expensive v cheap locks

[minilock]

hi , have been reading the board's, and came across something that I see in other places , this is what it say's . Thieve's dont /cannot pick locks, they kick down door's ,smash windows whatever is quickest.Also that if you put an expensive lock on a inexpensive door its a waste of money, so why if someone has a strong door and the thief cannot pick locks why do you get sold a high security lock (yes I understand insurance company's require this but do they know something I don't . thanking you.[quote] there are many pathway's to survival.

[digital_blue]

For one thing, the quality of lock does not just address it's picking difficulty, but also addresses it's ability to withstand various forms of destructive bypass as well. So, even though it's not likely that a common house thief will pick your lock to gain entry to your house, there is still value in having better quality locks.

db

[illusion]

Security is not just abount having an expensive lock, it is based upon the security of other things:

Lock+crap door = booting
cheap lock+Good door = drilling/bypass
good lock+good door+thin windows that can be broken easily = entry through window
good lock+good door+alarm+flood light with sensor = more secure house.

HOWEVER... if someone wants your stuff and are targetting you then nothing will stop them

oppertunist thief - looks for easy tarets
professional thief - targets a certain house and wil do everything they can to get in.

Security can even be having a big dog as a detturent

[zeke79]

The main thing that a "high security" lock will offer over a cheap lock is

* Patent protected keyway & restriced blanks
* UL437 listing or equivilent standard which is broken down into many tests for US locks. There is a sticky in the FAQ's that explains.

[minilock]

hi thank's that cleared up my worried mind 99.9% , the other .1% could it be in sommmmmmme case's (oversell)? thanks again. [quote] Knowledge independent of experience .[/quote]

[NKT]

Mini, to use the

Quote feature

easily, type the text, drag to highlight it, then click the "Quote" button just above the text entry box.

In the UK, we have British Standards, and one covers locks like lever deadlocks. Pick resistance is barely mentioned, but things like a force of at lesat two tonnes must be resisted by the lock onto the end of the bolt when extended, with causing the lock to be inoperable, the bolt must have anti-saw features, the case must be drill resistant, etc.

By going with the rated locks, you are sure that there is unlikely to be an easy way past them. For the extra £5, I would always go for a rated one.

[pinky]

id rather battle a chubb or decent bs lock than a made in taiwan special, trust me its easier to consistently pick a well made quality lock than a pile of poo.

[quicklocks]

[digital_blue]

I think that, as a general rule, that may be more applicable to UK locks. With standard deadbolt and KIK cylinders found in North America, it is pretty consistent that the cheaper locks are going to be easier to pick. It doesn't matter if its a Kwikset, Weiser, or some cheap knockoff of one of the two, they almost never present a challenge to a halfway-skilled lockpicker. This is, of course, barring any other factors such as gunk in the lock, etc. But I've pretty well always found them easier than a Schalge commercial or perhaps a Yale or Sargent.

db

[vector40]

More true with cheap padlocks, I would say.