In this series, we’re talking about how to make the most out of the security gear you have and can actually afford. Last week we talked about the locks on your front door. There is an additional piece of information that we didn’t cover last week. I felt it was important enough to give its own post.
There is a tool available on the internet called a “Bump Key”. The “Bump Key” will open 90% of the locks in use today. This tool sells for as little as $2.00, and can be purchased by ANYONE! Newer, better quality locks are designed so the “Bump Key” will NOT open them. The packaging will tell you if the lock has “Anti-Bump Key” features. Make sure the locks you buy have the Anti-Bump Key features.
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In my previous blog entries, I listed what you need to properly secure you home. Many of you looked at my lists and decided it would be easier and cheaper to move into Fort Knox! That list was to show you what you should have. This new series will show you how to make the best use of what you already have.
We will start with your front door.
When you go to buy your new locks, how do you know which lock is right for you? The ANSI (American National Standards Institute) rates locks on a scale of 1 to 3. #1 being the highest and #3 the lowest. A #3 rating is considered a “good” lock for residential use. A #2 rating is considered a “better” lock for up-graded residential use. A #1 rating (the highest rating) is the “best” type of lock and is for industrial use.
The ANSI rating should be printed somewhere on the package. If there is no ANSI rating on the package, I STRONGLY RECOMMEND YOU PUT THAT LOCK DOWN AND LOOK AT ANOTHER BRAND OF LOCK!
Advertising words can be twisted to mean anything. A package that says “High Security” could easily mean the worker was “high” when he made that lock.
If there is no ANSI rating on the package I believe that the lock was either not tested by the ANSI or did not meet standards.
My family’s’ safety is too important to me to trust generic no-name locks. The average store will mostly stock #3 locks, with a few #2 locks available. This is because the average person is a cheapskate. They are more likely to buy a lock based on how it matches their décor rather than how well it will secure their home.
To obtain a #1 lock, you will have to go to a store that deals with contractors (such as Home Depot).
You know your own finances, and what kind of area you live in. I recommend that you buy the best lock you can afford. If you have a wood door, and plan to replace it with a steel door in a few years. Remember, the locks should last for decades. You can simply remove the lock from the wood door and put it in your new steel door. There is no reason to pay for another new set of locks, if you bought quality locks the first time. When you buy your locks, most hardware stores will rekey them for you for free or for a few dollars. That means you can have your locks set so only one key is needed to open all of them.
