Sorry if this is not completely on topic for this forum, but I just want to check I'm not making a mistake...
I am fitting a new wooden front door to my house. I am lazy I dislike having two keys. I also dislike big rim latches, like the Yale PBS/XBS, plus it's nice to have two separate locks.
I am planning a system similar to the common 2-lock set-up- nightlatch above a mortice deadbolt- but instead of a rim nightlatch, I plan to use a mortice nightlatch, so there is just a nice simple handle from the inside. I aim to spend around £60 in total.
Whenever I am out, the deadbolt will be used, but not when I am in. So I will rely on the night latch during these times. My current night latch doesn't auto-deadlock, and I definately want this feature as I guess 'carding' is one of the quickest and quietest ways past a lock.
I've bought a cheap mortice case for a euro or oval cylinder (Legge 8157), which does auto-deadlock. I was thinking of getting a BS 3621 approved euro cylinder mortice deadlock, then get a another single euro cylinder to be keyed alike with this (for the Legge).
I was thinking of buying the Era Euroshield deadlock set, the only one available in my budget which is BS3621:1998. Then getting a new 6-pin single cylinder.
What are the security draw-backs of this set-up?
One I can think of is that the Legge nightlatch is not pierced for a bolt-through escutcheon, and as it is a 44mm thick wooden door, I guess I would ideally have a very short cylinder on this (less than 30mm, which is the smallest I have found). Are there any externally secure escutcheons available (i.e. coule be screwed on from the inside of the door before the case or cylinder is fitted)?
Another drawback is the inside knob cannot be locked (though I don't like the thought of this for fire safety). I intend to have a round knob, so it makes things harder if they try a clothes hanger through the letterbox to open the nightlatch (when I'm in/asleep).
Another worry is that I've made a complete mistake with the Legge 8157, as I cannot see a hole for the screw to secure the cylinder:
http://www.locksonline.co.uk/acatalog/Nightlatches.html
Are the cylinders in these nightlatches secured by a special handle set?
Is the Era 6-pin euro cylinder known to be secure or not (drill, pick, snap, etc.)?
Would you recommend a replacement for the Era (though not strickly maintaining BS compliance, I'm not sure a insurance inspector would worry if the lock case had the kitemark)?
What new single cylinder for the Legge would you recommend?
Apologies for a long-winded post!
