Why a Deadbolt is Non-Negotiable for Your Home Security
A standard doorknob is not enough to keep your family safe.
If your home’s entrance relies solely on a doorknob lock, your security is at risk. While doorknobs are convenient, they are primarily designed for privacy, not protection. A high-quality deadbolt is the single most important piece of hardware on any entrance door to your house.
6 Ways a Doorknob Can Be Easily Bypassed
Burglars love doorknob locks because they can be defeated in seconds using:
- Credit Card Bypass: Sliding a card to retract the latch.
- Hardware Tools: Using pliers or wrenches to snap the knob.
- Air Bag Bypass: Prying a gap to reach the latch.
- Screwdriver Latch Move: Simple mechanical manipulation.
- Door Kicking: Doorknob latches offer zero structural resistance.
- Cylinder Pullers: Extracting the lock core in seconds.
The Deadbolt Difference
A deadbolt features a long, hardened steel bolt that extends deep into the door frame. Because it is not spring-activated, it cannot be “shimmied” or bypassed with a credit card. To unlock a deadbolt, an intruder only has three difficult options:
- 🔑 Use the Key: The only intended way to enter.
- 🔓 Pick the Lock: Requires high skill and time.
- 🛠️ Drill the Lock: Loud, messy, and alerts neighbors.
When to Use a Double-Sided Deadbolt
If your door has glass panes or a window within arm’s reach, a standard thumb-turn deadbolt is a vulnerability. A burglar can simply break the glass, reach in, and turn the latch.
The Solution: A 2-sided (Double Cylinder) deadbolt. This requires a key to unlock from both the outside and the inside. This is also an excellent solution for parents who want to prevent small children from wandering outside unsupervised.
Note: Always keep a key in a designated safe spot nearby for emergency fire exits.
⚠️ Pro Locksmith Tip: Check Your “Bolt Throw”
Construction companies often take shortcuts by not drilling the door frame deep enough. If your deadbolt doesn’t turn all the way to the “locked” position, it can be pushed back with a screwdriver.
Try this: Turn your deadbolt with the door open, then try it with the door closed. If the thumb-turn doesn’t rotate as far when closed, your home is not secure! Call us to fix your strike plate alignment.