Nothing is more important than the security of your home and your loved ones. One of the most basic things you can do to protect your valuables is to secure your residence with quality door locks. The entry point for the majority of burglaries is through a door because it is the quickest and easiest route in and out of your home.

It may surprise you to learn that most building codes don't require a lock on external doors. Because building codes do not require a minimum standard for door locks, most contractors select locks based on price. Therefore, it is extremely important for you to examine your existing locks to determine whether or not you need an upgrade.

Types of Locks

1. Knob locks – spring latch and dead latch varieties. These locks can be easily picked or forced. They are best used on interior doors, such as bedrooms and bathrooms, or in combination with deadbolts.

2. Deadbolts – many different varieties. These are the most secure kind of lock. They should be used on all exterior doors of your home.

3. Chains – most are attached to the door and frame with short screws. Chains are generally not very thick or strong. They are useful as secondary protection. Do not use as your main method of security.

4. Wedges – rubber or wooden triangle that can be wedged under the door to prevent it from opening more than a few inches. These can be reinforced by inserting two steel pins into the floor behind it. Good as secondary protection, especially on bedroom doors, as they can slow an intruder down.

Deadbolts

Many would-be burglars will move on to another home if they see high-quality deadbolts installed on all your exterior doors. No matter what type of deadbolt you purchase, there are a few key features that every deadbolt should have.

First, make sure that your deadbolt extends at least one inch into the wall. Second, the lock should be made entirely of metal, and there should be no exposed screws on the outside of the door. Finally, to ensure you are purchasing a quality lock, be sure that it has an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Grade 1 classification.

There are two types of deadbolt locks, single cylinder and double cylinder. Single cylinder locks require a keyed entry from the outside but can be locked with a turning knob from the inside.

Double cylinder deadbolts require a key both internally and externally to lock and unlock the door. Double cylinder locks are more secure for doors containing glass or that are located near a window. However, they can create a safety hazard in the event that a quick exit is required. It is a good idea to keep a key in a designated location near the door in case of fire or other emergencies.

Additional Lock Features

Free-spinning Collar – One quarter of home invasions occur when the perpetrator manipulates the lock in some fashion. If an intruder attempts to saw off the bolt, the free-spinning collar makes it difficult for him to get a cut as the bolt spins with every motion. This feature also prevents burglars from removing the bolt with a wrench or vise grips. You can purchase drill-resistant deadbolts as well that contain steel chips within the lock housing that destroy drill bits.

Strike Plates – Strike plates come with every door lock, but not all of them offer security. The strike plate is generally the most vulnerable portion of the entire door lock. The strike plate should be made of a heavy metal and attached to the door frame and stud wall with screws that are at least 3 inches long. The screw holes should be staggered for extra security as this makes it more difficult to split the wood door frame with a heavy impact.

Doors & Door Frames

No matter what kind of lock you select, it can easily become useless if you do not have a sturdy door and door frame.

You should use solid wood core or metal doors for all exterior entries to your home, including doors leading from your garage to the interior of your home. The doors should be at least 1 ¾ inches thick without any glass panels that would allow a thief to reach in and unlock your door from the inside.

It is important to have a durable door frame as well because burglars often employ a technique called “spreading” to enter your home. This involves planting a wedge between the frame and the wall and applying pressure until the wood bows to allow entry.

To protect your home from this kind of forced entry, install 3 to 4 inch screws along the door strip and frame. The screws should penetrate the stud to hold the door frame and door strip securely to the main wall.

The Next Step

Once you have the appropriate door lock installed, the most important thing to remember is to use it! One-third of all home intruders gain access through an unlocked door or window.