Locks and Bolts For Your Front Door
The heart of your home is the front door. You hear a knock on the hard wood, or catch the ring of the entryway bell, and welcome familiar neighbors, good friends, and loved relatives to access your home and enjoy your company. It is important to secure your door. According to the FBI, burglary is unlawful entry of any fixed structure, vehicle, or vessel used for regular residence, industry, or business with or without forces, with the intent to commit a felony or larceny. Whether you have a door with a beveled-edge or French doors at the front of your home, it is important that you install the right locks so that your home remains secure.
Spring-latch Lock
A spring-latch lock is a very basic lock form and is not a recommended lock system to provide your home premium security. The Rocky Mountain Hardware glossary explains that locks with a spring-lack contain only a push button on the escutcheon and If a burglar has been casing your home, this is the type of lock he will look for on a target home, because they are duck soup. If your front door has a spring-latch lock, consider installing one of the lock-alternatives below.
The Strike
If you can’t afford to replace your current lock, first consider changing the strike. The strike is a panel of basic metal that is fixed on the vertical axle of the door. The bolt of the lock screws into the strike. You can find high security strike plates online or at your local hardware store for a couple of dollars. When purchasing a strike, a good detail to look for is if it comes with an extra piece of thick bracing metal that installs underneath the strike. A new strike will provide a significant amount of protection from an entry-by-force.
Dead-bolt Lock
For a maximum home security lock, install a dead-bolt lock. A dead-bolt provides resistance to criminals who will literally break your door and spring into your house. A deadbolt is similar to a double-cylinder lock (described below), with the exception of a turning handle. In order to unlock the dead-bolt, you must turn a key or enter the correct pass-code. According to Wikipedia, the four types of deadbolts you can find are Single Cylinder with removable thumbturn, Classroom Function (thumbturn only unlocks door), Exit Only Function (no external cylinder), and the Pushbutton Deadbolt (mechanical or electrical).
Double Cylinder Lock
Many homeowners opt for double cylinder locks to keep safe. Double cylinder locks require a key on both sides of the door handle, and work especially well if there are windows on either side of your door, or if your door has a glass component. The double cylinder is a difficult-to-diffuse lock type. It defeats burglars who shatter a window pane and hope unlock the front door by reaching an arm inside.
Other options to consider are the chain lock and the peep hole. Do not install the peep hole too high or too low. Too heightened, and the peep hole is of little use for the members of the home who cannot reach the viewing installation. Optimal placement options are five fee up, or even in the center of the doorway.
Photo via Tina_Manthrope
