Door Reinforcement Question

[Exodus5000]

I have a friend who lives in an apartment in a rough neighborhood inner city Milwaukee. His apartment has 1 door that he wants to improve the security on and asked me about buying a higher security lock. I told him that first he would need to worry about re-enforcing the door, and then put on a better lock.

So my question is, what do you think would be best for improving his security? His budget is around $200. What lock would work in this situation, and what company can be called to re-enforce the door? I'm pretty sure he doesn't want ultra-high security like a medeco or best, but more like something that's just better than what's at wal-mart.

[Chucklz]

I think this pretty much sums up what I would do.

http://beta.thenationallocksmith.com/public.asp?2


Mag 747 Strike $12 online
DON JO Door wrap $25 online
Schlage B660P $55 online

For about $100, your friend can do that upgrade. Figure a locksmith works about an hour, at 40$ an hour, with a $40 service call. That leaves just enough for your friend to buy you a drink!

[CaptHook]

Dont forget about the strike box and screws etc. A wrap-around reinforcing plate on the door edge for the knob and deadbolt etc. If he really wants to get into the frame, pull the mouldings off and cut a filler strip for between the wall framing and the door jamb (screw through with 3" screws).
And if he is worried about someone hammering the knob or deadbolt from the outside, install an additional single sided deadbolt inside. Heavy duty chain locks will also buy him a little more time to call the cops/escape etc.
There are many things he can do without going for a high security cylinder the robber will just wrench/hammer open.
But remind him, nothing is absolute, if he feels in danger.... he needs to move.
Chuck

[vector40]

Figure a locksmith works about an hour, at 40$ an hour, with a $40 service call.

An hourly rate AND a charge for the call itself? Jeeeeez. Is that standard nowadays?

[Romstar]

Figure a locksmith works about an hour, at 40$ an hour, with a $40 service call.

An hourly rate AND a charge for the call itself? Jeeeeez. Is that standard nowadays?

Unfortunately, it is pretty much standard practice.

I don't know about everyone, but that call out fee often gets you the first half hour included. At least, it does with me.

Romstar

[raimundo]

tell him to get a door wedge as wide as his foot and put a sandal strap on it so that when someone knocks on his door, he can move this easily to block the door opening without bending over and open the door a little to talk with this thing firmly planted by foot behind the door.

[quicklocks]

you do relise the theft of forklifts is going escalate now dont you
mental note to self get forklift for van stock

[Lost In The USA]

Figure a locksmith works about an hour, at 40$ an hour, with a $40 service call.

An hourly rate AND a charge for the call itself? Jeeeeez. Is that standard nowadays?

try calling a plumber out and see what he charges
This is one of the things wrong with the industry, for the most part we are skilled craftsmen but people are under the assumption we are just odd jobbers making money on the side. Remember you get what you pay for is a very true saying
/* end rant */

what ever he does make sure the lock(s) are installed properly as the best hardware wont help if they are not fitted properly