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Do You Need "High-Security" Locks? 5/26/2014 2:04:00 AM by Altic Lock Service True High-Security locks are not commonly found at the local hardware store. The advantage to High-Security locks is that they provide key control in the form of patented keyways that cannot be readily duplicated. For most people, this is relatively minor advantage, and the increased costs can be a real disadvantage. Most break-ins are the result of forced entry. Few criminals actually pick locks or use bump keys or any other bypass tool that professional locksmiths use to get you into your home when you are locked out. If you fear that someone has a copy of your key that shouldn't, it is far less expensive to simply have your locks rekeyed rather than investing in far more expensive new locks. High-Security locks are no protection against lost or stolen keys, so you'd be faced with far greater costs to have the locks rekeyed in those situations. Additionally, you may be forced to have your locks serviced by the locksmith that installed them, since others may not have access to the key blanks and parts for those locks. You don't need a High-Security lock to get a better quality lock than what you find at the local hardware. Most locksmiths carry better quality locks than the hardware stores that don't carry the hefty price tags for the hardware and service costs of real High-Security locks. To prevent the vast majority of break-ins, Altic Lock Service recommends that you use quality locks that have been correctly installed on a door with a reinforced frame. As an added note, electronic locks offer greater convenience, not security, than a mechanical lock. Read More

Simple Steps to Avoid Most Break-ins 5/26/2014 1:59:00 AM by Altic Lock Service The first step you should take to protect against a break-in is to make sure your locks are providing all the protection they were designed to provide. Your entry lock needs to be properly aligned with the strike plate to operate correctly. If you look at the latch, there should be two parts. The smaller part is the deadlatch. The deadlatch is designed to prevent someone from using a shim or credit card to bypass the lock. The deadlatch should not fall into the strike when the door is closed. If it does, the position of the strike plate needs to be adjusted. Most do-it-yourselfers can adjust the strike, but if there is any doubt, call a locksmith. Your deadbolt lock must extend completely to actually lock in position. Make sure that the door jamb is drilled deep enough to allow the deadbolt to extend completely. If not, a drill or chisel can be used to deepen the hole. Again, if you cannot do this yourself, call a locksmith. Most break-ins are the result of simple forced entry. The key to preventing forced entry, aside from making sure your locks are working correctly, is to tie the strikes into the wall framing surrounding the door. Many strikes are mounted with 3/4 inch screws that simply cannot stand up to a forced entry attempt. Altic Lock Service recommends Door Devil anti-kick-in hardware. The Door Devil kit includes a 4-foot piece of steel that replaces the strikes on the door jamb, and is mounted with nine 3-1/2 inch screws. The Door Devil kit also includes a wrap-around plate to protect the door edge as well as reinforcement for the hinge side of the door. With the Door Devil correctly installed, the door and the wall act as a unit. Read More