Best Deadbolt Under $100?

[unlisted]

...I've heard some not-so-good things floating around about Medeco - http://ww.techdirt.com/blog.php?company ... n=techdirt

Is it largely BS? Obviously I'm not in the pentagon and whoever wants to get in my house most likely wont be a professional crew.

Totally true, poke around on here, there is countless threads on the whole Medeco subject, etc.

[Evan]

I don't know if it costs less than $100 but here is a good solid deadbolt that I have seen used in quite a few applications...

The Kaba-Ilco (formerly Lori) Mortise Deadbolt -- http://www.kaba-ilco.com/key_systems/pr ... aspx?id=35

You can install any standard size mortise cylinder you can obtain in the proper cylinder length... A locksmith can easily obtain these deadbolts through their supply house...

I have seen one of these deadbolts installed with the optional drive in bolt (no rectangular plate for the bolt with screws on the edge of the door but instead just the round bolt) used on a metal rear service door at a retail establishment where the door was beaten and bashed repeatedly and then pried but entry was not made... The lock was broken but it still held the door closed... It was amazing to see a door in that condition still locked but it held...

Obviously these locks will not magically hold a wooden or sheet metal clad residential grade door closed under such an attack but they are a step up from the stuff sold at the big box home centers...

~~ Evan

[globallockytoo]

even the cheap metal clad doors with cheapo locks will often hold up to kick ins with a strikemaster II installed.

It truly is way more important to secure the jamb, if you can.

Strikemaster II Pro just had a price reduction.....now under $100.

[sfodd]

I'm with Josh K. Locks can only provide security to the strength of the weakest point in your structure. Your level of security is always a balance with economics.
Do a full security assessment not only of your home, but of the most likely threats to security.

I teach a Non-Destructive Entry course for Law Enforcement - patrol, investigators, SWAT, EOD, vice, undercover, etc and always ask each class how sophisticated the criminals are when it comes to break-ins. None have ever reported working a case where the thief used lockpicks or any kind of special entry tool. In order of frequency, most-often used methods are home invasion (forcing their way past whoever answers the door), taking advantage of open doors or windows, kicking in the door or smashing a window. Rarely will even a crowbar or screwdriver be used.

You know you may be right about the most common methods of home invasion; however, I think their is something fundamentally wrong with the fact that about 75% of people where I live use Kwikset locks and I can almost open a Kwikset by blowing on it. I think relying on the average criminals ignorance of lockpicking for protection is a bit foolish.

I totally agree with you though that if you are going to do security you need to look at the whole picture not just the locks.

Very good points. I agree with the whole 'most people having Kwikset' thing. A lock that can be opened with a bump key that can be made for no cost and have someone with no training be able to open all those locks quickly and easily is terrible.