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.