With so many security door locks on the market, you may wonder which one to choose for the home. Maybe you want to change lock brands because the previous one doesn’t offer as much security, or you want your new lock because it adds some extra convenience.
Whatever the reasons, let’s explore how to find the right locks for your security door. At Star Locksmith, we have the expertise to show you how to pick a good lock for your security door.
Thinking of an Electronic Lock?
Electronic locks provide you with lots of great benefits, such as convenience and being able to remotely lock and unlock your door. However, they do have disadvantages in that it lets criminals exploit your locks through the technology.
You want to pick a trustworthy brand that stays up to date on security.
Some of the benefits of an electronic lock include:
- Remote lock and unlocking
- Eliminate the need for keys
- Lost keys not a problem
- Can switch the PIN code easily
- Highly user friendly locks
If you’re looking at an electronic lock, you might speak with our locksmiths to learn more about it.
Lock Materials: What to Choose
You will find lock materials made in a couple of materials that include hardened steel, stainless steel, nickel and iron. Hardened steel is likely the best choice. Aside from a burglar being unable to cut them, the strength makes them harder to break.
Your second-best choice would be stainless steel because of its corrosion and rust resistance.
We would shy away from locks made from nickel because this material typically works better for low-quality locks that you wouldn’t use for high-security purposes.
Where Conventional Locks Have the Advantage
Conventional lock lock materials cost less than a smart lock, and the security is often as good and sometimes better, depending on the lock. You can also install a deadbolt on the door, which adds to the security.
Deadbolts add extra security against a physical attack, and they lower your insurance premium by an estimated two to 10 percent. While you don’t receive the same convenience as a smart lock, you still have reasons to cling to the more conventional lock systems.
Understanding Your Budget
Locks will cost anywhere from $40 to $300. How much it costs depends on the security, the design and the materials used in the lock. Higher technologies and securities will usually cost more than low-budget locks.
For a security door, you want to pay a little more. However, keep in mind that your best security door lock will only be as good as the weakest break-in point in the home. That means that you want to keep the security high throughout the home and don’t leave weak points in other places that a burglar could break in through.
You may choose a lock in the medium price range because, for a lot of people, that will provide enough security. When looking at the lock price, consider the cost of installation as well.
Locksmith installation costs anywhere from $80 to $200. This depends on how complex the lock is. You may think to install it yourself, but we would advise against this.
Many people pay top dollar for a top-notch security door lock and choose to install it themselves. You have one major problem with that: If you don’t install the lock correctly, a burglar can easily bypass your lock. This makes paying the higher price for a lock irrelevant.
How Much Security Do You Need?
For most residencies, we would advise that you choose an ANSI Grade 2. This provides you with medium security without the higher cost. ANSI Grade 1 was more intended for commercial use while ANSI Grade 3 only meets the lowest acceptable standards of security.
In most cases, we wouldn’t advise a lock at ANSI Grade 3. You might use this for a shed that doesn’t have a lot of expensive items in it, but we wouldn’t advise this for much else.
Consider the Security Door Material
The lock that you choose will only prove as strong as the door. We would advise that you shy away from wood altogether because it won’t stop most burglars well enough.
Some of the better materials include:
- Stainless steel
- Aluminum mesh
- Aluminum mesh and grille
- Federation style
We would highly advise that you choose stainless steel doors if you can afford them because of the strength of security. It ranks as your strongest door, and it combines with a mesh to improve security even further.
Ask the Locksmith
When hiring a locksmith, you might ask for a recommendation on security door locks. Because locksmiths make a living working with locks, they can tell you what works and what doesn’t. They will understand the industry better than the average person, and they can talk about what they have seen that does the best.
If you’re interested in learning more about how to change lock brands, call Star Locksmith for further information. We have the expertise to assist you with any questions that you might have.
Security for the home matters because statistics show that property crimes have risen 16 percent in 2020 in Philadelphia. You want to take active measures to protect yourself and your family.
You can choose from many styles and colors of locks. Pick one that will fit with the theme of your home because you can choose from a variety of styles. Having extra protection on the home will often mean that burglars look for lower hanging fruit.
Lockouts Services Near Me
Getting locked out of your home, business or car feels humiliating, and worse, it can interfere with an otherwise productive day. You may have had plans or an appointment, but locking yourself out can cause you to miss it.
No one should have to wait so long that they miss an appointment, and at Star Locksmith in Philadelphia, we will do our best to arrive early and ensure a minimal interruption to your day. Google, “locksmith near me,” and you will find that our company is available 24/7/365.