So what locks do you use?

[Engineer]

How often are you asked by customers "So what lock do you use?". My heart sinks everytime I'm asked this, as you know that they are really wanting a recommendation on what to buy.

I start off by explaining there are some very expensive high-security locks that they might not know about. The price usually puts them off though. I then explain that most robbers are not going to pick their locks, but just break something wooden to get in, like a door or window frame.

Fortunately local knowledge comes in handy here - Disk detention locks are not very well known locally and the round key with funny angles cut on it seems to impress people, so I sell a 75mm version of one of them. The lock "looks hard" and with the unusual keyway, it seems to be more than enough (at least at the moment) to put thieves off trying to get in through the lock.

How do others answer THAT question though?

[bcameron]

Its asked quite frequently. Try explaining that a lock bought online or home depot to install isn't going to come with great customer service, expert advice and help, or the same warranty that you can provide. Explaining sometimes the lock grades helps too. Sure they can buy a 100 series Schlage deadbolt from Home Depot for 30 bucks...but do they really want to? Most people in my area try to stay away from the Home Depot and Lowes. They know what they aren't getting by going there. Same thing with safes and other door hardware.

We sell only, good, great, and the best locks. You won't see Kwikset in my shop or on any of the vans on the road. We don't repair crap, we replace it with a comprehensive security solution to provide peace of mind.

[Jaakko]

I'm not a locksmith or salesman, but....

How often are you asked by customers "So what lock do you use?". My heart sinks everytime I'm asked this, as you know that they are really wanting a recommendation on what to buy.

Abloy, no matter what is the cost.

I then explain that most robbers are not going to pick their locks, but just break something wooden to get in, like a door or window frame.

Very true, ut when stuff goes missing and there is no signs of entry, insurance company won't believe you.

The lock "looks hard" and with the unusual keyway, it seems to be more than enough (at least at the moment) to put thieves off trying to get in through the lock.

The downside of these locks is that once you have a tool for the particular keyway, it is a "no brains" -operation to get it open and needs no skill like regular picks.

[globallockytoo]

Its asked quite frequently. Try explaining that a lock bought online or home depot to install isn't going to come with great customer service, expert advice and help, or the same warranty that you can provide. Explaining sometimes the lock grades helps too. Sure they can buy a 100 series Schlage deadbolt from Home Depot for 30 bucks...but do they really want to? Most people in my area try to stay away from the Home Depot and Lowes. They know what they aren't getting by going there. Same thing with safes and other door hardware.

We sell only, good, great, and the best locks. You won't see Kwikset in my shop or on any of the vans on the road. We don't repair crap, we replace it with a comprehensive security solution to provide peace of mind.

This is quite good advice.

I carry some different types of keys on my keyring, so I can show the customer some of the types of keys I have used or do use. I have Bilock on my house and the colored headed key is so different looking, it usually impresses alone.

But I also carry an Abloy Protec key, a Kaba Quattro key, an Assa Twin Key, to show some variations of what is available.

The benefit of carrying your preferred keyway on your keyring is that the customer will usually be impressed at your ability to instantly provide recommendations to their question, without the need to run to the truck for a sample or for a brochure.

[exspook]

multilock

[MarkC]

When rekeying locks I have been asked that a few times. In many cases their doors have a lot of glass. The best lock doesn't mean much when you can smash the glass to reach inside and unlock it.

Or what about those strike plates installed with very short screws? The lock cylinder is only one piece of the puzzle.

Mark