Why deadbolts are great for homeowners - Waterbury, CT Waterbury, CT

A deadbolt lock…. for real?

Deadbolt locks are not impressive looking. They don’t draw attention due to their flashy looks or blinking lights; they are discreet and very simple, yet they greatly enhance your home security, if they are used. They are inexpensive to buy, relatively easy to install and can work equally well on condo doors and mansion doors. Every home should have a sturdy deadbolt correctly installed on its front door, including yours. If you don’t, give our locksmiths a call, or work with a trusted, full service locksmith in your locale and add one soon.

What exactly is a deadbolt?

Let’s define deadbolt locks; just in case you weren’t clear ab out their appearance or use. Deadbolt locks are typically installed in front and back doors. They make use of a strong steel bolt that injects into the wall’s door jamb and the strike plate of the door frame when the deadbolt’s knob is turned. This knob is on the inside of the door while the key slot is on the outside. The lock is simple but their effectiveness is powerful. For instance, your door cannot be kicked in when your deadbolt is locked. So many movie and television shows portray easy and fast entry into homes, condos and apartments with a simple kick but in reality, this won’t happen so easily when your sturdy deadbolt is locked into place.

Buys you time

A locked deadbolt is not just a second lock on the door – it’s a device that also buys you much needed time. Take for example, a burglar. He or she manages to bypass your main door lock and is now faced with getting past your deadbolt. You can’t smash a deadbolt lock off like you can some locks; it takes time to pick it open. Seconds count during a home invasion or burglary. During the time it takes to bypass your deadbolt you could be calling police or even arming yourself. That’s a risk that many crooks are not willing to take. Most want easy pickings and will move on to another, less protected home. Every second that they are delayed in entering your home adds up to greater risk for them. Even if you are not home, the burglar risks setting off an alarm or being seen by a neighbor or police officer.

Are there any cons to having a deadbolt?

No – not really. Deadbolts are not foolproof; they can be bypassed. Nothing guarantees that a determined crook won’t get in but having a deadbolt lock lessens that risk of that happening. The two problem areas we can think of are: not using the lock and getting a cheap lock that is not installed correctly. If you are going to bother adding a deadbolt, at least get a good quality one and have it installed properly. You can do this on your own or you can hire a locksmith to ensure that the job was done right. There are many videos online that show how to do this. Even the best deadbolts; properly installed are no good if they are not used. Get in the habit of locking your deadbolt when home or when you leave. Good habits are learned over time by simply doing them. The more you lock your deadbolt each time you enter or leave, the more you will do it automatically, without even thinking about it.

Where to buy your deadbolt

Many stores carry deadbolt locks including Target, Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Lowes, Sears, and other similar shops. Pricing will vary and you can look online to see a great selection of models and prices. You can order online, as well. Installation is simple for those that feel handy around the house. There are a large number of videos on Vimeo and YouTube that show how to install your deadbolt. Don’t depend on store personnel for much help; most are part time or on commission and not very knowledgeable or motivated to be of much help. Stick with quality brands like ASSA, Kwikset, Master, Schlage, Baldwin, Medeco, Sentry, Ace, Primus, Yale, Falcon and others of similar high quality. These brands are not expensive but they do put out good, solid products used by top locksmiths all over the world.

Use a locksmith

You can always call a locksmith to select, purchase, and install your deadbolt lock. This way, you know that your deadbolt experience will be done at a very professional level. Call around; your better locksmith shops are very affordable and offer estimates on their products and services. Using a locksmith will ensure proper purchase and correct installation so that they entire experience is done right from A to Z. Working with a reputable and experienced locksmith shop also gives you access to future expertise in case of home or auto lockouts, or if you need security upgrades for your house or business, rekey work, lock replacement, alarm repair, and other needed services.