by rphillips52 » 11 Sep 2015 9:54
Sadly, crime has not quite disappeared in Britain - though burglaries are down. That might be due to increased use of window locks.
Very many modern houses are changing, or already have changed, to plastic doors with eurocylinders, a bad idea. Even Italy is adopting them on quite a large scale. However, in Russia since the end of the USSR, violent burglary has increased and Russians have embraced copies of Italian-style lever locks with some enthusiasm, as have some other eastern European countries. Several additional features have appeared on the Russian copies. I don't recall seeing an actual Italian lock with a curtain, for example, or a re-locker if the bolt-stump is forced.
Another advantage of lever locks is that they can be secure with less demanding machining tolerances than pin tumbler locks. Whilst lever keys are a little bigger than 5-pin cylinder keys, the difference is not very much, and most are no bigger than modern car keys, though yes, they are sharper on the pocket, and can wear holes. Lever locks vary considerably in dimensions (although there are some standards for case sizes), the kit needed to pick lever locks is more expensive, and one size does not fit all!
No lever lock can be bumped, so even the cheapest has that advantage. In countries where lever locks are uncommon, trial of keys is also less of a problem.
Many thanks to the OP for posting, with such clear pictures. Do keep them coming.