door shiming?

[josh0094]

I'm not sure if this is really the ipropreate question to be asking but here it goes.

last summer my house was broken into (again) the only thing that we could figure out was that the guy did a credit card methode.

.. so the other day.. i tryed it. and couldent even get the card in. any ideas? tips? tricks?

thanks!

[ilmr]

Bumping / Picking / Through mailbox / Unlocked backdoor / Spare key under the rug or in a flower pot I would say that the one you suggested is advanced, but security advice for people is always welcome.

[ilmr]

Oh silly me, what kind of lock / door setup do you use and is the stuff how old?

[MacGyver101]

. . . the only thing that we could figure out was that the guy did a credit card methode.

Hrm. That shouldn't be possible with any deadbolt, or any reasonable entry set that's been properly installed. The deadbolt can't be pushed back (hence its name), and even a properly-installed entry knob shouldn't be shimable once the door's closed. (If it's a locking knob, there should be a small "finger" alongside the latch that is pushed in by the strike plate when the door is closed -- once pushed in, you should not be able to shim the latch open.)

I'd look for other means of entry (e.g., unlocked window) if there's no obvious signs of trauma to the door.

[keysman]

last summer my house was broken into (again) the only thing that we could figure out was that the guy did a credit card method.

Check to see if there is any marks on the door frame/ latch to indicate someone used a card . Else look for other ways in .. door/ window left open or some of the other areas mentioned above.

[JackNco]

mailbox is also advanced.

locksmiths use the "credit car method" but with something else. best bet is to upgrade your locks, its alot cheaper than replacing items especially when you take insurance in to consideration.

[freakparade3]

Check to make sure your knob lock is properly installed, most are not. The deadlatching pin should be on the edge of the strike when the door is closed, not in the strike hole.

[josh0094]

there is no little "finger" i think i should probably replace it... i can almost shim it once the door is closed.. its a really old door.. possibly from the 1960s solid oak or some wood simular...

[cool-arrow]

There are a number of different ways someone could have gotten in. A window, Arcadia door, maybe that person has a key. Your best bet would be to add a secondary backup to the door like an alarm, or metal security door.

[tecnovist]

so the little bolt that stops and one using the plastec bottle cut to shape / credit card method. Tecnec has been smashed of has it --if it has then some one has smashed it off maybe ---

- give the door handle a real good yank to see if it comes out a bit then turn it --- i have some dick heads looking about my house getting in like that.


edited by keysman

[gf1984]

... and even a properly-installed entry knob shouldn't be shimable once the door's closed. (If it's a locking knob, there should be a small "finger" alongside the latch that is pushed in by the strike plate when the door is closed -- once pushed in, you should not be able to shim the latch open.)

In my experience, key in knob latches can be easily opened with a knife or a screwdriver if the latch is at all exposed. Even with the small "finger."

--Steve

[josh0094]

i saw the movie "1 missed call" with my gf... the "cop" opened the door using a credit card.. what was funny. he stuck the credit card in just a little bit. then turned the handle and walked in.. which makes me think that the door wasint locked in the first place...

[LeeNo]

which makes me think that the door wasint locked in the first place...

Exactly. That is also something to consider about how the thieves gained entry to your place.

If the lock on that door was a locked deadbolt then there is no way they entered using a shim.

If you are sure that all possible entranceways were locked and that entry was not gained through the windows or another vulnerable point then the thief most likely picked your lock or used a bump key.

If the lock wasn't a deadbolt then you really need to upgrade your locks. The credit card shim thing usually only works on privacy locks.

[freakparade3]

The credit card shim thing usually only works on privacy locks.

Alot of older entrance knobs are vulnerable to this method as well. I have told several people that they need to upgrade and the answer is usually "well, if they want to come in let em." I wonder if they will think the smae when an anbulace it taking a loved one away at 3:00 in the morning because someone did come in. The problem with being a locksmith in my area is people just do not worry about security.

[LeeNo]

The credit card shim thing usually only works on privacy locks.

Alot of older entrance knobs are vulnerable to this method as well. I have told several people that they need to upgrade and the answer is usually "well, if they want to come in let em." I wonder if they will think the smae when an anbulace it taking a loved one away at 3:00 in the morning because someone did come in. The problem with being a locksmith in my area is people just do not worry about security.

That is scary. People need to realize that 21st century is in no way similar to the Andy Griffith show!

Come on peeps - get deadbolts for your entrance locks!!!