Preferred or Recommended Residential Locks (U.S.)??

[bryan1656]

Hello all. I don't post much. I usually just read and learn. Thanks to the group for contributing, and making this such a good resource. I love the DIY attitude around here, as well as the friendly support.

After trying the search, my google-fu failed me, and I have what I think is an interesting question. (point me in the right direction if I missed a relevant thread)

Both for those working Locksmiths here, as well as experienced and knowledgeable enthusiasts:

What locks do you like for the *average* U.S. homeowner, and *why*?

Keeping in mind that seruptitious entry is not high on the list of security threats for most people; based on your knowledge and experience, what locks do you feel represent a good value for most homes?

[Dooms_day]

Most all residential houses i see either have a schlage or kwickset lock on them, but are fairly easy to pick, so if that is a problem, try to get some high security pins mixed into your cylender

[Wolfe]

It really depends on how crazy you want to go.This is going to be a real preference war too.
In my opinion schlage has probably the best bang for the buck. very well made and secure locks.

http://www.schlage.com/

As far as somthing like pick proof(there is really no such thing) dont bother,its faster to throw a brick through your window/kick in your door than pick your lock.

[bryan1656]

I know it is very subjective. That is largely why I thought the responses would be interesting and thought provoking.

And *to be clear* - pick resistance IS NOT really a factor. Just as you said, in residential burglaries, the lock is most often bypassed completely by kicking the door in, breaking a window, etc. If anything, one might include a few spool pins more out of an overabundance of caution than anything else. It does little good to invest in a high security lock, the bolt of which is only secured by about 3/8" of soft pine framing.

[Wolfe]

This is why i suggest schlage. For a little more money than a kwick or weiser. You can have a well made,pick resistant(relative),multible graded lock.
There really is no doubt in my mind for US average joe schmo consumer schlage all the way.

[bryan1656]

Just to stimulate discussion, let me give a "for instance":

What about the Schlage B600 stuff as compared to the Kwikset 980 series?

Are they good? Is one "better" then the other? Better value? Better design? Better manufacturing?

What about alternatives? What about going with a mortice cylinder? SFIC?

I mean.. most homes come with the lowest end Schlage or Kwikset the builder can find because, for spec homes, the primary factor is cost.

For the average homeowner wanting to upgrade to good, quality, dependable locks and door hardware, what are some good options and what makes them good options?

I know there are a lot of knowledgeable people here who have taken apart a lot of locks. I was wondering about thoughts and opinions based on those expereinces.

If your parents asked what locks to get on their house without going crazy, what would you tell them?

[n2oah]

What about alternatives? What about going with a mortice cylinder? SFIC?

Mortise cylinders are mainly for industrial/commercial applications, but they are quite secure (using an adams-rite mortise fixture). They are also meant for aluminium doors, and they are a to install on solid wood doors. (if they're not pre-cut for a mortise lock). I've seen mortise locks on houses, but not the type you see on storefronts.

SFICs aren't really for residential applications, but I could see them being used in an apartment complex. They are also industrial/commerical products. You see, SFIC fixtures aren't really designed for the "style" that normal locks have. You could find some fancy brass ones if you really looked, but most are plain and grey.

Right now, the best options for the average homeowner are:
Medeco
Schlage Primus
or Mul-t-Lock

I would recommend Medeco above all due to the array of different styles they offer and the security. A grade 1 deadbolt along with a grade 2 handleset is more than enough protection. Just make sure you have decent doors, too. The strike boxes on Medecos are anchored deep into the frame, so they shouldn't be able to be kicked in if installed properly. Medecos are easy to use, and they look just like any other key (people get confused when they see keys like Mul-t-Locks). The only problem I've heard is keys snapping off due to deep cuts in the middle of the key that cause stress on the key. Just make sure you Medeco key's cuts aren't cut all the way down, and you'll have keys that last for years to come.

[Jryanruch]

IMHO Schlage B660 Deadbolt has the best bolt for your buck. If I didn't get Medeco 3 through work at a great price, I'd have one of these on my doors. One of these with a reinforced strike like a jamb jacket, or ANSI strike plate with long screws (and of course a decent door) are really good against prybar attacks and kicks.

Just my 2 cents.

[Eyes_Only]

If you decide to install a Schalge, put a mixture of serrated and spool pins in them. This will be frustrating to most criminals. And get some bars for your windows. Thats that I'm saving for.

[Chucklz]

I post the link often, but National Locksmith had a great torture test with a Schlage deadbolt. I would avoid all Kwikset, regardless of how "good" the new or UltraMax stuff claims to be. The awfulness of their other locks has made a permanent impression on me, and I will never install one, or tolerate one if I have anything to say about it. I used to advocate the higher quality Schlage locks for family/friends. Now with bumping, I definately have begun to suggest people aquire bump proof locks. It's alot harder to convince people to spend $70 than $40 to protect thousands of dollars of things inside a house.

[Eyes_Only]

Or their lives and those of their loved ones.

[Kaellman]

I agree with eyez here. Get a kwick or a schalge and put in some good security pins. Putting more money into a better lock would be a waste of time if you dont have all other possible ways of entry coverered.

[n2oah]

If you decide to install a Schalge, put a mixture of serrated and spool pins in them. This will be frustrating to most criminals. And get some bars for your windows. Thats that I'm saving for.

But your locks are still suspectible to bumping. Instead of bars, which are probably not aesthetically pleasing, maybe you could get a security laminate or something?

[Eyes_Only]

Yeah they are vulnerable to bumping to a certain point but once a potential thief sees the security bars on your windows, good lighting and some MAG door reinforcements around your locks, it would probably discourage them and they would go after the house half a block away that has no security bars and employs only a key-in-knob lock on their front door.

But if you still feel vulnerable with just a Schlage lock, then you can go ahead and buy a Medeco or something. Thats what I would like to do but I think my home has other weak points that needs to be addressed first before I spring for a lockset that'll cost me over $100. Most of this home security stuff seems more psychological then anything else. I know someone who puts the ADT alarm monitoring sign on their front lawn to keep would be robbers away from his home. And he doesn't even really have an alarm system installed at all.

[n2oah]

Yeah they are vulnerable to bumping to a certain point but once a potential thief sees the security bars on your windows, good lighting and some MAG door reinforcements around your locks, it would probably discourage them

All that tells me is that something inside is really worth stealing...