What lock would you buy (for protection)?

[HeavyPants]

Hello everyone!
Disclamer:I checked the forum but couldn't find a similiar post, so I started this one. I am sorry in case my question has already been answered.

Enough about picking locks! What would you buy for your own home?

And I've got another question as well.
I am moving next month and the place that I am moving in has a pathetic lock (took me about 15sec to pick it). Obviously I will buy a new one, but i don't know which one.
Could anyone give some advise?
Please keep in mind that i can't spend more than 100euro~130dollars~60pounds.

Once again I am sorry in case that I am double posting.

[maintenanceguy]

Don't sweat the lock. Thieves break windows or kick in doors.

[HeavyPants]

Not in my case. I will be renting a flat and the only access to it is either through the main door or through the balcony. However It is on the fifth floor so no one can climb there. Consequntly the only way in is picking (or bashing) the door.
Thx for the answer anyway. I've already started thinking on how to secure the windows. This task is much easier since the only have to open from the inside.

[freakparade3]

Why were you picking a lock you don't own on a building you don't live in?

[datagram]

A Schlage primus would be a good choice if you live in the US. In Europe/elsewhere you have easy access to a much wider variety of high security locks. Of course, as everyone else mentioned, it won't do any good unless you have a proper door to accompany it.

[HeavyPants]

Not to worry freakparade, the owner is a friend of mine and I was just playing around. Could please let me know your opinion on the subject?
Datagram, since i live in Europe, could you give me more info on the "wider variety" you mentioned? If not could you give me some advise on where to look?
Conserning the door, it isn't a security door but there is little chance that anyone one will bash or drill it. The neighboors will definately hear any bashing attemp and I will place some protective plates as soon as i move in.

[barbarian]

I'm not sure what locks are easily available in Greece. There is a whole section here on Euro profile locks. They have a couple of stickies that seem to have a lot of info in them.

You might want to shop first and see what types of locks are available in the local area for the price range you mention. If you are buying from a locksmith, they might be able to put a couple of security pins in the lock for you.

Could you put two locks on the door ? That seems like a simple way to make it more difficult to get in. Maybe two completely different types of locks. Or maybe a foreign or uncommon keyway.

[dougfarre]

Heavy Pants:

The locks that are are usually brought up when somone asks this type of question are:

Schlage Primus
Abloy (Anything)
Bilock
Assa Twin

[HeavyPants]

Hey barbarian, thanks for the answer! I will check the local locksmiths as well but i supose that i can find better prices on the internet. As you said i will use 2 locks instead of one. The current one and an new one.

Dougfarre, Probably the second lock is going to be one of the ones you mentioned. Your post was sort but very informative, thanks!

[datagram]

Not to worry freakparade, the owner is a friend of mine and I was just playing around. Could please let me know your opinion on the subject?
Datagram, since i live in Europe, could you give me more info on the "wider variety" you mentioned? If not could you give me some advise on where to look?
Conserning the door, it isn't a security door but there is little chance that anyone one will bash or drill it. The neighboors will definately hear any bashing attemp and I will place some protective plates as soon as i move in.

Some of the popular euro locks brands are ASSA, Abloy, EVVA, and KABA. Abloy will likely be the easiest to obtain, but some of the higher-end EVVA/KABA models are pretty insane as far as locks go. Not sure what availability is like from Greek locksmiths, but I'd imagine you could order something from Abloy pretty easily.

dg

[n2oah]

However It is on the fifth floor so no one can climb there.

Well, I wouldn't say it's impossible (read Bill Mason's Confessions of a Master Jewel Thief), but it's certainly impractical.

[mhole]

The odds of somebody picking your lock are tiny, so small as to be statistically insignificant. Concern yourself with making the door resistant to kicking or slipping open, and you'll deal with 95% of potential break ins.

What is on the door at the moment? This info will inform the advice people offer - there's no point fitting a high security cylinder to a lock can be bypassed in few seconds (though heaven knows, I see it often enpugh).

[HeavyPants]

N2oah, possiable indeed butdefinately not impractical as you said. I hope Manson will stay away from my place..

Mhole, I am not sure but I think that the current lock is a relitively cheap silca. Could you let me know a way to prevent slipping? I have to admit that i didn't think of that (silly me..).
I dont think that anyone will go kicking in doors in a flat. Isn't this way to noisy?

Thanks for the answers!

[HeavyPants]

N2oah, possiable indeed butdefinately not impractical as you said. I hope Manson will stay away from my place..

I meant practical NOT impractical. How can one edit his posts here?

[ToolyMcgee]

No editing, but bonus points are awarded for correcting your english.

You can improve resistance to the old credit card trick by locking your deadbolt. You can improve the strength of your deadbolt from knocking out the back of the doorframe by getting a closed box strike plate. If you still want to go bigger than look into getting a heavier door. Some of the members undoubtedly have better suggestions, but that is what immediately comes to mind. I don't know what the rules of your flat are, but if the guy renting you the place is your pal he shouldn't have too much of a problem letting you increase the forced entry resistance of the apartment.