When it comes to the security aspect of your home, your locks are probably the biggest factor for which you probably didn’t pay a lot of attention in the past. Locks are important if you want your home to be as secure as possible, but most people tend just to buy whatever comes first, without really looking into some of the most important features.
So, we decided to write this article, and hopefully raise awareness. Without any further ado, let’s take a look at some things you need to have in mind when buying your new lock.
How to choose a lock for my home?
Imagine how easy it might be for some group of burglars to break into a home where all the locks are the cheapest ones, or they are non-existent at all. You need to consider paying some more attention to your lock systems if you want to keep your valuables safe. Especially during times when you and your family are at a vacation, and your home is left empty.
Img source: HouseLogic
First, you need to start by identifying the type of lock you need at the moment. Unfortunately, locks do not come in “one size fits all” editions, and they are not universal as well. But, this is also a good thing, because the more complicated you make your security system, the less likely it is for someone to rob you. Today, there are many different types of locks, handle sets, deadbolts, doorknobs and smart locks — even door levers. You can also consult with an expert before installing a certain lock into your home because, at the end of the day, nobody understands these systems better than they do. What you can learn from a locksmith in Woodland Hills is that a deadbolt type of lock will work perfectly for your exterior door, and it will also provide a lot of security. And the door lever type of lock is probably more suitable for the interior doors. Also, you can use the smart locks in some of the cases, especially on your safes, because they are pretty much using the anti-pick-lock schemes.
Here’s a very important thing that not many people know about. All locks have their security level grades. And you need to be paying a lot of attention to this when buying. All of the lock manufacturers are stress-testing their locks before putting them on sale, and this is how they end upgrading them.
Img source: Zillow.com
The lock grading is done based on the number of cycles the lock can withstand before it finally gives up and starts to deteriorate — also, the amount of force it can handle if someone tries to break it. For example, the grade one deadbolts can withstand about 600.000 cycles before they start to malfunction, which is a pretty impossible number to beat if you ask us. But, they will usually cost more than the grade three ones for example. Just like everything else, you get what you pay for, so if security is your number one priority, which should be, you need to prepare some budget for it.
