Electronic Locks

The UK Daily Mail reports on an "electronic lockpick" that will easily bypass hotel cardkey-style locks. It is designed to look like nothing more conspicuous than a dry erase marker. Apparently, there are some 4 million locks out there, susceptible to this particular bypass technique.

Most electronic locks have a mechanical key override, so they share the very same vulnerabilities as the basic pin tumbler lock used on virtually all homes and businesses. When electronic systems are used in addition to the mechanical systems, they may be adding their own vulnerabilities. In this particular case, electronic locks are even more easily bypassed than the mechanical ones. This is not the only time a bypass technique has been discovered that will bypass an electronic lock.

Recently, electronic locks operable with remote controls or via smart phones have become available. Convenience is the greatest feature to these systems - not security. Keep this in mind when contemplating the purchase of an electronic locking system.

Angie's List: Locksmiths

Angie's List: Locksmiths

5 Things to Know about Locksmith Services

Lower Service Call for Greenwood, IN customers

We've moved. Our coverage area remains the same, but we now offer a lower service call charge for our customers in Greenwood, Indiana - starting at just $35 during regular business hours.

CAL Double-Bolt Lock for Sliding Doors

Altic Lock Service recommends the CAL lock for sliding doors. Sliding doors have always been a security weak point. Most integral locks cannot withstand much prying force and, unless additional steps are taken during installation, the doors can be lifted out of their tracks and removed. The CAL lock solves both problems.

The main parts are the lock body, the cover plate, the strike, and the spacers.

The interlocking design of the CAL Double-Bolt Lock resists both prying and lifting. With clean, unobtrusive lines, The CAL lock will greatly increase the security of your home.

Door Devil (tm) Installation

Altic Lock Service highly recommends the Door Devil (tm) Security Kit. The best locks will not prevent a forced entry if the door jamb fails. Jamb reinforcement, alone, will not prevent forced entry if the door edge fails. With the lock-side of the door reinforced, the last vulnerable area is the hinge-side of the door - the Door Devil package covers that as well. With decent locks (in other words, not the vanity locks offered by the home improvement stores) and proper reinforcement of the weak areas of the door, the door and will will act as a single unit - deterring all but the most persistent criminals. Burglars prefer an easy target. Don't be easy prey!

The following photos are of a recent installation. The door was located at the back of the house, leading into the garage. It's location offered ideal seclusion for would-be thieves.The door had been recently installed and had all the weaknesses of the typical pre-hung door installation. The lock strikes and hinges were all mounted with 3/4" screws, meaning they were attached to only soft wood trim pieces, not to the wall framing of the home.

The Door Devil includes a 4 foot length of 16 gauge steel, a door edge shield, two hinge-jamb posts, 3-1/2" mounting screws for the jamb reinforcement, three 3" screws to replace existing hinge screws, and plates to reinforce the jamb at the hinge posts. The parts are powder-coated white, but can be painted if desired.

Existing Unreinforced Door

Jamb reinforcement installed

View from inside

Door shield installed

Door shield as viewed from outside

Hinge posts installed

Hinge post and plate

Reinforced door as viewed from outside

Finished interior view

When finished, there is little visible evidence of the amount of reinforcement that has been added to the door, yet with 3 and 3-1/2" screws tying the hinges and jamb reinforcement to the structural wall framing and the door edge protected at the deadbolt, the door and wall will act as a virtual single unit, greatly reducing the chance that anyone can force the door; greatly reducing the chance of anyone violating the sanctity of your home.

Break-in Protection Package

Altic Lock Service is now offering the Door Devil (tm) reinforcement package, including jamb reinforcement, door edge guard, and hinge jamb pins. See our site for a limited time special offer!