There are several ways that a lock can be made more resistant to surreptitious entry methods. These include increasing the complexity of the cylinder with more pins and tighter tolerances, adding a secondary mechanism, or developing a completely novel design. While no lock is impenetrable, high-security locks make it more difficult for criminals to compromise them. Here are the essential features that every homeowner should look for in a high-security wave:
Pick Resistance
The standard pin-tumbler lock is vulnerable to pick attacks, and high security locks Orlando feature upgraded levels of protection to prevent these types of intrusions. They use special pins that obstruct the plug, preventing it from turning when the correct key is inserted. These pins come in pairs, called the driver pin and the key pin—the split between the two lines up along the edge of the cylinder plug or shear cable. Aside from the pin design, these locks rely on robust materials to bolster their resilience against forceful entry techniques. Typical high-security locks use hardened steel pins and plates, or brass, to create this level of protection. High-security locks also employ several other measures to protect against brute-force break-ins, such as patented keys that prevent external duplication and bumping. This is especially important for high-security applications, like detention facilities, where access control is critical, and penetration can have catastrophic consequences.
Tamper Resistance
Increasing the resistance to surreptitious entry methods is another major goal of high-security locks. To do this, they often add more pins, grow the tolerances of existing pin-tumbler coils or develop a completely different lock mechanism. Bumping is one of the most common ways criminals bypass pin tumbler locks. High-security locks make this method much harder by adding features that increase the gap between the key and driver pins so energy can’t transfer. In addition to tamper resistance, most high-security locks feature patent-protected key bows and warding patterns that prevent unauthorized keys from being made. They also often require a security card to be present and a specialized key-cutting machine to cut keys. This key control feature makes it very difficult to access the lock cylinder and the contents of a home or business. This feature is especially important in high-value homes, hospitals and detention facilities where a security breach can be very costly or dangerous for the people inside.
Drill Resistant
If you have ever seen a commercial or home security advertisement, you have probably heard the term “high-security.” Though it might sound like industry jargon or a marketing buzzword, high-security locks offer significant advantages over standard lock systems. Drill resistance is one of the most important aspects of high-security safety. Many thieves use a drill to bypass pin tumbler locks by drilling a small hole into the cylinder and using a stiff wire to manipulate the lock. High-security locks prevent this using anti-drill precautions, making it extremely difficult for thieves to drill into your lock. The most common ways high-security locks protect against drilling include advanced keyway designs and patented key control. Advanced keyway designs make it impossible to duplicate a key with a standard blank found in most hardware and locksmith stores. Patented key control ensures that only authorized locksmiths can create keys for your high-security lock system, preventing unauthorized duplication and the production of bump keys.
Key Control
While high-security locks are primarily used in business, many homeowners have a locksmith install them for their homes. This is because they are very effective at keeping valuables secure. While they may look different outside, these locks can resist more physical attacks than standard locks. This is due to their more intricate design and state-of-the-art technology. Many of these locks have patented keyways to prevent unauthorized duplication. This means that hardware stores and other retailers won’t be able to cut duplicate keys for these locks. Instead, they will require a specialized key duplication machine and a security code. These locks can also be installed for doors that lead to rooms where valuable items are kept, such as a safe or money room. Additionally, many of these locks can be used on glass doors. They offer increased strength against forced entry through narrow stile glass.