared to a conventional model.

How to choose a lock security class

To assess the degree of reliability of locks, a special classification was developed, according to which there are four main safety classes.

First grade

Least effective option against burglars. Most often, the design uses a crossbar mechanism, which is quite easy to hack in 5 minutes.

Important! This option is not suitable for the front door.

Second class

It has an improved security system, but it can also be hacked. The average time to open a keyhole is approximately 10 minutes. Only an experienced criminal can handle him!

Third class

Can be opened in about 20 minutes, thanks to modern safety technologies used in the design. During this time, it is unlikely that you can break into the front door unnoticed.

Fourth grade

Is the most effective way to protect your home. Such a mechanism will have to be opened for about half an hour with a set of all the relevant devices and accessories.

Types of locks for installation

Another classification is the division of devices by type of installation. Currently it is customary to distinguish three main categories.

Mortise systems

Installed directly inside the door leaf.

They have a high degree of protection, but at the same time they slightly damage the door structure.

Overhead structures

They are installed on the inside of the entrance door, placed on top of the door leaf.

Such mechanisms are quite easy to repair and replace, but they have a much lower degree of protection.

Mounted systems

Not suitable for installation on the front door. This design involves the use of special hinges that are installed on the door.

Reference! This option is great for old barns or cellars.

Tips for choosing a lock for your front door

• When deciding to purchase reliable protection for your home don't skimp on the lock, because the safety of the living space depends on it.
• Even the most powerful steel door will not be able to protect against theft if it uses a security class 1 lock.
• Before purchasing, choose a suitable model, compare prices in different stores, consult with specialists and consultants in stores. And also ask the seller for complete documentation about the device model, which fully describes the key characteristics of the product.