Once you decide to install locks on your property, you have to choose between high-security locks vs. standard locks. High-security locks are basically locks with a high-security rating. This rating is based on a set of specific safety criteria. For instance, for any lock to be considered high security, it must be more expensive and time consuming to defeat that it is feasible. Brands include Mul-T-Lock, Medeco, and Assa. On the other hand, standard locks come with relatively minimal security features. They have simpler designs and their price is relatively low. Brands include Kwikset, Master, and Defiant.
Forced Entry Resistance
Generally, every lock is made of a material that is corrosion resistant. Most locks are made of steel, bronze, and brass. However, high-security locks are hardened further. This enables them to resist attack tools that thieves use to break into properties. For instance, high-security locks are hardened to resist attacks that are made using tools like chisels, screwdrivers, electric drills, and saws.
Key Control
Professional locksmiths patent-protect high-security locks using key bows and warding patterns. These help in the prevention of unauthorized manufacture. High-security locks require extra identification to make duplicate keys. This provides extra security. On the other hand, making duplicate keys for standard locks is fairly easy.
Manipulation Resistance
High-security locks are made in a way that enables them to resist key bumping, impressioning, and lock picking. They come with numerous security features that include security pins. Security pins trigger locking of the internal pins when a person tries to defeat a high-security lock using something else other than a key. It’s important to note that there are standard locks that come with security pins. However, these are not common.
Other Considerations
High-security locks have electrical and mechanical formats that include all locking features and mechanisms. It’s therefore important to check the specifications of the locks that you purchase to ensure that they are really high-security locks.
For instance, ANSI Grade 1 Certified locks provide high-security solution to industrial and commercial properties. These are ideal for properties with high security or traffic concerns. On the other hand, Grade 2 Certified locks provide high security to residences. However, they are also ideal for light needs in commercial properties.
UL 437 is a rating by Underwriters Laboratories that is found on most high-end security locks. This defines the keyed locks criteria in some categories that include lock drilling, lock picking, and durability among others.
Seek An Expert’s Advice
It’s wise to contact a NYC locksmith for additional information when deciding whether to buy a high security or standard locks. Currently, there are many security locks on the market from different manufacturers. Despite being high-security locks, some provide superior security than others. That’s why you should seek expert’s advice before you purchase locks for your residential or commercial property.
More importantly, an experienced locksmith will help you identify locks or a locking system that is ideal for your commercial or residential environment. This is very important when it comes to enhancing security at your residential property or protecting your business against advanced security threats.
Alice Carroll
Tuesday 11th of February 2020
Our backdoor was recently broken in and thankfully nothing too expensive was stolen from my house. However, because of this, I am thinking of replacing my lock with something more secure. It's interesting how much lockpicking resistance high-security locks offer, especially how it can also have an electrical format that would surely not be able to be cracked by a simple bobby pin.