DEAR TIM: There have been some recent burglaries in my neighborhood. I talked with the police and they recommend that I have top quality deadbolt locks installed in my home. What should I know when I purchase deadbolt locks? Should a professional install these devices? Ben C., Sublimity, OR

DEAR BEN: Dead bolt locks are a good starting point in your efforts to protect your home and the possessions inside. I also suggest that you meet with your local police department's crime prevention officer. Perhaps they will do a safety audit on your home as a public service.

Deadbolt locks are separate from the locking mechanism found in most door knobs. A deadbolt is often activated by turning a separate knob or using a key. When you operate a deadbolt a solid steel latch - often one inch long - exits the edge of the door and passes into the door jamb. These locks - as you might expect - come in many different styles and levels of quality. Keep in mind that the best deadbolt lock will not stop a determined burglar, but will in almost all cases thwart an amateur.

For many years deadbolt locks didn't seem to keep pace with innovation. That has changed dramatically in recent years. You can get electronic keyless entry deadbolt locks, ones that contain motion detectors that illuminate the keyhole for dark locations, and ones that have a lifetime tarnish-free polished brass finish.

The keyless entry deadbolts are very slick and come in handy if you come home with armfuls of groceries or packages. They feature both audible and visual signals that tell you if the dead bolt is completely locked. The computer chip inside the lock can also be set to automatically lock the door after a child or forgetful mate leaves the house without locking the door. This deadbolt also is equipped with the latest rolling code technology. This means that shrewd burglars who try to grab the radio signal are wasting their time. The next time your deadbolt operates, it will randomly select a new entry code from 4 billion possibilities.

A simpler deadbolt that might interest you is one that guides your key into the slot with a soft light beam. The beam is created when you are within 5 feet of the lock. Once inside the lock has a small red indicator light that tells you whether or not the deadbolt has been locked.

You will need to decide whether you want to install single or double cylinder deadbolts. A single cylinder lock uses a key on the outside and a simple twist knob on the inside to operate the deadbolt feature. Double cylinder designs use a key on both sides of the door. A double cylinder lock might be mandatory if your door or door sidelights contain glass. Burglars routinely break the glass and then reach inside to operate the knob on a single cylinder deadbolt.

Keep in mind, though, that double cylinder deadbolts can prevent rapid exits from your home in the event of a fire or some other emergency. What's more, a double cylinder lock on an egress(exit) door is against code in many locations. Be sure to check with your building authorities before you go to the trouble of purchasing and installing one.

All too often people feel that if they install a high quality deadbolt they will be safe and secure. A swift kick of a door can cause the actual door to break or the door frame to split. In either case, the door can often be opened with the deadbolt lock still in the locked position.

If you want peace of mind and trouble free deadbolt locks, I suggest you have a professional install your new locks. This person can evaluate your existing doors and door frames. He/she will also make sure that high security strike plates, and heavy duty screws that attach to the rough lumber door frame are used to install your new deadbolt locks. Smooth as silk lock operation is no accident. A skilled or experienced lock installer is required if you want your deadbolt locks to open and close effortlessly.

Author's Notes:

January, 1999

I received several helpful e-mails after this column ran. One locksmith shared a great tip. He suggests that you consider installing the deadbolt lock about 60 inches off the floor. At this height it doesn't take the direct force of a kick delivered by an intruder.

Another person shared an experience with a poor quality deadbolt. It turns out that the lock was easily defeated by a group of neighborhood rookie burglars.

Finally, another person indicated that it really pays to take the time to align the strike plate so that the door is tight once the bolt is fully engaged. A sloppy fit allows an intruder to rattle the door.